Films on buying in Makkah and Madinah
Six short films, each answering one question about buying in Makkah or Madinah in about a minute, drawn as figures and narrated by a synthetic voice. Each film’s page prints what it says, line by line.
Can a company buy in Makkah?
Film, 1 min 2 s
A company incorporated outside Saudi Arabia can't. Neither can a non-profit. A Saudi-incorporated company with foreign shareholders can, inside the zones.
Is this broker licensed?
Film, 1 min 13 s
The licence has a short name you'll see printed on it. What it is, is simple: the official permit to carry on real estate activity.
Where can a foreigner buy in Madinah?
Film, 1 min 8 s
Ten places in this city where a foreigner is allowed to own. Ten designated zones, two fewer than Makkah, and laid out quite differently.
Can a foreigner buy property in Makkah?
Film, 1 min 18 s
Since 22 January 2026, the answer is yes. Two conditions come attached to it.
Can you pay for a home from abroad?
Film, 1 min 2 s
Since 1 July 2026, a Saudi bank may open an account for a non-Saudi living abroad who's covered by the ownership law. It's not an ordinary account.
Who pays the 5% transaction tax?
Film, 1 min 7 s
By law it's the seller, and agreeing that the buyer will bear it doesn't move that liability. Both of those are true at once.