Saudi Real Estate Deals Drop 41% to SAR 235.2 Billion in 9 Months

The value of real estate sales transactions in Saudi Arabia reached approximately SAR 235.2 billion ($62.7 billion) in the first nine months of 2026, compared to SAR 399.6 billion in the same period of 2025, a year-on-year decrease of 41 percent, according to an analysis by Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper based on data from the Real Estate General Authority.

The number of transactions fell to around 194.9 thousand from 250.7 thousand, down 22.3 percent, while the third quarter recorded the highest quarterly value since the beginning of the year at SAR 87.7 billion across about 71.2 thousand transactions.

Compared to the third quarter of 2025, which recorded SAR 107.5 billion and 77.6 thousand transactions, the annual decline in value narrowed to 18.4 percent, and the number of transactions decreased by only 8.3 percent. The value rose from SAR 71.9 billion in the first quarter to SAR 75.6 billion in the second, then to SAR 87.7 billion in the third.

Real estate expert Ahmed Al-Faqih attributed the improvement to the market absorbing real estate balance decisions since last year and the gradual return of confidence, as well as the entry into force of the Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law on January 22, 2026, in addition to what he considered a reflection of the stability of the Saudi market compared to neighboring markets during geopolitical tensions. The average transaction value stood at SAR 1.21 million compared to SAR 1.59 million a year earlier, a decline of 24 percent.

What Do These Terms Mean?

Real Estate Balance Decisions: Regulatory measures aimed at balancing supply and demand in the real estate market and curbing rapid price increases.

Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law: Legislation that allows non-Saudis to own real estate in the Kingdom under specific regulations.

Average Transaction Value: The total value of transactions divided by their number, used to measure price changes in traded real estate.