“Maestro has been designed as an AI-supported front door for agents, replacing the need to toggle among multiple point solutions and logins. The platform centralises client information, property search activity, marketing campaigns and deal documents to streamline daily workflows and keep agents focused on live transaction activity,” HomeServices of America said.

“The goal of Maestro is to allow our agents in every market to spend more time doing what they do best – leaning into their relationships with their clients, rather than being bogged down with unnecessary complexity in their day-to-day work. It’s designed so that the technology intuitively supports the agent and their business and is another step towards a true end-to-end platform, something only HomeServices is in a position to deliver through our ownership over the brokerage, mortgage, title and insurance experiences,” said Chris Kelly, president and CEO of HomeServices of America.

The company’s innovative product comes amid headwinds like commission compression, higher lead costs and regulatory scrutiny pressuring brokerage profitability. Firms are betting on integrated platforms lifting agent productivity, along with activities like transaction capture (the final step in a two-phase payment process where a merchant collects previously authorised funds from a customer’s account, finalising the sale).

“For HomeServices, Maestro is a bid to standardise operations across markets and keep agents inside a single ecosystem of tools owned or controlled by the company,” the company continued.

Maestro will be rolled out across HomeServices of America’s brokerage footprint, which includes company-owned firms and franchise brands under the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network. The new tool, by bringing search, marketing and transaction machineries under one roof, will be looking to reduce manual data entry, apart from cutting down workarounds, which will only help real estate agents respond faster to their clients.

For housing industry professionals, the launch of Maestro also reflects a broader industry shift away from disconnected tech stacks. The AI tool will unify proprietary operating systems, spanning the full real estate lifecycle (from lead generation through closing and related services). Large brokerages and franchise networks have reportedly been investing heavily in in-house technology amid tight margins and increasing competition from vertically integrated property players and portals.

“Maestro will surface ‘clear and relevant information’ to agents at each step of a deal, from new lead engagement to listing launch and transaction management. By tying together sales, marketing and administrative tasks, the company aims to create a more consistent experience for agents and consumers while driving more volume through its affiliated mortgage, title and insurance businesses,” HomeServices of America concluded.

The post HomeServices of America launches AI-powered Maestro for real estate agents appeared first on International Finance.

Reapit, known as the original, end-to-end business technology provider for real estate agencies, has tailored its latest platform updates and new training programme with the vision of giving agencies clarity, consistency and confidence through the period of change, as the new Renters’ Rights Act is all set to kick in the next couple of months.

“The Renters’ Rights Act is a defining moment for lettings in England, representing the biggest change in 30 years. At a time when clarity matters more than ever, agents need confidence that the tech and data they rely on is complete, consistent and backed by real industry experience,” said Steve Richmond, Reapit’s General Manager for UKI.

“Reapit holds one of the most extensive and structured datasets in the United Kingdom property technology. Decades of tenancy history, rent changes, property records and agency activity in a continuously changing market have given us the depth needed to build the tools agents need to help them through this transition. This level of insight does not appear overnight, and it cannot be replicated easily,” he added.

“Our role is to turn that depth of experience into certainty for agents so they can remove unnecessary admin, reduce risk, have confidence in their technology and stay focused on service and growth as the new rules take effect. These new tools and our national training programme reflect the commitment we have made to support the industry through the arrival of the Renters’ Rights Act and beyond, long after it becomes part of everyday practice,” Richmond noted.

Reapit has been helping real estate sales, as its technology connects property professionals in Europe, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand with buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords. Currently, its technology is used by more than 92,000 agents in more than 18,000 branches. The property agent software has over 1.3 million properties under management, enabling its customers to run their businesses, identify growth opportunities, efficiently sell homes, manage rental properties, collect rent, and communicate with their clients.

The Renters’ Rights Act will see a move away from fixed-term tenancies. While Reapit currently gives agents the ability to manage Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs) throughout their life cycle, it will train industry professionals to step away from practices like contract renewal negotiations, which will become a thing of the past from May 2026.

Property agents will also be able to update large groups of existing tenancies to APTs in a single action, saving considerable time, while seamlessly adapting to the new tenancy type.

According to the company, from May 1, tenants on APTs will be able to give landlords two months’ notice at any time, while landlords will need a Section 8 notice to end a tenancy. Reapit has updated its Notice Management section so agents can record and track who gave notice, when it was received, the proposed and end date of a tenancy, the reason for the notice, uploaded documents, and a log of any required court attendance – all in one place. This removes the need to search across emails, spreadsheets or notes and ensures teams can see the full picture of an ending tenancy at a glance.

Notice information flows directly into Reapit’s in-depth reporting and customisable letter templates, which means teams only enter information once, and can use it across the platform. This reduces errors and supports clearer communication with tenants and landlords.

As the Renters’ Rights Act outlaws accepting bids above the advertised rent, apart from making Section 13 notices for rent increases a mandatory practice, Reapit will alert users if the rent entered when arranging the tenancy is higher than the property’s advertised rent. This will help prevent non-compliance with new rent bidding rules.

Reapit’s new rent review tools allow agents to easily track when a tenant’s rent is due for review, and store comparable rents using matching reports, or the Insights Pro integration with Homesearch. By providing this information upfront to tenants, they will be less likely to delay any fair rent increase by challenging it at a tribunal.

Agents can track deadlines, plan future rent reviews and complete the process in one place. This helps teams stay organised and ensures agents know when to advise landlords that rent adjustments are needed.

Image Credits: Reapit

The post Renters’ Rights Act: Reapit launches new training tools to upskill UK real estate professionals appeared first on International Finance.

“Just over 69% of all sales transactions in the secondary market were conducted in cash, as the sector accelerated well beyond the levels seen in the first two months of 2025, which ultimately set all-time annual sales records in value and volume,” the report stated.

The corroborates with the latest data from the local Land Department, that showed the growing resilience of the market, despite the ongoing conflict in the region. Up to February 28, while over 4,800 transactions worth nearly AED 16 billion (approximately USD 4.3 billion) got recorded, most of them were for apartments, with villas, plots, and commercial properties constituting the remaining.

Also, all the major real estate players, including UAE government-backed Emaar Properties, Nakheel Properties, and Dubai Properties, reported extensive sales, while private developers like Damac and Danube also experiencing greener pastures. Despite regional tensions, flagship projects such as Dubai Islands, Jumeirah Village Circle and Dubai Investments Park have continued to attract buyers.

Data from PropTech platform DXBinteract further showed that sales transactions in February climbed by 18.4% in value YoY to AED60.8 billion from 16,979 deals, a 5.1% YoY increase in volume. In January and February 2026, total sales transactions climbed 38.8% in value to AED133.3, as the number of deals rose by 13.32% to 34,452 compared with the same period in 2025.

“The data tells a clear story of how Dubai continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets, after a record-breaking month in January. All the early growth we have seen so far this year has been built from firm foundations. That has been reinforced by the enormous lengths that the UAE government goes to in order to safeguard all its citizens, and the country’s business infrastructure, during uncertain times,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fam Properties.

“This is something that we have all witnessed over the last few days, and it sends a powerful message of stability, security, and unwavering commitment, reinforcing why Dubai and the UAE remain premier global destinations for living, working, and investing in property,” he added.

Dubai’s commercial sector was the top performer in February, with office and retail sales totalling 804 deals worth AED4.1 billion, an 81.5% volume jump. The number of apartments sold, on the other hand, climbed by 13.4% to 12,916 deals, thereby amounting to AED 26.6 billion.

“Plots sales also increased in volume by 25.3% YoY to 446 deals worth AED 11.2 billion, while villa sales were down 29.3% in volume YoY to 2,802 valued at AED18.8 billion. The average property price per sqft was up by 12.2% YoY to AED1,740. Overall, Dubai property sales in February have grown steadily over the past five years, from AED7.4 billion (3,800 transactions) in 2021 to AED15.5 billion (6,200) in 2022, AED27.2 billion (9,400) in 2023, AED36.9 billion (12,000) in 2024 and AED 51.3 billion (16,200) in 2025,” the report noted.

“The most expensive villa sold in February was a luxury property at La Mer, which fetched AED350 million, while the most expensive apartment went for AED226 million at The Alba Residences at Palm Jumeirah. With properties worth more than AED5 million accounting for 12.68% of sales, 12.67% were between AED3-5 million, 18.14% between AED2-3 million, 32.41% between AED1-2 million and 24.1% were below AED1 million,” fam Properties concluded.

BEST-SELLING PROJECTS IN FEBRUARY 2026

The post Dubai’s property market off to a booming start in 2026 despite geopolitical volatilities appeared first on International Finance.

Riyadh-based investment company Malaz Capital is one such player, as it views “Vision 2030” not only as an opportunity for investors but also as a responsibility to shape a more resilient and sustainable financial ecosystem. As a CMA (Capital Market Authority)-licensed independent investment management company, the business has firmly established itself as a key force in managing private equity and real estate funds.

In the recently concluded International Finance Awards, Malaz Capital was honoured as the “Best New Private Real Estate Development Fund – Durrat Al Janadriyah – Saudi Arabia 2025,” which was more than a symbol of success, as the development reflected the company’s steadfast belief in its core principles: disciplined investment, innovation, integrity, and transparency.

“This award belongs to everyone at Malaz Capital and its stakeholders, especially our dedicated real estate team, trusted investors, and strategic partners who believed in our vision. It reaffirms our role as a homegrown investment firm capable of delivering world-class results while staying true to our values and national identity,” said Mohamed Wahby, Managing Director, Private Equity and Real Estate – Malaz Capital, while interacting with International Finance.
Navigating An Evolving Market

Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector is undergoing unprecedented transformation, supported by strong population growth, infrastructure investment, and visionary government programmes. Yet, success in such a dynamic environment requires more than capital; it demands agility, foresight, and partnership.

“At Malaz Capital, we view these market shifts not as challenges but as opportunities. Our investment strategy focuses on identifying niche enclaves where demographic demand and policy support intersect. We are proud that the Durrat Al Janadriyah Fund has become a benchmark for this approach, combining prudent financial structure with developmental impact,” Mohamed Wahby remarked.

Malaz Capital has solidified its position as a trusted investment partner, driving value across various sectors, including real estate.

Malaz Capital’s vision aligns closely with “Saudi Vision 2030,” focusing on sustainability, value creation, and empowering local capital, while emphasising elements like innovation, transparency, and strategic collaboration.

Empowering Capital

Private markets are maturing rapidly, with investors seeking structured, transparent, and purpose-driven opportunities. Malaz Capital’s mission is to bridge capital with high-potential investments. Every fund the company designs is guided by rigorous market research, deep analysis, risk management, and a strong alignment of interest with investors.

“The future of investment lies in innovation and trust. Malaz Capital is continuously evolving to meet the expectations of a new generation of investors seeking both impact and performance. Our investment philosophy is rooted in solid analysis, local insight, and value creation, enabling better opportunity assessment, portfolio performance tracking, and swift responses to market changes,” Mohamed Wahby added.

Launched as part of Malaz Capital’s broader real estate platform, the “Durrat Al Janadriyah Fund” represents a strategic investment in Riyadh’s expanding suburban landscape. The development integrates residential villas, green spaces, and community facilities designed to meet the expectations of modern Saudi families. Beyond its financial success, the fund illustrates how private sector innovation can complement government initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life and housing accessibility.

“Equally important, we uphold the highest standards of governance. Compliance, transparency, and risk management are embedded at the core of our operations. Our framework aligns with international best practices while remaining deeply connected to Saudi values and regulatory expectations. This balance has earned us the confidence of investors who prioritise accountability as much as profitability,” Mohamed Wahby continued.

People And Partnerships

Malaz Capital’s greatest organisational strength has been its team of professionals, which has brought expertise, creativity, and a shared vision of responsible growth. The company is also investing in talent development while encouraging collaboration, ensuring that the workforce remains agile and innovative in a rapidly changing market.

“Partnerships also play a critical role in our strategy. We work closely with developers, principals, and institutions who share our long-term vision. Together, we are building platforms that deliver financial performance and sustainability. From our earliest days, Malaz Capital’s philosophy has been simple yet powerful: deliver sustainable value through disciplined investment and long-term partnerships. The Durrat Al Janadriyah Fund embodies this principle. It is a pioneering private real-estate development fund designed to capitalise on emerging residential and mixed-use opportunities within the Kingdom,” Mohamed Wahby observed.

The next decade will redefine private investing in Saudi Arabia, as the Kingdom starts to reap the benefits of its diversified economy. As the market opens to global participation and local talent flourishes, Malaz Capital remains committed to leading with integrity, insight, and innovation. The company’s goal has been clear: to empower capital through disciplined investment management and to continue building a legacy of trust and value that extends well beyond just financial returns.

The post Malaz Capital: Shaping the future of Saudi private real estate funds appeared first on International Finance.

The developer has a land bank of 2.3 million square metres across Saadiyat Island (plots will house large-format villas and mansions) and Yas Island, according to a statement to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).

The Yas Island plots, on the other hand, will be allocated to large-scale, master-planned family living communities supported by established retail, entertainment and lifestyle infrastructure, and the projects will be launched in a phased manner from 2026, in line with market demand, by a joint venture with an established partner to activate the land plots.

In an investor presentation in November 2025, Aldar Properties announced that its land bank in Abu Dhabi consists of a gross floor area (GFA) totalling 7.8 million square metres and a total land bank of 59.9 million square metres. The company’s revenue backlog in the UAE stands at AED 57.3 billion, with approximately AED 36–37 billion generated from Abu Dhabi.

The presentation also highlighted two major residential master plans in Abu Dhabi: Fahid Island, which has a gross development value (GDV) of AED 40 billion (approximately USD 11 billion), and a strategic development on Saadiyat Island, in joint venture with Mubadala, with a GDV of about USD 1.1 billion.

The news of Aldar Properties expanding its housing portfolio also comes at a good time, as Skyscanner’s “Travel Trends Report” sees the UAE likely emerging as one of the most popular destinations for international travellers in 2026, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah being the most desired destinations.

The increase will be primarily due to holidaymakers seeking hotel experiences, and Dubai is leading the way in advance hotel bookings with a 89.7% increase in bookings over 2024.

“Germany, Switzerland, Canada, and South Korea are looking for destinations with comfort, culture, and unique experiences, and Sharjah has seen 101% more searches from German tourists attracted by its heritage sites and beaches, as well as low-cost flights, while Switzerland has seen a 99% increase in searches,” the report stated.

The post Aldar Properties to build 3,000 new homes in Abu Dhabi appeared first on International Finance.

At the “Real Estate Future Forum” in Riyadh, developers indicated that the fresh rules allowing non-nationals to own land are starting to affect market dynamics, including choices made by builders and investors.

The revised legal structure took effect officially on January 22, allowing foreigners to seek property ownership via the Saudi Arabia Real Estate online platform.

According to the updated guidelines, international individuals, firms, and organisations can acquire property throughout the Kingdom, including in key cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.

However, ownership in Makkah and Madinah is still restricted to Saudi firms and Muslim individuals. Developers report that this policy adjustment is already impacting major developments, such as the “Alma Destination” along the Red Sea shoreline.

This coastal mixed-use tourism project is creating prospects for hospitality providers and investors, featuring plans for housing units, lodging options, marina amenities, and leisure areas.

Zuhair Bakheet, CEO of Al Thuraya Al Omranya Properties and lead developer of Alma Destination, noted that the project’s site in Jeddah, positioned between the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah, boosts its attractiveness to global purchasers.

“If we attract people who would love to have a unit within the Makkah and Madinah region, it’s a good option. If we think of Muslim countries like… Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, they would love to have a unit within close proximity of the holy cities,” the official stated.

Another developer incorporating the regulatory update into its plans is Emaar Economic City, the primary developer of King Abdullah Economic City.

Emaar Economic City Chief Investment Officer Ali Al-Khatib informed that the new system marks a substantial change for the industry.

“We believe these new regulations for non-Saudi ownership are a significant turning point in the real estate sector in the Kingdom, and specifically for King Abdullah Economic City. We’ve already seen interest before the system was launched from last year … we’ve had interests from all around the world, from Southeast Asia, from Africa, from Europe, from the West,” he concluded.

The post Saudi Arabia’s new property rules draw fresh foreign interest appeared first on International Finance.

“A total of 500 homes worth more than USD 10 million changed hands during the year, up from just 30 such deals recorded in 2020. Within that segment, 68 properties were sold for more than USD 25 million, marking a 45% year-on-year increase,” the report remarked.

The findings further underscore Dubai’s growing status as a global hub for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), who are increasingly viewing the emirate not just as a part-time business base but as a full-time home. In November 2025, a separate analysis by Savills found that Dubai topped the rankings as the leading destination for HNWIs globally, surpassing established hubs like New York and Singapore.

Commenting on the latest report, Faisal Durrani, partner and head of research for the Middle East and North Africa at Knight Frank, told the Arab News, “Dubai’s meteoric rise as the world’s busiest market for USD 10 million-plus homes, having increased from just 30 sales in 2020 to 500 by the end of 2025, is best reflected in the emirate’s growing reputation as a magnet for the global elite.”

“The final quarter of 2025 recorded 143 sales transactions for properties valued at more than USD 10 million, representing a 39% increase compared to the previous quarter,” the Knight Frank report continued, while noting that demand for luxury residential properties remains highly concentrated in destination communities that combine waterfront living, security and amenities into self-contained ecosystems.

Palm Jumeirah led Q4 2025 sales in the USD 10 million-plus segment with 28 transactions, followed by Palm Jebel Ali (22). La Mer, Jumeirah 2 and Tilal Al Ghaf also ranked among the most active neighbourhoods at the top end of the market.

“Dubai’s residential market has differentiated itself from regional cities and many other global gateway locations through the creation of destination communities that integrate leisure, safety and convenience into self-contained ecosystems,” said Will Mckintosh, regional partner, Knight Frank’s head of Residential at MENA region (Middle East and North Africa).

“At 50% larger than its established neighbour, Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali remains a destination to watch. While it will obviously take time to reach the maturity of other established communities, the 2025 sales figures are a welcome indication of its high potential and the growing demand from the wealthiest buyers for prime waterfront property and the luxury Dubai lifestyle,” Mckintosh added.

The most expensive individual purchase in the fourth quarter was in the Business Bay community, where a six-bedroom apartment in Bugatti Residences by Binghatti was sold for USD 149.7 million. Knight Frank further noted the transformation of Dubai’s real estate market beyond its “emerging” phase to an “emerged” one, marked by greater stability.

“Historical patterns of sharp market cycles, largely fuelled by speculative investment, have receded and, while natural market cycles will persist, we believe the volatility associated with previous speculative booms is less likely in this new era of established residency,” Durrani remarked.

He concluded, “As the market extends past its five-year property price rally, the rate of price rises across the mainstream market is starting to slow, albeit they continue to rise. After growing by 194% since the fourth quarter of 2020, we believe prime values will expand by a further 3% during 2026.”

The post Dubai’s luxury residential market sees record USD 9 billion sales in 2025 appeared first on International Finance.

“The real estate sector has recorded 214,912 transactions in sales, valued at AED 682.5 billion. This reflects an 18.86% increase in volume and 30.7% growth in value. This performance demonstrates steady market growth and strong investor confidence in the Emirate. The total gift transactions were 9,556, valued at AED 57.25 billion, while the mortgage transactions reached 50,974, valued at AED 179.26 billion,” stated the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

With elements like flexible payment plans, affordable entry, strong potential for high rental yields and strong capital appreciation coming into play, DLD noted that apartments remained attractive to investors and homebuyers.

The market recorded approximately 203,000 residential sales, representing a 17.34% increase from 2024. Off-plan properties dominated the market, with a 62.6% share of total transactions.

“Total off-plan sales are 134,623, valued at approximately AED 293 billion. The off-plan properties cater to buyers and investors looking for modern design, top-tier amenities, premium finishes, smart home features, and strong capital appreciation,” DLD stated.

According to Shireen Khan, CEO of Kelt and Co Realty, “Dubai’s real estate market has shown unprecedented growth in 2025. This upward trend reflects stable activity from both end-users and investors. As we move into 2026, the growth is expected to accelerate due to the growing population, increasing demand for residential and commercial spaces, and lucrative investment opportunities.”

Jumeirah Village Circle, Business Bay, Dubai Land Residence Complex, Dubai Investment Park Second and Madinat Al Matar were the top-performing areas in terms of the total asset sales volume in 2025. In terms of “Top Performing Areas by Value,” the top five areas were Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Circle, Al Yelayiss 1, Dubai Investment Park Second and Palm Jumeirah.

The mortgage market, too, continued its upward momentum in 2025, closing 50,974 deals, marking an increase of 22.5% from 2024. The mortgage values reached AED 179.26 billion, a 4.5% YoY decrease.

Shireen Khan concluded, “With transparent regulations, long-term visas, and the development of cutting-edge infrastructure, investors’ confidence is increasing in Dubai’s real estate market. This has developed a favourable environment for both local and international investors, allowing them to benefit from strong capital appreciation and high rental yields.”

The post Dubai’s real estate sector witnesses a thunderous 2025 appeared first on International Finance.

Under the new framework, foreigners will generally be permitted to own residential property in most Saudi cities, except for Makkah and Madinah, for religious reasons. Jeddah and Riyadh are also excluded, but parts of them may be designated for foreign investments in the future.

There are nuanced provisions for non-Saudi residents already legally living in the Kingdom. These residents may be allowed to purchase one residential unit outside of the designated foreign investment zones, provided the property is not located in Makkah or Madinah, where ownership remains strictly restricted to Muslims.

In contrast to the residential sector, the law offers far more expansive freedoms for business-related real estate. Foreigners will be granted the right to own commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties across all Saudi cities without exception. This policy is designed to stimulate industrial growth and support the Kingdom’s agricultural development by removing geographic barriers for international corporations and entrepreneurs.

The new system ensures that liberalisation does not come at the cost of control. Based on suggestions from the Real Estate General Authority, the Council of Ministers will ultimately decide which areas are available for purchase. All foreign ownership must be formally documented in the Real Estate Registry in order to guarantee transparency.

The government has also established a clear fee structure and penalty system. Foreign buyers will face a transaction fee of up to 5% of the property’s value. Furthermore, the Kingdom is taking a hard line on compliance; providing false information can lead to fines as high as SR10 million or the forced, court-ordered sale of the asset.

The post Saudi Arabia opens real estate market to foreigners in historic shift appeared first on International Finance.

“The residential sales transactions in Riyadh reached 13,000 between July and September 2025, up nearly 19% on the previous quarter. The capital delivered 10,000 new units in the first nine months of the year, with another 6,000 during Q4,” the report stated.

Apart from Riyadh, another Saudi city, Dammam, which made its debut in Cavendish Maxwell’s latest KSA report, saw its property sales reaching the highest levels for several years, with 3,000 transactions in Q3 2025, up nearly 60% on the same time in 2024 and 37% on Q2 2025. Jeddah too witnessed a boost in quarterly sales, as transactions rose by 10% to 7,500 and sales values reached SAR8.7 billion (USD 2.31 billion), a 9% increase compared to Q2.

While all three cities have seen quarterly increases in sales values and volumes, Riyadh and Jeddah both saw a year-on-year decline, largely driven by affordability pressures. Sales were down 44% in Riyadh and 19% in Jeddah.

Riyadh-based Sean Heckford, Director of Built Asset Consulting at Cavendish Maxwell, said, “Riyadh’s rapid price appreciation in 2024 led to sharp increases in both sales and rental prices, prompting the Government to introduce a five-year rent freeze to address affordability concerns. In Jeddah, price conditions have stabilised and affordability pressures have eased slightly. Meanwhile, Dammam, where property is more affordable, is emerging as a new hot spot for property investment, with a year-on-year surge in buying activity from both end-users and investors.”

The latest “KSA Residential Market Report” also witnessed Q3 sales prices for apartments and villas rising across Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah, with the biggest increases seen in the Saudi capital. Rental rates for apartments, on the other hand, were up in all three areas, with Riyadh commanding the largest uptick. Villa rents, on the other hand, rose in Riyadh and Dammam, but fell slightly in Jeddah.

By the end of 2025, 22,800 new units are expected to be delivered during the year across the three cities, and another 105,000 are in the pipeline till 2027. And most importantly, the Kingdom’s “White Land Tax” reforms and new foreign ownership laws will further accelerate demand.

The largest increases in sales prices were in Riyadh, where apartment prices rose to an average SAR6,160 (USD 1,642) psm (per sq m) in Q3, up 7.5% compared to the same time in 2024. Villa prices in the capital reached SAR5,500 (USD 1,466) psm, up 10.1%. In Jeddah, apartment prices were up 1.6% to SAR4,360 (USD 1,162) psm, while villa costs rose 3.1% to reach SAR5,140 (USD 1,370) psm. Dammam apartment prices climbed by 5.8% year-on-year, and villas by 3.2%.

“Riyadh also commanded the highest hikes in rents, with apartments up by 11.8% year-on-year and villas by 10.7%. Jeddah apartment rents increased by 5.6% year-over-year, while villa rents declined by 2.1%. In Dammam, apartment rents increased by 4.8%, while villa rents rose by 2.2%. Combined, the three cities delivered 13,500 new homes in the first nine months of the year, with total 2025 deliveries expected to reach 22,800 by the end of December. Another 105,000 are slated for 2026 and 2027. By the end of 2025, Riyadh will have brought 16,000 new homes to the market; Jeddah 5,000 and Dammam 1,800. Riyadh has 57,000 new units in the pipeline for 2026 and 2027, with 36,000 expected in Jeddah and 12,000 in Dammam,” Cavendish Maxwell noted.

Meanwhile, the Kingdom has introduced a new foreign ownership law, which will come into effect in January 2026, and this will be a major step forward for the Gulf major’s real estate sector that should further accelerate buyer activity, while the recently introduced “White Land Tax” incentivises land owners to either sell or develop their plots.

“Riyadh’s five-year rent freeze, announced in September 2025, will make properties more affordable at the same time, but could also reduce landlords’ incentives to maintain their properties or invest in future stock, creating short-term pressure on future developments. It will be important to track how these regulations influence market dynamics in the near term,” said Cavendish Maxwell in its statement.

Heckford concluded, “Saudi Arabia’s Q3 residential market performance reflects a transitional phase marked by strong macroeconomic fundamentals and evolving regulatory measures. Despite affordability challenges in Riyadh, demand remains resilient, supported by the new laws and tax systems. Jeddah demonstrates stability with balanced supply and demand dynamics, and Dammam stands out as a growth hotspot driven by affordability and investor interest. Vision 2030 initiatives and infrastructure investments will be pivotal in sustaining momentum and unlocking new investment opportunities across all major cities in KSA.”

The post Riyadh’s housing pipeline set to surge with 57,000 new units by 2026-27 appeared first on International Finance.