Saudi Arabia blocks white-land title transfers without fee payment
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing approved rules for land subject to white-land fees, barring transfers without proof of payment, with exceptions.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Municipalities and Housing approved new rules for real estate transactions on land subject to white-land fees, implementing Cabinet Decision No. 263.
Under the rules, title transfers for this land will not be registered without proof that the due fees have been paid.
The ministry set exceptions including in-kind contributions to real estate investment funds, inheritance divisions and sales to buyers committed to developing the land.
The exceptions also include transfers ordered by court rulings, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
What do these terms mean?
White land: Land designated for construction inside the urban area that has not yet been developed, and is subject to annual fees.
Title transfer: Registering the transfer of a property's ownership from seller to buyer in official records.
Real estate investment funds: Funds that pool investor money to buy and operate property assets and distribute their returns.
Cabinet decision: An official decision issued by the government that sets binding rules for agencies and individuals.
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