New idle land regulations come into effect

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing approved and enacted the executive regulations for white land fees, setting the levy at up to 10% of the land’s value, in line with urban development priorities.

The rules apply to all vacant land within approved urban boundaries, with the minister determining eligible land uses for each city while they cover individual plots of 5,000 square meters or more, or combined holdings of that size within a single city.

Minister Majed Al-Hogail said the framework targets improved market efficiency, faster urban development, higher supply, balanced demand, and greater homeownership opportunities for citizens.