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Apartments, villas, and projects for sale in Medina with freehold conditions for non-Saudi Muslims and approved zones for 2026. Know your eligibility before buying with Imtilak Global consultants.
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AlMabaouth, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Al Madinah Al Munawwarah maintains continuous real estate demand from its residents, visitors, and investors. However, purchasing property here is subject to rules that differ from Riyadh and Jeddah. Individual freehold ownership for non-Saudis in Al Madinah is limited to Muslims, and it is required that the property be located within a geographical zone approved by a Cabinet resolution. Therefore, the correct purchase decision begins with two questions before price and area: Do you meet the eligibility criteria? And is the property offered located within an allowable ownership zone? This page gathers everything you need to know about Al Madinah's market in 2026, from ownership conditions and approved zones to property types, projects, and buying steps, within our most comprehensive guide on Properties for Sale in Saudi Arabia.
Who Has the Right to Purchase Property in Al Madinah?
Ownership eligibility in Al Madinah varies according to the buyer's status, which is the first matter to resolve before searching for any property. The categories can be summarized as follows:
Saudi Citizen: Has the right to full ownership in all neighborhoods of the city without additional restrictions.
Citizens of the GCC Countries: Own property according to the special systems for GCC citizens; it is recommended to verify their status before purchasing.
Non-Saudi Muslim Individual: Has the right to own whether residing inside or outside the Kingdom, provided the property is within one of the approved geographical zones.
Non-Muslim Individual: Does not have direct ownership rights in Al Madinah, but indirect investment paths are available through listed companies and investment funds.
Companies: Follow an independent path differing from individuals, depending on the type and purpose of ownership.
For details on each category and alternative paths for non-Muslims, refer to our detailed guide on Foreign Ownership of Property in Al Madinah.
What Are the Approved Geographic Zones for Non-Saudis to Own Property in Al Madinah?
In June 2026, the Cabinet approved the geographic zones document under the non-Saudi property ownership system. The document specifies certain zones and projects in Al Madinah where ownership is permitted. The most prominent approved zones currently are:
Ru’a Al Madinah (Visions of Al Madinah)
Knowledge Economic City
Mushrif
Al Ghurrah
Diyar Al Maqar
Al Mahwa
Dar Al Hijrah
Downtown Al Madinah
These zones concentrate in major integrated development projects and can be modified or expanded in the future by Cabinet decision. Since the property’s location inside the zone is a non-exempt condition, it is essential to verify each property’s status via the Saudi Properties Portal before making any payment.
What Types of Properties Are Available for Sale in Al Madinah?
The real estate offerings in Al Madinah vary between residential, hotel, and commercial types, each differing in purpose and target audience. Below are the main types and their characteristics.
Residential Apartments
Apartments represent the largest segment in Al Madinah’s market and suit those seeking permanent residence or entry-price properties more affordable than villas. New apartments within the approved zones are mostly available in integrated complexes. Explore options on the Apartments for Sale in Al Madinah page, or the Apartments for Sale Near the Haram in Al Madinah page if proximity to the Prophet's Mosque is your priority.
Hotel and Serviced Apartments
Hotel apartments in Al Madinah are linked to visitor traffic year-round and are usually managed by hotel operators who handle renting and maintenance. This type suits investors who do not reside in the city and want a property managed on their behalf. It is necessary to review the management contract and income distribution mechanisms before buying. Browse available properties on the Hotel Apartments for Sale page.
Villas and Townhouses
Villas and townhouses offer larger spaces and higher privacy, suited for families seeking long-term residence. Villa selection in Al Madinah depends more on location relative to ring roads and educational and health services than direct proximity to the Haram. See available projects on the Villas for Sale in Al Madinah page.
Commercial Properties
This category includes shops, offices, and commercial units within mixed-use projects. Their performance depends on surrounding traffic density and is assessed based on existing lease contracts and allowed activities at the site. View options on the Commercial Properties for Sale page.
Key Real Estate Projects in Al Madinah Within Approved Zones
New projects available to non-Saudis are concentrated in major development plans managed by specialized companies. They include residential, hospitality, commercial, and service facilities in one location. Below are the most notable projects.
The Al Alya Project in the Knowledge Economic City
The Al Alya Project is located within the Knowledge Economic City plan, one of the zones approved for non-Saudi ownership. It is developed by the Knowledge Economic City Company listed on the Saudi stock market. The project includes 1,082 residential units with various designs and sizes, along with 148 hotel rooms in the Hyatt Centric Hotel; 432 serviced hotel apartments by Hyatt House; and another 432 hotel apartments owned by Knowledge Economic City, with an investment value of approximately 2.6 billion SAR. It also includes offices, commercial centers, a mosque, a nursery, an international school, and green areas extending over about 70,000 square meters. It is notable for its proximity to Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport and the Haramain High-Speed Railway station.
Sales data reflect high demand for the project, as the company announced in July 2026 via Tadawul that its contractual sales exceeded 520 million SAR, in addition to bookings from non-Saudi clients amounting to over 547 million SAR.
How to Choose the Right Neighborhood or Location to Buy Property in Al Madinah?
Al Madinah’s locations vary in prices and demand nature. The correct choice depends primarily on your purchase objective. Before comparing locations, check the following factors:
Zone Status: If you are non-Saudi, only properties within an approved zone qualify; all other options, however tempting, are invalid.
Distance from the Prophet’s Mosque: Prices increase the closer the property is to the central area, along with higher rental demand linked to visitors.
Accessibility and Transportation: Proximity to the Haramain train station, airport, and ring roads raises property value for both residence and rental.
Purchase Purpose: Permanent family residence favors quiet neighborhoods near schools and hospitals, whereas rental investment favors locations with continuous activity.
What Factors Drive Real Estate Demand in Al Madinah?
Real estate demand in Al Madinah is based on two integrated sources: permanent residential demand from citizens and residents, and visitor and pilgrim demand ongoing throughout the year, peaking during seasons. This demand is supported by infrastructure expansion, foremost among them the Haramain High-Speed Railway and Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, alongside major development projects reshaping the central area and surrounding plans.
The opening of ownership to non-Saudi Muslims in 2026 introduced a new buyer segment to the market, as shown by the bookings from non-Saudi clients in approved projects. However, this demand is focused specifically within approved zones and does not necessarily affect neighborhoods outside them.
How to Read Property Prices in Al Madinah?
Property prices in Al Madinah are determined by clear factors, most notably distance from the Prophet’s Mosque, property type, its status as ready or off-plan, and shared services within the project. Properties within approved zones for non-Saudis carry an additional value related to a wider potential buyer base upon resale. Since prices vary from project to project and over time, the most accurate reference is the price of the specific unit at purchase, compared with the average real transactions in the area.
Is It Better to Buy Ready Property or Off-Plan in Al Madinah?
Ready property allows immediate residence or rental upon title transfer, and you can inspect the execution quality on site before payment. Off-plan properties usually come with staged payment plans and lower entry prices in exchange for waiting until delivery. In Saudi Arabia, off-plan sales require licensing through the Wafi platform of the Real Estate General Authority. Buyers’ payments are deposited in an escrow account, disbursed to the developer only according to completion stages. Details of this protection are available in the guide on The Off-Plan Sales System and Escrow Account.
What Are the Steps for a Non-Saudi Muslim to Purchase Property in Al Madinah?
The purchasing process for non-Saudis follows electronic regulatory steps, and failure to observe their sequence may delay or reject the transaction. The steps typically are as follows:
Eligibility Verification: Confirm that ownership conditions apply to you, including the Islam requirement in Al Madinah.
Zone Verification: Confirm that the property is located within an approved geographic zone and registered in the real estate registry.
Submitting Application: Submit the ownership application via the Saudi Properties Portal to obtain approval.
Payment: Complete the payment through approved electronic means, with a real estate transaction fee for non-Saudis of up to 5% of the property value.
Title Transfer: Electronic transfer and registration of ownership in the buyer’s name in the real estate registry.
For detailed explanation of conditions and fees across the Kingdom, see the page Foreign Ownership of Real Estate in Saudi Arabia.
What Payment and Installment Options Are Available When Buying Property in Al Madinah?
Payment options depend more on the property status than its location. Off-plan projects usually offer staged payments linked to construction phases, while ready properties are typically paid in full or through bank financing. Bank financing for non-Saudis depends on each bank's policy and the buyer's residence status, so it is advisable to consult the bank before making any reservation.
How Does امتلاك Global Help You Buy Property in Al Madinah?
The biggest obstacle in Al Madinah deals is not choosing the apartment or villa but discovering too late that the property is outside the approved zone or that the buyer does not meet eligibility criteria. Therefore, we begin with every client by determining the proper regulatory path for their case, then we present only projects confirmed to be within approved zones, such as the Al Alya Project in the Knowledge Economic City. We then accompany them in reviewing contracts, payment plans, and Saudi Properties Portal procedures up to completing ownership registration in their name. If you want to visit the project before any commitment, you can book a free property tour onsite or online with one of our consultants in Al Madinah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Living permanently in Madinah as a foreigner involves securing the appropriate visa or residency. Typically, this can be achieved by obtaining long-term employment, marrying a Saudi national, or conducting business investments in the region through companies like Imtilak Real Estate. It is crucial to adhere to all local immigration laws and regulations.