The best residential projects in Saudi Arabia

In 2026, Saudi Arabia witnessed a clear transformation in the residential project market after the implementation of the non-Saudi ownership system and the expansion of major developers in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the two holy cities. With the abundance of available projects, the question is no longer just "Where should I buy?" but rather, which project suits your goal: family residence, rental income, or long-term capital growth? This guide presents the most prominent current residential projects, classified by city, with a practical comparison between the developer, location, sizes, and delivery date to save you the initial research phase.

What are the criteria for choosing the best residential project in Saudi Arabia?

The best project is not the most expensive or the most famous, but the one that meets six basic criteria before any discussion of price. We rely on these criteria in selecting the projects listed in this guide:

• Developer Record: Previous projects delivered and commitment to delivery dates.

• Licensing: Off-plan sales license via the Wafi platform and a separate escrow account for payments.

• Location: Proximity to main roads, metro, and business centers, as it determines rental demand and ease of resale.

• Ownership Eligibility: The project must be within approved geographic zones if the buyer is non-Saudi.

• Delivery Date: Determines when usage or rental income begins.

• Payment Plan: Percentage of the down payment and whether installments are linked to construction phases or a monthly schedule.

What are the best residential projects in Riyadh?

Riyadh holds the largest share of new projects, driven by the relocation of regional headquarters of global companies and preparations for Expo 2030. The following projects are distributed between the north and city center, with options ranging from studios to family villas:

Neptune Project by Dar Global - Sidra District

Neptune Project offers family villas in Sidra, north of Riyadh, with areas starting from 300 sqm, five bedrooms, and five bathrooms. The community includes a swimming pool, health club, mosque, and 24-hour security. The project is about 15 km from King Khalid International Airport and near Princess Nourah University and King Abdullah Financial District. Expected delivery is Q4 2027, with a 20% down payment and installments linked to construction milestones.

Sky Tower - Hyatt Regency Private Residences - Al Olaya District

Sky Tower consists of 35 floors on King Fahd Road opposite King Fahd National Library, with a design inspired by Salmani architecture and managed by the Hyatt Regency brand. Units range from studios of 41 sqm to three-bedroom apartments and penthouses of 212 sqm. Every ten floors have a service floor with pools and gyms. Its location in the heart of the business district makes it suitable for targeting professional and executive tenants. Expected delivery is Q1 2028.

Sahafa Tower by Al Mashari Al Oula - Al Sahafa District

Sahafa Tower is located in north Riyadh, 450 meters from the metro station and minutes from King Abdullah Financial District, which significantly impacts rental demand. It includes apartments from 96 sqm and duplexes up to 205 sqm, with a gym, swimming pool, and smart security systems.

Osus Eye Project - Al Nada District

Osus Eye Project is a mixed-use development on an area of 103,104 sqm, combining residential apartments, offices, hotels, and commercial spaces. Its towers are connected by suspended bridges. Apartment sizes range from 75 to 158 sqm with views of gardens or the pool. The location provides access to the airport road, King Salman Park, and Expo 2030 site, making it suitable for those seeking housing in an integrated urban community.

Najd Projects Series by Reportage - Najd 4, 5, and 7

Reportage offers several projects within the Najd Projects Series in Riyadh with long-term monthly payment plans, making them ideal for those seeking a low entry price and comfortable payment. The three projects differ in unit type and location:

• Najd 4: Apartments suitable for individuals and small families, near Al Thumama Road, with a low down payment and monthly installments until delivery in Q2 2028.

• Najd 5 Al Janadriyah: 126 units including one-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom duplexes, fully finished with air conditioning in a gated community, with a down payment starting from 10% and 1% monthly installments. Delivery is in Q3 2028.

• Najd 7 Al Arid: Fully finished townhouses in a gated community with a pool and gardens, with payment plans starting from 10% and higher discounts for larger down payments. Delivery is in Q4 2029.

What are the best residential projects in Jeddah?

Jeddah combines residential and tourist demand on its waterfront, and its approved zones for foreign ownership include the largest number of development areas among the four cities. Two projects by Dar Global stand out with a global brand:

Trump Tower Jeddah - Al Shati District

Trump Tower Jeddah is a luxury residential tower on the Red Sea coast with apartments from one to four bedrooms starting from 70 sqm, and penthouses up to 365 sqm with sea views. It includes a fitness center, spa, swimming pools, and smart home systems, and is 19 km from King Abdulaziz International Airport. Expected delivery is Q4 2029, with a 20% down payment and installments linked to construction milestones.

Trump Plaza Jeddah - Al Muhammadiyah District

Trump Plaza Jeddah Project offers modern apartments in Al Muhammadiyah, near Red Sea Mall and the northern corniche, with areas starting from 71 sqm suitable for individuals and small families. It provides a swimming pool, spa, gym, and children's areas, making it suitable for long-term investors as expected delivery extends to Q4 2030.

What are the best residential projects in Makkah and Madinah?

Projects in the two holy cities rely on continuous hospitality demand from pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors throughout the year. Non-Saudi ownership is limited to Muslim individuals within specific zones, a condition that must be verified before any booking:

Thakher Novotel Hotel Makkah Rayaa Thakher Project

Thakher Novotel Hotel Makkah Project offers ready hotel apartments in Rayaa Thakher, minutes from the Grand Mosque, within a hotel that includes 1,461 rooms and suites managed by Accor Group standards. Apartments consist of two bedrooms and a lounge with areas between 89 and 108 sqm, with a 10% discount for cash payment or up to 18 months installment with a 5% discount. As it is ready, it suits those seeking hotel income without waiting for construction.

Al Alia Project, Knowledge Economic City - Al Mabouth District

Al Alia Project is an integrated community on an area of 266,000 sqm, 5 km from the Prophet's Mosque. It includes 1,010 residential units, 480 hotel units, and a Hyatt Centric hotel, with about 70,000 sqm of green spaces. It is located near the largest shopping center in Madinah and offers a flexible payment plan suitable for both family living and hotel investment. The following table summarizes the main differences between the most prominent residential projects in Saudi Arabia to make comparison easier. Prices are approximate and vary by unit, floor, view, and availability:

Which residential project suits you according to your goal?

The most suitable project is determined by your purchase goal before your budget, as the ideal project for family living may not be the best for rental income. The following comparison helps narrow down your options:

If your goal is rental income in Riyadh, calculate the return based on current rent, as residential property rents in the city have been frozen for five years since September 2025.

What should you check before booking in a residential project?

The current regulations provide you with clear tools to protect your payments, provided you verify them yourself before signing. The most important points are:

• Wafi License: Ensure the project is licensed for off-plan sales and that your payments are deposited in an escrow account.

• Ownership Eligibility: If you are not Saudi, check that the unit is within the approved zone.

• Total Costs: Real estate transaction tax 5%, non-Saudi ownership fee up to 5%, and annual maintenance fees.

• Sales Contract: Review the delivery date, penalties for delay, and written finishing specifications.

How to confidently choose your residential project in Saudi Arabia?

Choosing the right project starts with a clear question about your goal, then by comparing the units actually available within each project, as price, view, and floor change from week to week. Imtilak Global consultants work daily with these projects, so we know the remaining units, compare current payment plans, and verify ownership eligibility for each unit before you commit to any payment. If you are outside the Kingdom, you can view the project through a virtual tour and receive a written comparison between the options closest to your goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best residential project in Saudi Arabia now?
There is no single best project for everyone, as the choice depends on your goal and budget. Neptune and Najd 7 are for family living, Sky Tower and Sahafa Tower for rental income, and Thakher and Al Alia for hotel investment near the Two Holy Mosques.

Can foreigners buy in these projects?
They can if the unit is within the approved geographic zones for non-Saudi ownership. In Makkah and Madinah, ownership is available only to Muslim individuals within specific zones.

Which project is best for those seeking a low entry price?
The Najd Projects Series by Reportage allows starting with a 10% down payment and monthly installments of 1%. Osus Eye starts from about 1.41 million SAR.

Are ready projects better than off-plan projects?
Ready projects provide immediate income or housing, while off-plan projects offer better prices and payment plans in exchange for waiting until delivery. Among the ready projects in this guide is Thakher Novotel in Makkah.

How can I make sure the project is safe before booking?
Check the project license on the Wafi platform, the existence of an escrow account for payments, and the developer's record in previous deliveries.