Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Saudi Arabia Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Riyadh's property market is included in our pack
If you're a foreigner thinking about buying an apartment in Riyadh, you're probably wondering how much it really costs and what the process looks like in early 2026.
Riyadh's real estate market has changed significantly since Saudi Arabia updated its foreign ownership rules, making it easier (but still regulated) for non-Saudis to own property.
This article breaks down actual prices, neighborhoods, closing costs, and ongoing expenses so you can plan your budget with confidence.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Riyadh.
Insights
- Riyadh apartment prices rose roughly 30% between mid-2024 and late 2025, with the citywide average climbing from around SAR 5,000 per square meter to SAR 6,700 per square meter.
- Foreign buyers in Riyadh should budget 30% to 40% for a down payment, which is notably higher than the typical 15% to 20% required for Saudi citizens.
- The price gap between neighborhoods in Riyadh can be extreme, with Al Olaya apartments reaching SAR 25,000 per square meter while Al Aziziyah units sell for under SAR 3,000 per square meter.
- Riyadh has no annual property tax on occupied apartments, which is a major difference from Western cities where property taxes can add 1% to 2% of the home value each year.
- The Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) in Riyadh is 5% of the property value, and buyers often end up paying this even when the contract says otherwise.
- East Riyadh neighborhoods like Ar Rimal have become transaction hotspots, offering newer buildings at mid-market prices around SAR 6,000 per square meter.
- Summer electricity bills in Riyadh apartments can spike to SAR 900 per month due to heavy air conditioning use, compared to just SAR 150 to SAR 350 in winter.
- New-build apartments in Riyadh typically cost 15% to 25% more than comparable resale units, with the premium highest in north Riyadh's prime districts.
How much do apartments really cost in Riyadh in 2026?
What's the average and median apartment price in Riyadh in 2026?
As of January 2026, the median apartment price in Riyadh sits at around SAR 6,500 per square meter (roughly USD 1,730 or EUR 1,650 per square meter), while the average is slightly higher at SAR 6,700 per square meter (about USD 1,790 or EUR 1,700 per square meter).
For a typical Riyadh apartment ranging from 70 to 120 square meters, this translates to total prices between SAR 455,000 and SAR 804,000 (USD 121,000 to USD 214,000, or EUR 115,000 to EUR 204,000).
Most standard apartments in Riyadh fall within the SAR 400,000 to SAR 1,000,000 range (USD 107,000 to USD 267,000, or EUR 101,000 to EUR 254,000), though prices vary significantly by neighborhood and building quality.
How much is a studio apartment in Riyadh in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical studio apartment in Riyadh costs between SAR 300,000 and SAR 450,000 (USD 80,000 to USD 120,000, or EUR 76,000 to EUR 114,000).
Entry-level studios in areas like Al Aziziyah or Al Shifa can start around SAR 250,000 (USD 67,000 or EUR 63,000), while high-end studios in north Riyadh districts like Al Malqa or Hittin can reach SAR 600,000 or more (USD 160,000 or EUR 152,000).
Studios in Riyadh typically measure between 40 and 50 square meters, though they often command a higher price per square meter than larger units because of the small-size premium common in apartment markets.
How much is a one-bedroom apartment in Riyadh in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical one-bedroom apartment in Riyadh costs between SAR 420,000 and SAR 650,000 (USD 112,000 to USD 173,000, or EUR 107,000 to EUR 165,000).
Budget-friendly one-bedroom apartments in south Riyadh neighborhoods start around SAR 350,000 (USD 93,000 or EUR 89,000), while luxury one-bedrooms in prime north Riyadh locations can exceed SAR 900,000 (USD 240,000 or EUR 228,000).
One-bedroom apartments in Riyadh generally measure between 60 and 80 square meters, making them popular with young professionals and couples looking for their first property in the city.
How much is a two-bedroom apartment in Riyadh in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical two-bedroom apartment in Riyadh costs between SAR 650,000 and SAR 950,000 (USD 173,000 to USD 253,000, or EUR 165,000 to EUR 241,000).
Entry-level two-bedroom apartments in affordable areas like Al Suwaidi or Al Shifa can be found starting around SAR 550,000 (USD 147,000 or EUR 139,000), while premium two-bedrooms in Al Olaya or Al Malqa often exceed SAR 1,500,000 (USD 400,000 or EUR 380,000).
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges for apartments in our property pack covering the property market in Riyadh.
How much is a three-bedroom apartment in Riyadh in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical three-bedroom apartment in Riyadh costs between SAR 900,000 and SAR 1,450,000 (USD 240,000 to USD 387,000, or EUR 228,000 to EUR 368,000).
More affordable three-bedroom units in south or west Riyadh can start around SAR 750,000 (USD 200,000 or EUR 190,000), while high-end three-bedroom apartments in prime locations regularly exceed SAR 2,000,000 (USD 533,000 or EUR 508,000).
Three-bedroom apartments in Riyadh typically measure between 140 and 180 square meters, and larger units often have a slightly lower price per square meter than studios or one-bedrooms, even though the total price is higher.
What's the price gap between new and resale apartments in Riyadh in 2026?
As of January 2026, new-build apartments in Riyadh typically cost 15% to 25% more than comparable resale apartments, with the premium being highest in north Riyadh's prime districts.
New-build apartments in Riyadh average around SAR 7,500 to SAR 8,400 per square meter (USD 2,000 to USD 2,240, or EUR 1,900 to EUR 2,130 per square meter) in areas with active new development.
Resale apartments across Riyadh average closer to SAR 6,000 to SAR 6,700 per square meter (USD 1,600 to USD 1,790, or EUR 1,520 to EUR 1,700 per square meter), making them attractive for budget-conscious buyers willing to accept older finishes.
Make a profitable investment in Riyadh
Better information leads to better decisions. Save time and money. Download our guide.
Can I afford to buy in Riyadh in 2026?
What's the typical total budget (all-in) to buy an apartment in Riyadh in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical all-in budget for a standard two-bedroom apartment in Riyadh ranges from SAR 765,000 to SAR 885,000 (USD 204,000 to USD 236,000, or EUR 194,000 to EUR 225,000), depending on who bears the transaction tax.
Beyond the purchase price, your all-in budget in Riyadh should include the 5% Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT), brokerage fees, bank valuation and admin costs if you're getting a mortgage, and document translation or legalization fees for foreign buyers.
We go deeper and try to understand what costs can be avoided or minimized (and how) in our Riyadh property pack.
You can also read our dedicated blog article to understand what you can at different budget levels in Riyadh.
What down payment is typical to buy in Riyadh in 2026?
As of January 2026, foreign buyers in Riyadh should expect to put down 30% to 40% of the apartment price, which for a SAR 700,000 apartment means SAR 210,000 to SAR 280,000 (USD 56,000 to USD 75,000, or EUR 53,000 to EUR 71,000).
Most Saudi banks require a minimum down payment of 30% for non-Saudi buyers, which is higher than the 10% to 15% often available to Saudi citizens under government-supported programs.
To secure favorable mortgage terms and interest rates in Riyadh, foreign buyers should aim for a 35% to 40% down payment, as this demonstrates stronger financial commitment to lenders.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Saudi Arabia.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Saudi Arabia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Which neighborhoods are cheapest or priciest in Riyadh in 2026?
How much does the price per m² for apartments vary by neighborhood in Riyadh in 2026?
As of January 2026, apartment prices per square meter in Riyadh range from as low as SAR 2,800 (USD 750 or EUR 710) in the most affordable areas to over SAR 25,000 (USD 6,670 or EUR 6,350) in ultra-premium towers.
The most affordable neighborhoods in Riyadh for apartments include Al Aziziyah at SAR 2,800 to SAR 4,500 per square meter (USD 750 to USD 1,200, or EUR 710 to EUR 1,140), Al Shifa at SAR 3,000 to SAR 5,500 per square meter, and Al Suwaidi at SAR 5,000 to SAR 6,500 per square meter.
The most expensive Riyadh neighborhoods for apartments are Al Olaya at SAR 11,000 to SAR 25,000+ per square meter (USD 2,930 to USD 6,670+, or EUR 2,790 to EUR 6,350+), Al Malqa at SAR 9,000 to SAR 14,000 per square meter, and Hittin at SAR 10,000 to SAR 18,000 per square meter.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Riyadh.
What neighborhoods are best for first-time buyers on a budget in Riyadh in 2026?
As of January 2026, the top three neighborhoods for first-time buyers on a budget in Riyadh are Al Aziziyah in the south, Al Shifa also in the south, and Ar Rimal in the east, which offers newer buildings at mid-range prices.
In these budget-friendly Riyadh neighborhoods, apartments typically cost between SAR 350,000 and SAR 700,000 (USD 93,000 to USD 187,000, or EUR 89,000 to EUR 178,000) for one to two-bedroom units.
These areas offer good value because they have established infrastructure, local amenities like shopping centers and schools, and in the case of Ar Rimal, access to newer building stock with modern layouts.
The main trade-off in these Riyadh neighborhoods is longer commute times to the central business districts and less prestige compared to north Riyadh, though the upcoming metro lines are improving connectivity.
Which neighborhoods have the fastest-rising apartment prices in Riyadh in 2026?
As of January 2026, the three Riyadh neighborhoods with the fastest-rising apartment prices are Ar Rimal in east Riyadh, Al Malqa in north Riyadh, and areas near the Diriyah Gate development in northwest Riyadh.
These fast-appreciating Riyadh neighborhoods have seen estimated year-over-year price increases of 10% to 20%, significantly outpacing the citywide average of around 8% to 12% annual growth.
The main drivers behind rapid price growth in these areas are major infrastructure investments, new masterplan developments like Diriyah Gate, and strong demand for modern housing from both Saudi and expatriate buyers.
You can also read our latest update about property price forecasts in Riyadh.
Don't lose money on your property in Riyadh
100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.
What extra costs will I pay on top of the apartment price in Riyadh in 2026?
What are all the buyer closing costs when you buy an apartment in Riyadh?
For a typical SAR 700,000 apartment purchase in Riyadh, total buyer closing costs range from SAR 50,000 to SAR 70,000 (USD 13,300 to USD 18,700, or EUR 12,700 to EUR 17,800) when the buyer effectively bears the transaction tax.
The main categories of closing costs for Riyadh apartment buyers include the Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT), brokerage or agency fees plus VAT on commissions, bank costs if financing (valuation, admin fees, credit insurance), and registration or documentation fees including translation for foreign buyers.
The largest closing cost by far in Riyadh is the 5% Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT), which on a SAR 700,000 apartment equals SAR 35,000 (USD 9,300 or EUR 8,900).
Brokerage fees in Riyadh are negotiable and typically range from 2% to 2.5% of the purchase price, so buyers should discuss and agree on this percentage before signing any agency agreement.
On average, how much are buyer closing costs as a percentage of the purchase price for an apartment in Riyadh?
For Riyadh apartment purchases, buyers should budget between 7% and 10% of the purchase price for closing costs if they effectively bear the RETT, or 2% to 4% if the seller absorbs it.
The realistic range covering most standard transactions in Riyadh is 5% to 10%, with 7% being a reasonable middle estimate that accounts for the 5% RETT plus typical brokerage and administrative fees.
We actually cover all these costs and strategies to minimize them in our pack about the real estate market in Riyadh.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Saudi Arabia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What are the ongoing monthly and yearly costs of an apartment in Riyadh in 2026?
What are typical HOA fees in Riyadh right now?
For a typical 110 square meter apartment in Riyadh, monthly HOA fees (called service charges) range from SAR 230 to SAR 550 (USD 61 to USD 147, or EUR 58 to EUR 140), managed through the official Mullak program for owners' associations.
Basic mid-market Riyadh buildings typically charge SAR 25 to SAR 60 per square meter per year, while amenity-heavy towers with 24/7 security, gyms, pools, and concierge services charge SAR 60 to SAR 120+ per square meter per year.
What utilities should I budget monthly in Riyadh right now?
For a typical apartment in Riyadh, total monthly utility costs range from SAR 400 to SAR 800 (USD 107 to USD 213, or EUR 101 to EUR 203) in moderate months, rising to SAR 700 to SAR 1,300 (USD 187 to USD 347, or EUR 178 to EUR 330) during summer.
This range can vary significantly based on apartment size and AC usage habits, with smaller units in energy-efficient buildings at the low end and large apartments with heavy cooling needs at the high end.
Monthly utilities in Riyadh include electricity (the biggest expense), water and sewage, and internet, with some buildings also charging separately for central AC or chilled water systems.
Electricity is by far the most expensive utility for Riyadh apartment owners, especially in summer when air conditioning runs constantly and bills can reach SAR 900 (USD 240 or EUR 228) or more for a standard apartment.
How much is property tax on apartments in Riyadh?
For owner-occupied apartments in Riyadh, the annual property tax is effectively SAR 0 (USD 0, EUR 0), which is a significant difference from many Western countries where annual property taxes can equal 1% to 2% of home value.
Saudi Arabia does not impose a classic annual municipal property tax on occupied residential apartments; instead, the main recurring real estate levy is the White Land Tax, which targets undeveloped or vacant land rather than your home.
If you're coming from a country with annual property taxes, this means your ongoing ownership costs in Riyadh are limited to HOA fees, utilities, and maintenance rather than an additional tax bill each year.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Riyadh.
What's the yearly building maintenance cost in Riyadh?
For a typical Riyadh apartment, yearly building maintenance costs range from SAR 2,750 to SAR 6,600 (USD 733 to USD 1,760, or EUR 698 to EUR 1,675) for a 110 square meter unit, based on the building's service level.
This range varies from SAR 25 to SAR 60 per square meter per year for standard buildings to SAR 60 to SAR 120+ per square meter per year for luxury towers with extensive amenities.
Building maintenance costs in Riyadh typically cover shared area cleaning, elevator maintenance, lighting for common spaces, security staff, landscaping, and routine preventive maintenance for building systems.
In most Riyadh buildings, maintenance costs are included in your HOA or service charge fees rather than billed separately, so understanding your building's Mullak association budget is key to knowing what you're actually paying for.
How much does home insurance cost in Riyadh?
Annual home insurance for an apartment in Riyadh typically costs between SAR 400 and SAR 3,000 (USD 107 to USD 800, or EUR 101 to EUR 762), depending on coverage type and property value.
Basic contents-only insurance in Riyadh runs around SAR 400 to SAR 1,200 per year (USD 107 to USD 320, or EUR 101 to EUR 305), while more comprehensive coverage including structure liability costs SAR 1,200 to SAR 3,000 per year (USD 320 to USD 800, or EUR 305 to EUR 762).
Home insurance is generally optional for apartment owners in Riyadh unless you have a mortgage, in which case your bank will likely require specific coverage as a loan condition.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Riyadh
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Riyadh, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| REGA - Q&A on Foreign Ownership Law | Published by Saudi Arabia's official real estate regulator. | We used it to explain what changed for foreign ownership as of January 2026. We also used it to frame what foreign buyers need to verify before purchasing. |
| Ministry of Investment (MISA) - Ownership Law | The government-issued legal text from Saudi Arabia's investment authority. | We used it to confirm core legal restrictions like special rules for Makkah and Madinah. We used it as the backbone for explaining what foreigners can legally buy. |
| Bureau of Experts - Saudi Laws Portal | The official government portal that publishes Saudi laws. | We used it to cross-check that we're referencing the correct law. We used it to avoid relying on summaries that might drift from the legal text. |
| ZATCA - RETT Guideline | ZATCA is Saudi Arabia's tax authority, making this the official reference. | We used it to define what transactions are taxed and explain the 5% RETT. We used it to build accurate closing cost estimates. |
| PwC - RETT Regulations Update | A major global tax advisory firm summarizing official regulatory changes. | We used it to verify that RETT rules were updated and implemented. We used it as a cross-check on timing and direction of regulatory changes. |
| Ministry of Municipalities - White Land Tax | Official ministry publication on real estate taxation. | We used it to explain that Riyadh has no annual property tax on occupied apartments. We used it to prevent confusion for buyers from countries with such taxes. |
| REGA - Real Estate Indicators Platform | REGA's official platform for publishing price and transaction data. | We used it as the official source for market transparency claims. We used it to justify focusing on transaction-based pricing. |
| CBRE - Saudi Residential Market Report 2024 | CBRE is a global real estate consultancy with rigorous methodology. | We used it as a baseline for Riyadh apartment prices per square meter. We then adjusted forward to early 2026 using newer data. |
| CBRE - Q2 2024 Market Review | Another CBRE publication providing consistent market snapshots. | We used it to cross-check Riyadh price levels and market direction. We used it as part of our price triangulation method. |
| JLL - KSA Living Market Dynamics | JLL is a major global consultancy with named research products. | We used it to identify which neighborhoods have the most activity. We used it to support neighborhood examples beyond general assumptions. |
| Argaam (citing JLL) - Q3 2025 Prices | A major Saudi financial news platform citing JLL research directly. | We used it to pin a late-2025 apartment price of SAR 6,501 per square meter. We used it as the main bridge from 2024 baselines to early 2026. |
| Saudi Electricity Company - Tariffs | The national electricity utility publishing official pricing. | We used it to compute realistic monthly electricity budgets. We used it to keep utility cost estimates grounded in official rates. |
| Ministry of Municipalities - Mullak Program | The government program page explaining how HOAs work in Saudi Arabia. | We used it to explain how building costs are governed and collected. We used it to show that service charges are formal and enforceable. |
| REGA - Mullak Platform | The regulator's own page describing the owners' association system. | We used it to confirm the platform's purpose for jointly owned buildings. We used it to show service-charge budgeting is formalized in Riyadh. |
| Bayut KSA - Al Malqa Listings | A leading regional property portal with structured listing data. | We used it to check early-2026 prices in a prime north Riyadh area. We calculated price per square meter from multiple listings. |
| Bayut KSA - Al Olaya Listings | Continuously updated listings showing the actual asking market. | We used it to triangulate ultra-prime pricing in the central business district. We used it to illustrate how top-tier units exceed averages. |
| Bayut KSA - Ar Rimal Listings | Neighborhood-filtered listings with actual sizes and asking prices. | We used it to estimate mid-market pricing in east Riyadh's growth corridor. We used it to support comparisons with real numbers. |
| Bayut KSA - Al Aziziyah Listing | A specific listing with detailed fields and verified information. | We used it as a concrete example of budget Riyadh pricing. We used it to triangulate the low end of price distribution. |
| Bayut KSA - Al Suwaidi Listing | Another concrete example with clear price and size data. | We used it to cross-check west Riyadh pricing in a family-oriented area. We used it to ensure our affordable ranges are realistic. |
| Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) | Saudi Arabia's central bank and the authority on currency matters. | We used it to justify giving costs in SAR first for accuracy. We used it as the official anchor for monetary context. |
| OANDA - SAR Currency Profile | A widely used FX reference that clearly shows the USD peg level. | We used it to convert SAR estimates to USD at the stable 3.75 rate. We used it only for currency conversion, not real estate data. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Saudi Arabia. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
Related blog posts