Sep 14, 2025
In Riyadh, a dream home doesn't start with a ready key… it starts with a vision taking shape before your eyes. Today, many are choosing under construction projects in Riyadh because they aren't just looking for an apartment; they're seizing the opportunity to watch their future home grow with them, step by step.
Whether you're considering off plan projects for apartments in central Riyadh to be near work or exploring under construction projects in North Riyadh to invest in a thriving area, the idea is the same: start early, pay flexibly, and watch your investment materialize.
This choice is what the market calls off-plan sales. You choose your unit, pay a down payment, and complete your installments according to a payment plan from a developer licensed by "Wafi." Prices for these projects aren't always fixed, but they offer a key advantage: off-plan sales prices are often more attractive than ready properties, rewarding your patience until construction is complete.
At "Mada," we don't just list project names; we provide a clear map, helping you see how a home on paper can transform into a home that reflects you.
It's less complicated than it seems. You just need to follow three clear steps:
When you do this, buying under construction projects in Riyadh becomes a confident step forward, not a gamble.
When you hear about under construction projects in Riyadh, you might imagine towers still being built—which is true—but the concept is deeper. It's about buying today what will become your home or investment tomorrow, with a payment plan distributed across the construction phases.
Off-plan apartments for sale in Riyadh are the practical face of these projects: you choose your unit from the plans, pay a simple down payment, and follow its progress from paper to reality. Prices are typically lighter than ready units because they reward your patience and wait.
In contrast, buying ready property grants immediate ownership—you can move in and start your life right away. However, it requires a larger financial commitment from the start.
So, the difference isn't just in the walls, but in the rhythm of the decision: Do you want a home now at any cost? Or a project that grows with you, step by step? Both are valid choices, but yours should reflect your life, not the market's noise.
Buying into under construction apartment projects in Riyadh is no longer the adventure it once was. Today, regulations are in place to protect you, giving you confidence that every riyal you pay goes to the right place.
The first thing to look for is the Wafi license. Any off-plan project in Riyadh can only be launched with an official license. This means the developer has undergone rigorous review and the project is registered and monitored by the General Real Estate Authority (GREA).
Then there is the escrow account. Your money doesn't go directly to the developer but to a special bank account for the project. Funds are only disbursed for construction work. Even reservation fees are capped at no more than 5% of the unit's value and are deposited into the same account.
With these mechanisms, the buyer isn't alone facing promises; a complete system guards their investment. You know your future home is being built securely.
Even with regulations in place, peace of mind is also your responsibility. The steps are simple if you know where to look.
Start with the license number. Every under construction project in Riyadh must display its number clearly. You can enter it on the "Wafi" platform to verify the project's registration.
Next, ask about the escrow account. Ensure your down payment and any subsequent installments go to the project's dedicated bank account, not to a personal or unverified account.
Also, look at the progress. A trustworthy developer doesn't hide construction stages but shares regular photos and reports showing the building's advancement.
Security isn't a complicated equation… it's about seeing transparency in every step. When you do, buying off-plan apartments in Riyadh becomes a calm decision, not a gamble.
The beauty of under construction projects in Riyadh is that the path to purchase isn't singular… there are multiple options to suit your needs.
The key is to choose the path that suits your budget and lifestyle rhythm. The goal isn't just to own an apartment… it's to own it comfortably.
The first question that comes to mind when considering under construction projects in Riyadh is: "How much?"
The answer isn't a single number. Off-plan sales prices vary from district to district, from developer to developer, and even from one stage to another in the same project. What's offered today may increase tomorrow as construction progresses and demand rises.
Generally, off-plan prices are lighter than ready properties because they reward you for patience. In the north specifically—in new districts like Al Sahafa, Al Narjis, and Al Malqa—the market shows clear growth with a gradual increase in value per square meter.
But numbers alone aren't enough. You need to understand the trend: investing in an apartment being built today may give you a higher value tomorrow than what you paid. Choosing a trusted developer means the price you start with is the first step toward greater comfort and peace of mind.
North Riyadh is no longer just a geographical direction… it has become a dream destination for many families and investors. Here, new districts meet vital roads and major projects, creating a scene different from the rest of the city.
In Al Sahafa, you see modern towers rising next to commercial centers, with projects like Buri Rayya offering a blend of authenticity and modernity.
In Al Narjis, tranquility flows through wide streets while the community continues to develop, suiting those looking for a long-term beginning.
As for Al Yasmin and Al Malqa, they are choices for those who want to combine modern living with integrated services just minutes away.
The great thing about under construction apartment projects in Riyadh in these areas is that they give you a chance to enter the market early. Prices are more attractive than ready units, and value appreciates over time. It's like planting a tree today and sitting in its shade tomorrow.
In a market crowded with offers, sometimes three projects are enough… projects you know are backed by a name you trust, a clear license, and a payment plan that protects you. These are the projects "Mada" places at your fingertips:
With "Mada," investment doesn't mean adventure. It means choosing a project with clear steps, honest details, and starting your story with confidence.
Behind any purchase decision, there are always additional costs you should know from the start. They aren't numerous… but it's important to plan for them.
In Saudi Arabia, a 5% Real Estate Transaction Tax is levied on the property's value. It is paid upon handover and is an essential part of the budget for any purchase of under construction projects in Riyadh.
As for Value Added Tax (VAT), a citizen is exempt when buying their first home, within a specified limit. An exemption that seems simple but saves a significant amount for a family taking their first step into ownership.
An expatriate or someone buying a second home still has to pay it, which is why prior planning remains the most important step.
This way, you aren't surprised by unexpected costs… you enter your project knowing exactly what you will pay and when.
For many years, the dream of ownership in Riyadh felt distant for expatriates. The usual question was, "Am I allowed to buy?" and the answer was always hesitant.
Today, the landscape has changed. A new regulation opens the door for expatriates to buy property, including off-plan projects in Riyadh. Implementation will be gradual, with controls specifying permitted areas, but the basic idea is now clear: ownership is no longer exclusive to citizens.
For those considering under construction apartment projects in Riyadh, this means opportunity is closer. However, it remains important to follow the details and know the specific conditions for each case, whether through the bank or the developer.
The dream that was postponed yesterday is now within reach… it just needs some patience and confident steps.
The path to your home doesn't need to be full of confusing details. At "Mada," we ensure your steps are clear from the very first moment.
We start with your budget. We ask: What can you comfortably afford? Because the installment shouldn't be a burden that steals your peace of mind.
We open the map together. Does a ready project near your work suit you? Or do you see yourself in under construction projects in North Riyadh where value grows over time? The decision is yours, and we just help you see it more clearly.
We arrange everything related to financing or payment plans, explaining the terms and documents in simple language. No heavy jargon, no hidden surprises.
We accompany you through reservation, valuation, and contract signing. You know every step in advance, so nothing happens behind your back.
Finally, the moment of handover… where you receive the key and begin a new story. A home that isn't just walls, but an extension of your life.
At "Mada Properties" we don't see real estate as just a unit for sale, nor the client as just a transaction. We believe that choosing a home or an investment is a very personal decision… one connected to your life and your family's security.
That's why we offer you few but honest choices: licensed projects, clear payment plans, and a team that accompanies you every step of the way. We don't hide details, and we don't leave you alone mid-journey.
Whether you're looking for under construction projects in Riyadh or a ready apartment to start your life today, we don't guide you based on what suits the market only… but on what suits you.
In the end, we aren't selling you an address. We are opening a door with you to a calmer life… that starts with a home that resembles you.
Book your free real estate consultation today and take the first step toward the life you deserve.
Look for the license number on the project advertisement and verify it on the "Wafi" platform.
It does not exceed 5% of the unit's value and is deposited into the escrow account.
Yes, provided the project is licensed and your money is in a dedicated escrow account.
A 5% Real Estate Transaction Tax paid upon handover, with an exemption from VAT for the first home (for citizens).
Yes, the new regulation allows this gradually and under specific conditions.
Stay informed with expert-written articles and the latest trends in the real estate market.
August 27, 2026
Mortgage lending in Saudi Arabia operates inside a defined regulatory framework set by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), with each lender layering its own credit policy on top. The practical consequence is that eligibility, and the amount you can borrow, are not a verdict handed down at the branch. They are figures you can work out in advance.
That matters, because most property purchases in Riyadh today are financed over fifteen years or more, and the size of the financing available is what sets the range you can realistically shop in, not the other way round.
Real estate financing is an amount advanced by a bank or a finance company licensed by SAMA to buy a residential property, repaid in monthly instalments that typically run from fifteen to thirty years. The property is registered as security in the lender’s favour until the balance is settled in full.
One point of terminology worth clearing up early: in the Saudi market, "home loan," "mortgage" and "real estate financing" all describe the same thing. The meaningful difference is structural, most products offered in the Kingdom are built on Sharia-compliant contracts rather than interest-bearing lending, which is why you will see profit rates quoted rather than interest rates.
The contract structure varies between lenders. Three are common:
The difference between these is not just nomenclature. It affects when title passes to you, how early settlement is treated, and how insurance is handled. Ask which structure applies to your offer before you sign, not after.
Requirements are broadly consistent across lenders in the Kingdom; what varies are the thresholds:
Four of these decide the outcome more than the rest. They are worth taking in turn.
A complete, internally consistent file shortens the assessment and reduces the chance of rejection. Most lenders ask for:
Check that the details match across documents. A salary figure or employer name that reads differently on the salary certificate than on the bank statement is a routine cause of delay.
The Sakani programme, delivered with the Real Estate Development Fund (REDF), provides support to eligible Saudi nationals, including coverage of part of the profit margin up to a defined financing ceiling. General eligibility conditions:
The financing track adds further conditions: a minimum monthly income, a defined age band, the property being your first home, and an acceptable credit standing.
One point that is regularly missed: eligibility is determined through the Sakani platform, not by the bank. You can meet a lender’s commercial criteria and still fall outside the support criteria, or the reverse. Figures and ceilings are revised periodically, so use the official eligibility calculator rather than numbers quoted second-hand.
Financing is available to non-Saudis, on more conservative terms:
The wider ownership picture changed in 2026. Royal Decree M/14 took effect on 22 January 2026, consolidating non-Saudi property ownership under a single framework, and the Council of Ministers approved the executive regulations and the designated geographic zones in June 2026. Those zones include Riyadh. Because the rules are recent and documentation is still being published, confirm the current position before committing funds.
There is no single best lender, because the right one depends on your employment sector, where your salary is paid, and the type of property. The market offers three categories of provider:
Rather than looking for a ranking, compare offers on five points:
Because pricing and promotions shift, request written offers from more than one provider and compare them on the same day. That is the most reliable way to identify the best option for your particular position.
Most rejections come down to causes you can address before you apply:
A rejection is rarely final. Ask for the reason in writing — it tells you precisely what to fix before the next attempt.
Termination is governed by the terms of your contract and by SAMA regulation. Three situations account for most cases:
Termination is not the same as refinancing. Refinancing moves your existing facility to another provider on better terms while the obligation continues; termination ends the contractual relationship. Read the early settlement clause and its associated fees before you sign, and if you cannot reach a resolution with your lender, a complaint can be raised through SAMA’s official channels.
Mortgage requirements in Saudi Arabia are transparent and verifiable in advance, and the most common mistake is searching for a property before establishing borrowing capacity. The productive order is the reverse: calculate your debt burden ratio, review your SIMAH record, check your eligibility on Sakani, then search within the range that is actually open to you.
Once you're ready, speak with the Mada Properties team for expert guidance based on current market insights.
On a SAR 8,000 salary with no existing commitments, the maximum monthly instalment could reach roughly SAR 4,400 at a 55% debt burden ratio. The corresponding financing amount depends on the repayment term and profit rate offered, which is why the result differs between lenders.
Yes, on more conservative terms — a higher down payment and a repayment term tied to your iqama and employment contract. Sakani and REDF support is not available to non-citizens. Ownership itself now falls under Royal Decree M/14, in force since 22 January 2026, within designated zones that include Riyadh.
Indicative limits run between 55% and 65% of monthly income depending on borrower category and lender policy, and all existing commitments count towards it. Check SAMA’s responsible lending principles for the current position, as they are updated periodically.
SAMA raised the maximum loan-to-value ratio on a first home for Saudi citizens to 90%, putting the minimum down payment at 10%. It falls further on subsidised tracks for properties below a defined value ceiling.
Most products offered in the Kingdom are structured on Sharia-compliant contracts — commonly Murabaha or Ijara Muntahia Bittamleek — rather than interest-bearing lending, which is why lenders quote a profit rate rather than an interest rate.
August 27, 2026
Riyadh Metro has changed how the capital’s property market is priced. Distance to the nearest station now sits alongside district and unit size in what buyers weigh, and the effect is already measurable: within a single district, homes near stations have grown in value at a different rate from those on its outer edges.
The station itself does not create value. Three mechanisms do.
A King Saud University study of the KAFD station recorded a 15 to 30 percent rise in vertical residential density, alongside a shift toward mixed-use.
Knight Frank’s 2025 analysis identified what it called a metro premium, comparing price growth near stations with growth in the same district’s outer areas.
Source: Knight Frank, 2025 (Q2 2023 – Q2 2025).
The same research estimates that 1.5 million of Riyadh’s 8.3 million residents live within a 15-minute walk of a station. King Saud University puts the uplift at 10 to 25 percent in market and rental value within 400 to 800 metres. The pattern is consistent: the gap widens in districts that were poorly connected before the metro, and narrows in established ones.
Dubai is the closest comparable market. Its metro has run since 2009, and its transaction data has been studied academically. The findings are less uniform than the headlines suggest.
JLL puts the walking-distance premium at between 5 and more than 25 percent, with high-density communities gaining far more than villa communities. The lesson for Riyadh: proximity pays, but sitting on top of a station does not.
CBRE recorded a premium of around 20 percent on homes near Elizabeth Line stations — and it materialised after the project was approved, well before services began in 2022. Over a longer window, prices near stations rose 80 percent between 2008 and 2023 against 74 percent in the surrounding areas: a net premium of six percentage points.
The takeaway is about timing. Most of the gain lands between announcement and opening, not after. That puts announced Riyadh Metro extensions, including the Red Line expansion toward Diriyah, in the window investors are watching now.
The districts that gain the most share three traits: density with room to grow, proximity to employment hubs, and weak connectivity before the metro.
Low-density villa communities gain less, since residents there still commute by car. Sitting on a metro line is not enough on its own — what matters is genuine walking distance to a station.
Evidence from comparable markets points one way: the metro effect is stronger on commercial property. Stations generate concentrated daily footfall, which serves retail and offices far more directly than a residential unit. That shows up in three places.
Residential remains less volatile and easier to exit. There, the metro effect shows as faster letting and firmer rents rather than a sharp price jump.
Expo 2030 will run on a six-million-square-metre site north of the capital, next to King Salman International Airport, with more than 40 million visits expected. Expo 2030 Riyadh Company estimates a GDP contribution of around SAR 241 billion during construction and roughly 171,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Both forces push the same way. Metro access determines how easily a district is reached; Expo determines how many people need to reach it. North Riyadh corridors close to both carry the strongest case. The usual caution applies to any event-led cycle: judge an asset on net yield and clear title, not projected price.
Riyadh continues to grow on the back of Vision 2030 and Expo 2030, and demand has followed into districts served by the network. Currently available through Mada Properties:
The Riyadh Metro effect on property values is real, but selective. It widens in mid-priced districts, narrows in established ones, and favours commercial over residential. Most of the growth arrives before a line opens, which makes timing the decisive variable.
Speak to the Mada Properties team for a recommendation built on market data rather than assumptions.
August 27, 2026
Milan hosted Expo 2015 for just six months. A decade later, the effect is still visible in its property prices and transaction volumes. For anyone watching Riyadh prepare for Expo 2030, that makes Milan worth a closer look.
Here is what happened in the Milan market before and after the event, and what Saudi investors can take from it.
Milan entered its hosting period still recovering from the 2008 crisis, with home prices around 30% below pre-crisis levels. Momentum built as the event approached: residential sales rose roughly 6.8%, and the city climbed from 24th to 12th in PwC's European city attractiveness ranking.
The fairground, northwest of the city in the Rho-Pero area, later became the Milan Innovation District, home to a hospital, research centres, a university campus and housing. Neighbouring areas felt it directly: in Cascina Merlata, beside the site, the average price per square metre rose from EUR 2,776 to EUR 3,993, up 44%, with transactions up 78%.
Activity moved before prices did. Between 2015 and 2021, residential transactions rose 48.2%, retail sales 60.5%, and offices jumped 179.7%. Rents in the city centre climbed around 40%. Prices rose 30% to 40% overall from 2015, and by 2022 sales volumes were double their pre-Expo level, with selling times halved.
Riyadh will host Expo 2030 in the north of the city, where the supporting infrastructure is already under construction. The early-entry window here is shorter than Milan's was.
A global event does not lift a market evenly. It lifts the locations the new infrastructure actually serves, which is where a professional broker earns their place.
At Mada Properties we track where value is forming and recommend accordingly. Let's talk about north Riyadh.