Politics · Saudi Arabia · 15 hrs ago
Saudi Arabia sets rules for property transfers involving white land
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has approved rules for transfers of land subject to white land fees.
These fees apply to certain land, and a Cabinet decision says ownership transfers generally cannot be officially registered until the fees due are paid.
The rules set out specific cases where transfers can be registered through special procedures, including inheritance divisions, court orders and sales to buyers who will develop or build on the land.
They also cover some real estate investment funds, approved off-plan projects, transactions involving the state and land taken for public use.
These procedures do not cancel the fees; owners must still meet the payment requirements and complete the required steps.
The ministry says the rules aim to support development and make better use of land, while helping increase housing supply and investment; no further implementation timetable was given.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing approved rules for property transactions involving land subject to white land fees.
Property transfers generally cannot be documented until the fees due have been confirmed as paid.
The rules set specific procedures for transactions including inheritance divisions, court-ordered transfers and land development deals.
The ministry said the procedures do not exempt landowners from paying fees.
Asharq Al-Awsat identified the underlying Cabinet decision as No. 263, while Al Eqtisadiah did not give its number.
- Who
- Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing.
- What
- It approved rules and procedures for property transactions involving land subject to white land fees.
- When
- The announcement was published on November 4, 2026.
- Where
- Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- To regulate property transactions while supporting land development and investment; the ministry said the rules also aim to improve land use and increase housing supply.
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- Approval date
- November 4, 2026
- Issuing body
- Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing
- Cabinet decision
- No. 263, according to Asharq Al-Awsat
- Fee requirement
- Fees due must be confirmed as paid before covered property transfers are documented
- Special cases
- Include inheritance divisions, court-ordered transfers and transactions involving the state