Latest news with #propertylaw
Asharq Al-Awsat
2 days ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Five Benefits of the New Foreign Property Ownership Law in Saudi Arabia
A newly updated property ownership law approved by Saudi Arabia's cabinet earlier this month is expected to deliver five major benefits to the Kingdom's real estate sector, including attracting foreign capital and enhancing transparency, according to industry experts. Set to take effect in January 2026, the law enables non-Saudis to own property under a regulated framework aimed at modernizing the sector and supporting the country's broader economic transformation goals under Vision 2030. Real estate experts said the law will draw foreign investment through sovereign wealth funds and international developers, transfer global expertise in property management and development, expand the supply of residential and commercial units, unlock new financing channels for large-scale developments, and generate new job opportunities for Saudi citizens. 'This is a pivotal step toward creating a more transparent, professional, and investor-friendly real estate market,' said Khaled Al-Mobid, CEO of property firm Manassat. 'The new system regulates relationships between all market players, speeds up processes, protects rights, and raises the overall quality and diversity of real estate projects,' he told Asharq Al-Awsat. He said the streamlined regulations are expected to make the Saudi property market more appealing to both local and international investors, particularly with improved governance and legal clarity. The law is also anticipated to support price stability by reducing speculation and ensuring more equitable property valuations. With a more welcoming investment climate, Al-Mobid expects a wave of international developers to enter the market, especially in major cities and emerging economic zones. 'This framework reduces operational risks and facilitates licensing for major projects,' he said. Ahmed Al-Faqih, a real estate consultant and appraiser, told Asharq Al-Awsat the reform marks a shift in Saudi Arabia's investment landscape, offering promising returns to global funds and real estate entities. He highlighted the law's potential to attract capital from around the world while transferring expertise in property development, facility management, and project execution to the local market. 'It will enrich the supply across all real estate segments, from residential to industrial and tourism-related projects,' Al-Faqih said. One of the most notable features, he added, is the introduction of internationally recognized financial mechanisms such as profit-sharing structures to fund large-scale developments. These changes are also expected to create thousands of new jobs in the Kingdom's growing real estate sector. Al-Faqih pointed to the law's removal of the residency requirement for foreign ownership as a key draw. 'It adds much-needed flexibility and enhances the appeal of Saudi Arabia's real estate market,' he said, predicting it will boost the sector's contribution to non-oil GDP and ensure long-term sustainability. According to the Real Estate General Authority (REGA), the new law will come into force 180 days after its publication in the official gazette. The executive regulations outlining implementation procedures and conditions will be issued within the same period. Ownership will be permitted in specific areas of Riyadh and Jeddah under a structured geographic framework designed to protect market balance. However, property ownership in Makkah and Madinah will be restricted to Muslims under special conditions or regulated arrangements. The system permits full ownership, as well as other real rights, such as usufruct and easements, provided the property is recorded in the national real estate registry and all ownership data is fully disclosed as stipulated in the executive regulations. The Kingdom's real estate sector has witnessed robust growth in recent years, contributing about 14% to GDP by the end of 2024, according to REGA CEO, Abdullah Al-Hammad. The updated law, experts say, is expected to further strengthen that trajectory by fostering a more competitive, transparent, and globally integrated market.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia publishes new law allowing foreigners to own property
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has officially published the full details of its new law regulating real estate ownership by non-Saudis, following Cabinet approval earlier this month. The comprehensive law, released in the official gazette Umm Al-Qura on Friday, will take effect 180 days from publication and marks a major overhaul in the Kingdom's approach to foreign ownership of property. The new system grants non-Saudis — including individuals, companies, and non-profit entities — the right to own property or obtain other real rights over real estate within designated geographic zones to be determined by the Cabinet. These rights include usufruct (beneficial use), leaseholds, and other real estate interests, but will be subject to a range of controls and restrictions based on location, property type, and usage. The law preserves all real estate rights that were legally established for non-Saudis prior to the new regulation taking effect. However, it clearly states that ownership remains prohibited in certain locations and regions, notably in Makkah and Madinah, except under conditions for individual Muslim owners. A key provision in the law requires the Council of Ministers — upon a proposal by the Real Estate General Authority and with the approval of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs — to define the allowable zones for foreign ownership and set upper limits on ownership percentages and durations for usufruct rights. Foreign individuals legally residing in Saudi Arabia may own one residential property outside restricted areas for personal housing purposes. This does not apply to Makkah and Madinah. The regulation also includes provisions for corporate ownership. Non-listed companies with foreign shareholders, as well as investment funds and licensed special-purpose entities, will be permitted to acquire real estate throughout the Kingdom, including in Makkah and Madinah, provided the ownership supports operational needs or employee housing. Listed companies and investment vehicles may also acquire property in line with Saudi financial market regulations. Diplomatic missions and international organizations can also own premises for official use and residence of their representatives, subject to Foreign Ministry approval and reciprocity conditions. To ensure compliance, non-Saudi entities must register with the competent authority before acquiring property. Ownership or real rights become valid only after formal registration in the national real estate registry. The law introduces a real estate transfer fee of up to 5% for transactions involving non-Saudis, and outlines a penalty framework for violations. Sanctions include fines up to SR10 million and, in severe cases such as falsified information, the forced sale of the property with proceeds remitted to the state after deductions. A dedicated committee under the Real Estate General Authority will be formed to investigate violations and impose penalties. Decisions of this committee can be appealed to the administrative courts within 60 days. Additionally, the law repeals a prior rule that prohibited GCC citizens from owning property in Makkah and Madinah, effectively standardizing rules for all non-Saudi entities under a single framework. The executive regulations, which will detail implementation mechanisms and specify geographic boundaries and conditions, are expected to be issued within six months. The new law replaces the previous foreign property ownership legislation issued under Royal Decree No. M/15 in 2000. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Gulf Business
09-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Saudi's property ownership law for foreigners: What you need to know about it
Image credit: Getty Images The Saudi Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, approved a new law regulating property ownership by non-Saudis during its weekly session on July 8. The landmark legislation is set to take effect in Read- The meeting began with the Crown Prince briefing cabinet members on his recent diplomatic engagements, including discussions with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and a phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The cabinet praised the outcomes of the inaugural Saudi-Indonesian Supreme Coordination Council meeting, emphasizing strong bilateral relations and several signed agreements between private-sector players in both nations, The agreements span key sectors such as clean energy, petrochemicals, and aviation fuel services, aligning with the shared ambition to build an advanced economic partnership. New law aims to boost investment, ensure market balance Acting Minister of Media Dr Essam bin Saeed confirmed the Cabinet's decision in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), highlighting that the new property law is part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic growth while maintaining social and market balance. Saudi Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Majed Al Hogail, also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Real Estate General Authority, praised the leadership for approving the updated legislation. He noted that it is an extension of ongoing reforms aimed at developing the real estate sector and attracting foreign direct investment. 'This law will help increase real estate supply by bringing in international investors and developers,' Al Hogail said. 'At the same time, it ensures market stability through controlled procedures and geographic restrictions.' The law outlines that property ownership for non-Saudis will be allowed in specific geographic areas, including Riyadh and Jeddah, while ownership in Makkah and Madinah will be subject to special conditions. These measures are designed to balance openness to investment with national and cultural considerations. Executive regulations, public consultation expected soon Under the law, the Real Estate General Authority is tasked with proposing the zones where non-Saudis may own property or acquire property rights. The executive regulations will be published on the Istitaa public consultation platform within 180 days of the law's publication in the official Umm Al Qura Gazette. The public will be invited to offer feedback and suggestions. These regulations will define the procedures for acquiring property, compliance mechanisms, and enforcement protocols. They will also detail how the law aligns with other statutes, including the Premium Residency Law and GCC agreements that govern real estate ownership for citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council states. The law explicitly integrates with existing frameworks that grant foreigners privileges to own property in Saudi Arabia, ensuring harmony across legal and regulatory platforms. Saudi highlights commitment to economic cooperation During the session, the cabinet reviewed Saudi Arabia's ongoing contributions to global economic growth, reaffirming its commitment to multilateral cooperation and market stability. This includes continued coordination with OPEC+ oil producers to support petroleum market balance. The cabinet also welcomed Riyadh's selection as the host city for the 21st General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), scheduled for November. The event will bring together global stakeholders to address challenges in sustainable manufacturing, technological innovation, and industrial transformation. Digital safety, cybersecurity, and technology achievements recognised In other developments, the cabinet applauded the UN Human Rights Council's unanimous adoption of a Saudi-led resolution on protecting children in the digital space. The initiative stems from the 'Child Online Safety' campaign spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and reflects Saudi Arabia's growing leadership in cyber safety. The cabinet also celebrated the country's continued recognition in global cybersecurity, citing its top ranking in the 2025 World Competitiveness Yearbook. These achievements underscore Saudi Arabia's rapid digital transformation and efforts to localise technology, expand international partnerships, and strengthen digital infrastructure. Dr Essam noted that the country's first-place ranking in the 2025 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ICT Development Index further reflects a thriving digital economy now valued at SAR495bn. The index ranks countries based on digital inclusion, infrastructure, and innovation. Additional cabinet decisions: Transport, health, and social development The cabinet approved several other key measures during the session, including: The updated National Transport and Logistics Strategy, supporting infrastructure expansion and trade facilitation. Approval of the organisational structure for the General Authority for Irrigation. Adoption of World Drowning Prevention Day, to be observed annually on July 25, as part of global public health awareness efforts. To support financially vulnerable citizens, the cabinet approved a directive for the Social Development Bank to launch a guarantee program. The initiative will enhance access to credit and financing for underserved groups, enabling economic participation and social mobility. Crackdown on narcotics trafficking Cabinet members also praised the recent progress in combating drug trafficking, citing successful operations targeting organised crime networks involved in narcotics distribution. These efforts are part of broader campaigns to enhance public health and safety across the country.
Daily Mail
05-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
The house I bought is infested with rats - can I take action against the seller?
I bought a new house a few months ago and recently heard a noise in the loft. Upon inspection, I noticed some rat droppings. I asked my neighbours if they'd heard or seen anything to do with this, which they hadn't. However, one did say a previous occupier of my house had asked a similar question to mine. During the sale, I never asked the seller anything with regards to vermin. They never mentioned it on the TA6 form and it didn't come up in the property survey. Can I claim redress against the previous owner for the costs incurred in curing this problem, or is it a case of buyer beware? If I can claim, what would the procedure be? Jane Denton, of This is Money, replies: Estimates about the number of rats across Britain vary, but it is safe to say there are millions of them. Brown rats are common and often found around homes, gardens and in urban areas. They can grow to between 15 to 27 centimetres, with tails nearly as long again. Rodents are prolific breeders and, according to the RSPCA, can produce anything from 15 to 100 young a year. Brown rats breed throughout the year. Sellers are legally obliged to provide accurate information about their property to buyers. Documents like the TA6 form are completed by the seller and designed to give the buyer important information on the property. If the seller provides incorrect or incomplete information, the buyer may, in some cases, be able to make a claim for compensation against the seller, or, if at an earlier stage, refuse to complete the purchase. When completing the TA6 form, sellers aren't expected to have legal or technical knowledge, or knowledge of things that happened before they owned the property. You have said that the seller made no mention of rats during the conveyancing process, yet have now found them in your loft. You did not make pre-contract enquiries about vermin at the property. It is not clear whether the seller knew or didn't know about the rats, and that distinction is significant. I have asked two solicitors for their thoughts on whether or not you are in a position to take action against the seller. James Naylor, a partner at Naylor Solicitors, says: The discovery of droppings in a newly purchased property is concerning. But does the post-completion discovery of vermin give rise to a legal claim? A recent High Court decision provides some guidance. In a 2025 case, the buyers of a £32.5million Notting Hill mansion thought they were getting a palace rather than a lepidopterist's paradise. Post-completion, they discovered a moth infestation. Suspecting the seller had swept the problem under the presumably moth-eaten rug, the buyers scrutinised the seller's responses to pre-contract enquiries. The seller had expressly stated that there were no vermin problems. Therefore, the court decided that the buyers were entitled to rely on the seller's representations and found that the seller had misrepresented material facts. As a result, the buyers were entitled to tear up the contract. While the facts of the moth infestation case are superficially similar, there are important distinctions. In the moths case, the buyers made direct and specific enquiries regarding vermin, and the seller's responses were found to be false considering their actual knowledge. In the present scenario, no such specific enquiry was made regarding vermin, and there is no evidence that the seller's responses to the TA6 property information form were false. Furthermore, in the moths case, the court's decision turned on the seller's actual knowledge of a severe infestation and the false nature of their replies to pre-contractual enquiries. In the current matter, there is no evidence the seller was aware of a rat problem or that they answered falsely. Had a direct question about vermin been posed and the seller denied knowledge, despite being aware, a misrepresentation claim may have been a runner—even if the infestation was not readily apparent. Additionally, in the current scenario, the pre-purchase survey did not identify any evidence of vermin, and there is no suggestion of surveyor failings. The neighbour's recollection of a historic issue is, at best, hearsay and does not necessarily constitute evidence of a current problem or of the seller's knowledge. The moths case serves as a reminder that whilst the courts will not tolerate false or misleading answers, particularly where the seller is aware of a problem, in the absence of a specific enquiry and evidence of false representations—as in the present facts—the principle of 'buyer beware' may indeed likely prevail. And, unless further evidence emerges of the seller's knowledge and dishonesty, a claim for costs is unlikely to have legs. Manjinder Kaur Atwal, director of property law at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, says: Unfortunately, your situation is one that many buyers find themselves in: uncovering an unpleasant issue with a property only after completion, with no obvious recourse. In legal terms, the principle of 'caveat emptor', or buyer beware, applies to most residential property purchases in England and Wales. The onus is generally on the buyer to investigate the condition of the property before agreeing a purchase. However, it is not the end of the story. There are several angles to explore depending on the facts of your case. The TA6 property information form, completed by the seller, asks questions about property's condition, including about the existence of pests or infestations. If the seller answered 'no' to this question and knew that there was or had been a rodent issue in the loft it could amount to misrepresentation. To bring a claim, you would need to show that the seller knew about a rodent infestation and intentionally failed to disclose it, you relied on their misleading when deciding to buy the property and you suffered a financial loss, such as pest control costs or the value of the property. The difficulty lies in proving what the seller knew and when. Neighbours may be able to recollect if any previous occupiers mentioned the issue and could help establish whether the problem is long-standing, although might not necessarily show the most recent seller was aware. If no signs of vermin were mentioned in the survey it would be unlikely you could claim against the surveyor, unless the signs were so obvious that a competent professional should have spotted them. Obviously, rodents can enter a property post-sale, so timing is critical. To pursue a misrepresentation claim, it is best to start by writing a formal letter before action to the seller outlining your complaint and any losses. Then you may wish to seek pre-action disclosure requesting relevant information, such as pest control invoices or communications. If the seller denies knowledge or liability, you could issue a claim in the small claims court, or County Court or High Court for higher sums. The key to success here is providing solid evidence the seller knowingly concealed a vermin problem, which is not easy. Keep your receipts and if you believe, you have evidence the seller knew about the issue, consider speaking to a solicitor. While frustrating, the cost of dealing with rodent problems usually falls to the buyer unless clear misrepresentation can be shown. How to find a new mortgage Borrowers who need a mortgage because their current fixed rate deal is ending, or they are buying a home, should explore their options as soon as possible. Buy-to-let landlords should also act as soon as they can. Quick mortgage finder links with This is Money's partner L&C > Mortgage rates calculator > Find the right mortgage for you What if I need to remortgage? Borrowers should compare rates, speak to a mortgage broker and be prepared to act. Homeowners can lock in to a new deal six to nine months in advance, often with no obligation to take it. Most mortgage deals allow fees to be added to the loan and only be charged when it is taken out. This means borrowers can secure a rate without paying expensive arrangement fees. Keep in mind that by doing this and not clearing the fee on completion, interest will be paid on the fee amount over the entire term of the loan, so this may not be the best option for everyone. What if I am buying a home? Those with home purchases agreed should also aim to secure rates as soon as possible, so they know exactly what their monthly payments will be. Buyers should avoid overstretching and be aware that house prices may fall, as higher mortgage rates limit people's borrowing ability and buying power. What about buy-to-let landlords Buy-to-let landlords with interest-only mortgages will see a greater jump in monthly costs than homeowners on residential mortgages. This makes remortgaging in plenty of time essential and our partner L&C can help with buy-to-let mortgages too. How to compare mortgage costs The best way to compare mortgage costs and find the right deal for you is to speak to a broker. This is Money has a long-standing partnership with fee-free broker L&C, to provide you with fee-free expert mortgage advice. Interested in seeing today's best mortgage rates? Use This is Money and L&Cs best mortgage rates calculator to show deals matching your home value, mortgage size, term and fixed rate needs. If you're ready to find your next mortgage, why not use L&C's online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000's of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you. > Find your best mortgage deal with This is Money and L&C Be aware that rates can change quickly, however, and so if you need a mortgage or want to compare rates, speak to L&C as soon as possible, so they can help you find the right mortgage for you.
Telegraph
04-07-2025
- Telegraph
My neighbourly dispute over a tree ended up with tears (and a poem)
Good fences make good neighbours, so they say – as long as they are in exactly the right place. If not: costly carnage in court. This week saw yet another utterly preposterous boundary dispute end in a rout when an octogenarian pensioner lost her seven-year £280,000 legal battle over a strip of land between their houses that was just inches wide. Christel Naish, 81, had complained that Dr Jyotibala Patel's garden tap and pipe were 'trespassing' on her property in Ilford, east London, and after several rounds of litigation, the case ended up in the High Court. At the High Court, senior judge Sir Anthony Mann didn't mince his words, criticising both the parties for the 'ridiculous' row after hearing that the tap has now been removed by Dr Patel. 'Hundreds of thousands of pounds about a tap and a pipe that doesn't matter – this brings litigation into disrepute,' he said. 'Why does it matter, for goodness' sake, where the boundary lies?' Why indeed? The answer would appear to be; it just does. In May, a judge at Central London county court was exasperated enough to ask both sets of lawyers in a boundary dispute over guttering: 'How much are the parties pouring down the drain on this?' Around £150,000 as it happened – an insane amount to most of us, but then logic plays no role in such litigation. In March last year, a father of five was jailed for contempt and faced a £475,000 legal bill in a row over a garden fence in Robertsbridge, near Hastings, and was told by a judge he will have to sell his family home to meet the costs. And in November, an argument over a village brook in Thrussington, Leicestershire saw neighbours run up a £300,000 bill which is now water under a bridge. But not all disputes end up in court. Sometimes they are played out in person. I have in my time known a shared hedge to cause a complete breakdown in relations because one side felt the ivy was an eyesore and the other that it was a haven for wildlife. A number of years ago, we arranged to have the towering tree at the end of our garden pollarded so we could have at least a little sunlight. As the tree surgeon climbed up, he joked: 'I can guarantee that within half an hour the neighbours from two doors down on each side will be up in arms.' At least I thought he was joking, until someone started hammering on the door 15 minutes later. A woman I'd never seen before was standing there in tears – accusing me of killing the London plane tree, but stormed off just as I was about to reply. After that, another woman shouted from her garden (yes, two doors along) that we were ruining her view and a third came to the door to officiously announce she was calling the council to check the preservation status – even though I assured her we had already been given the go-ahead by officialdom. Finally, just as the doorbell stopped ringing; a single sheet of paper floated down from the letterbox. It was the Gerard Manley Hopkins poem Binsey Poplars, a lament dedicated to a row of cherished trees, cut down to the detriment of landscape and locals alike. And just in case the metaphor was lost on me, the line 'All felled, felled, are all felled' had been vigorously underlined. I have to say I was grudgingly impressed. Fast forward a few years, every last branch and leaf has grown back on our London plane. But what was that I saw late last year in that crying neighbour's garden? A tree surgeon hacking back her own copper beech. I saw her. She saw me. That look was enough. And best of all, it didn't cost a penny.
