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As of September 2025, apartment prices in Riyadh range from SAR 5,140 to SAR 5,200 per square meter for standard locations. Premium neighborhoods can command prices exceeding SAR 10,500 per square meter, with luxury units in areas like the Diplomatic Quarter reaching SAR 18,000 per square meter. The Riyadh apartment market has experienced substantial growth of 35-40% over the past five years, driven by Vision 2030 initiatives and increasing demand from both residents and investors.
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Riyadh apartment prices average SAR 5,140-5,200 per square meter citywide, with premium areas reaching SAR 18,000 per square meter. The market has grown 35-40% over five years with strong forecasts for continued appreciation.
| Area Type | Price Range (SAR/sqm) | Apartment Example |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Areas | 2,000-4,000 | 100sqm unit: SAR 200,000-400,000 |
| Standard Areas | 5,140-5,200 | 100sqm unit: SAR 514,000-520,000 |
| Premium Areas | 6,600-10,500 | 100sqm unit: SAR 660,000-1,050,000 |
| Luxury Areas | 12,000-18,000 | 100sqm unit: SAR 1,200,000-1,800,000 |
| Studio Apartments | 4,000-6,000+ | 50sqm unit: SAR 200,000-300,000 |
| Three-Bedroom | 5,000-10,500+ | 150sqm unit: SAR 750,000-1,575,000 |
What is the current average price of an apartment in Riyadh?
The average apartment price in Riyadh stands at SAR 5,140 to SAR 5,200 per square meter as of September 2025.
For a typical 100 to 120 square meter apartment, you can expect to pay between SAR 514,000 and SAR 624,000 in standard residential areas. These prices represent the citywide average across various neighborhoods in Riyadh.
Premium neighborhoods command significantly higher prices, with areas like Al Olaya and Al Nakheel reaching SAR 6,600 to SAR 10,500 per square meter. In the most exclusive locations such as the Diplomatic Quarter, prices can soar to SAR 12,000 to SAR 18,000 per square meter.
The current pricing reflects strong market fundamentals driven by Vision 2030 initiatives, population growth, and increased foreign investment interest in Saudi Arabia's real estate sector.
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How do apartment prices differ depending on the neighborhood or district?
Apartment prices in Riyadh vary dramatically by location, with premium central districts commanding prices up to nine times higher than budget areas.
| Neighborhood Category | Price Range (SAR/sqm) | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra-Premium (Diplomatic Quarter) | 12,000-18,000 | Elite expats, top security, exclusive amenities |
| Premium Central (Al Olaya, Al Hamra) | 8,500-12,000 | Business district, high-end shopping, luxury towers |
| Luxury Northern (Al Nakheel, Al Malqa) | 7,000-13,500 | Family compounds, modern amenities, mall proximity |
| Mid-Range Developing (Al Sahafa, Al Narjis) | 4,000-9,500 | New developments, young families, growing infrastructure |
| Budget Established (Al Suwaidi, Aziziyah) | 2,000-4,000 | Older districts, value-oriented, basic amenities |
| Emerging Areas (Al Muruj) | 3,500-6,500 | Strategic location, development potential, rising values |
What is the price difference between studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and larger apartments?
Apartment prices in Riyadh increase proportionally with size, though larger units often command premium per-square-meter rates due to luxury features and prime locations.
Studio apartments ranging from 40 to 60 square meters typically cost between SAR 160,000 and SAR 360,000, with per-square-meter rates of SAR 4,000 to SAR 6,000. These units are popular among young professionals and expatriate workers.
One-bedroom apartments spanning 60 to 90 square meters are priced from SAR 240,000 to SAR 585,000, maintaining similar per-square-meter rates but offering better value for couples or individuals seeking more space.
Two-bedroom units between 90 and 130 square meters command SAR 405,000 to SAR 975,000, with slightly higher per-square-meter rates of SAR 4,500 to SAR 7,500 due to family-oriented features and better locations.
Three-bedroom apartments from 130 to 180 square meters range from SAR 650,000 to SAR 1,890,000, while luxury three-bedroom units up to 250 square meters can reach SAR 2,625,000 in premium developments.
How much does the total purchase cost of an apartment in Riyadh come to once you add taxes, registration fees, and other expenses?
The total purchase cost includes a 5% Real Estate Transaction Tax plus additional fees totaling 6-7% of the property value.
The Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) stands at 5% of the property purchase price, replacing the previous 15% VAT system. This represents the largest additional cost beyond the apartment price itself.
Legal and regulatory fees add another 1-2% of the property value, covering documentation, registration, and administrative processes required for property transfer.
For a SAR 600,000 apartment, you would pay approximately SAR 30,000 in RETT plus SAR 6,000 to SAR 12,000 in additional fees, bringing your total cost to SAR 636,000 to SAR 642,000.
These additional costs are mandatory and should be factored into your budget when planning an apartment purchase in Riyadh.
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What are some real-life example purchase prices for apartments in Riyadh today?
Current market transactions provide concrete examples of apartment pricing across different segments in Riyadh.
A mid-range 100 square meter apartment in Al Sahafa typically sells for SAR 520,000 to SAR 600,000, representing good value for families seeking modern amenities in a developing area.
A luxury 125 square meter unit in Al Olaya commands SAR 1,200,000 to SAR 1,600,000, reflecting the premium for central business district location and high-end finishes.
Budget-conscious buyers can find studio apartments in Al Suwaidi priced between SAR 200,000 and SAR 250,000, ideal for first-time buyers or investment purposes.
Three-bedroom family apartments in Al Malqa range from SAR 950,000 to SAR 1,350,000, offering compound living with security and community amenities.
Which areas are considered the most expensive, which are budget-friendly, and which are up-and-coming for apartment buyers?
Riyadh's apartment market divides into distinct price tiers based on location, amenities, and development status.
The most expensive areas include Al Olaya, the Diplomatic Quarter, Al Nakheel, Al Malqa, and Al Hamra. These districts offer premium amenities, central locations, or exclusive compound living that attracts high-income residents and expatriates.
Budget-friendly options concentrate in Al Suwaidi, Al Aziziyah, Al Manar, and Al Nuzha. These established neighborhoods provide basic amenities and older housing stock at accessible prices for value-conscious buyers.
Up-and-coming areas showing strong growth potential include Al Narjis, Al Sahafa, and Al Muruj. These districts benefit from new developments, improving infrastructure, and strategic locations that position them for future appreciation.
Al Narjis and Al Sahafa particularly attract young families due to modern amenities and community planning, while Al Muruj benefits from its strategic northern location with increasing property values.
How have average apartment prices in Riyadh changed compared with five years ago, and compared with just one year ago?
Riyadh apartment prices have experienced substantial growth over both short and medium-term periods, reflecting strong market fundamentals.
Over the past five years, apartment prices have jumped 35-40%, rising from SAR 3,550 per square meter in 2020 to the current SAR 5,140-5,200 per square meter in 2025. This represents a compound annual growth rate of approximately 7-8%.
In the last year alone, prices increased by approximately 8.6%, significantly outpacing other major Saudi cities and demonstrating Riyadh's market strength.
The growth pattern shows consistent appreciation with periodic spikes driven by Vision 2030 project announcements, increased foreign investment interest, and population growth in the capital region.
Recent annual growth rates have ranged from 5-11%, establishing a trend of sustained price appreciation that reflects both strong demand and limited quality supply in desirable areas.
What are the forecasts for apartment prices in Riyadh in one year, five years, and ten years?
Market analysts project continued strong growth for Riyadh apartment prices across all time horizons, driven by Vision 2030 implementation and demographic trends.
For 2026, experts forecast 8-10% price growth, maintaining the current trajectory of robust appreciation supported by ongoing infrastructure development and foreign investment policies.
The five-year outlook through 2030 anticipates 35-50% total price appreciation from current levels, with premium and luxury segments expected to outperform due to increasing expatriate populations and rising income levels.
Long-term projections for 2035 support sustained appreciation based on population growth fundamentals, completed Vision 2030 projects, and expanded foreign ownership rights, though with potential for larger fluctuations depending on new supply additions.
Northern districts and areas near new infrastructure projects are expected to lead price appreciation, while established central areas should maintain steady growth with lower volatility.
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How does the average apartment price in Riyadh compare with other big cities in the region or globally that are considered similar?
Riyadh apartment prices position the city as moderately priced compared to regional and global peers, offering relative value for Middle Eastern standards.
Within Saudi Arabia, Riyadh commands a premium over other major cities, with Jeddah averaging SAR 4,200-4,500 per square meter and Dammam/Khobar ranging from SAR 2,800-3,400 per square meter.
Regional comparisons show Riyadh remains more affordable than Dubai's central areas at SAR 10,500-15,000 per square meter, while pricing similarly to Doha at SAR 5,500-7,700 per square meter.
International comparisons place Riyadh below major expat destinations, with Istanbul commanding SAR 6,000-7,600 per square meter for comparable central locations.
This positioning makes Riyadh attractive for investors seeking Middle Eastern exposure at more accessible price points than traditional Gulf financial centers like Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
What are the smartest apartment choices in Riyadh today if you want to live in the property yourself?
The best apartments for owner-occupiers prioritize lifestyle, community amenities, and long-term living comfort over pure investment metrics.
Family-oriented buyers should focus on integrated projects in neighborhoods like Al Narjis or Al Sahafa, where developers like Mada Properties create communities with greenery, play areas, and privacy features ideal for children.
Professionals seeking prestigious living can choose high-rise towers in Al Olaya or KAFD (King Abdullah Financial District) that offer hotel-like services, panoramic city views, and premium facilities including gyms, pools, and concierge services.
Security-conscious residents prefer gated community projects in northern Riyadh, which provide controlled access, landscaped environments, and community centers that foster neighborhood relationships.
Quality of life factors like proximity to international schools, healthcare facilities, and shopping centers should guide location decisions for long-term residents over short-term price considerations.
What are the smartest apartment choices if you want to rent it out, whether for short-term or long-term tenants?
Rental investment apartments should target high-demand areas and tenant preferences to maximize occupancy and rental yields.
The strongest rental yields of 7-10% concentrate in business districts like Al Olaya and KAFD, where corporate tenants and expatriate professionals pay premium rents for convenience and prestige.
Short-term rental opportunities favor fully furnished, centrally located apartments that appeal to business travelers and visiting executives, particularly in luxury towers with hotel-style amenities.
Long-term rental stability comes from family-focused developments in districts like Al Sahafa, Al Muruj, and Al Narjis, where tenants typically sign longer leases and maintain properties well.
High-demand northern neighborhoods such as Al Malqa and Al Yasmin attract expatriate families seeking compound living, generating consistent rental income with lower tenant turnover.
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What are the smartest apartment choices if your goal is to buy now and resell at a higher price later?
Capital appreciation strategies should focus on areas with strong development momentum and infrastructure improvements that drive future value increases.
New developments in northern Riyadh, particularly in Al Narjis and Al Muruj, offer the highest appreciation potential due to ongoing urbanization and proximity to planned infrastructure projects.
Boutique, limited-unit projects by established developers like Mada Properties typically maintain stronger value retention due to exclusivity and quality construction that appeals to future buyers.
Properties near planned metro stations, new schools, and business parks tend to outperform over medium-term investment horizons as infrastructure completion drives demand and accessibility improvements.
Areas directly benefiting from Vision 2030 mega projects, including districts near NEOM connectivity and new government facilities, position investors for substantial appreciation as projects materialize.
It's something we develop in our Saudi Arabia property pack.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Riyadh's apartment market presents compelling opportunities for both residents and investors, with prices ranging from budget-friendly options under SAR 300,000 to luxury units exceeding SAR 2 million.
The combination of Vision 2030 infrastructure development, growing expatriate populations, and strategic location advantages positions Riyadh apartments for continued appreciation while offering competitive regional pricing.
Sources
- Average Apartment Price Riyadh - Sands of Wealth
- Saudi Arabia Price Forecasts - Sands of Wealth
- Most Expensive Area Riyadh - Sands of Wealth
- Riyadh Price Forecasts - Sands of Wealth
- Riyadh Which Area - Sands of Wealth
- Riyadh Real Estate Forecasts - Sands of Wealth
- Mada Properties Residential Projects Analysis
- Saudi Arabia Buy Rent Out - Sands of Wealth