Saudi Arabia
Riyadh · Jeddah · Khobar & Dammam
One of the biggest Lebanese working communities in the Gulf (~120,000+), historically renting for decades — now at an inflection point as the kingdom opens property ownership to foreign residents.
Can foreigners buy? The landmark change: from 22 January 2026, foreign residents may own one residential property in designated zones (Makkah, Madinah and parts of some cities remain restricted). Until now the market was effectively rent-only for expats.
Where Saudi Arabia searches
The platforms locals actually use. Every link opens the source itself — NAKIL shows you the map; the listings live with them.
Aqar
Good for relocating & rentingSaudi Arabia's largest property marketplace — app-first, with owner and broker listings verified through the national Nafath identity system and REGA ad licences.
The default search across every Saudi city.
Bayut KSA
Good for relocating & rentingThe UAE leader's Saudi portal — agency-fed listings with English UI and area guides, the most comfortable option for internationals navigating Riyadh and Jeddah.
Wasalt
REGA-licensed portal (a Dar Al Arkan joint venture) with vetted, documented listings and new-build developer projects in Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province.
Agencies worth knowing
The established names a newcomer to Saudi Arabia would be pointed at.
Riyadh and Jeddah offices — the international advisory name aligned to the Vision 2030 projects.
Riyadh (KAFD/Olaya) — residential and commercial agency plus valuations.
Luxury brokerage covering Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province.
Riyadh-based franchise since 2005 — brokerage, valuation and property management.
Relocating & renting in Saudi Arabia — how it works
- 1Compound living vs. city apartments is the first decision — compounds cost multiples more but bundle community and amenities.
- 2Leases are annual, often paid in one or two cheques; the government Ejar platform registers contracts and protects both sides — insist on it.
- 3Advertisers on the main portals are verified through the national Nafath system and listings carry REGA ad licences — a real quality floor by regional standards.
Looking at it differently? Buying a home