Saudi Arabia has introduced a new land ownership framework to boost investment in the housing sector and expand opportunities for home ownership across the Kingdom.
The decision was approved during a Cabinet meeting held in Jeddah on Tuesday, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Under the new rules, investors will be allowed to develop residential projects through a partial land ownership system. The initiative is expected to give real estate developers greater flexibility while supporting the construction of integrated housing communities and attracting more investment into the property market.
Saudi authorities said the framework is part of broader efforts to modernise the Kingdom’s real estate sector, encourage greater private sector participation and improve access to housing in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The government has not yet announced when the new system will take effect or released detailed eligibility criteria for developers and buyers.
On the other hand, overseas Pakistanis can now complete property registration in Punjab without travelling to Pakistan after the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA), in collaboration with the Board of Revenue Punjab, successfully carried out the province’s first fully digital land registration through the Pakistan High Commission in London.
The milestone transaction involved a Pakistani citizen living in London who transferred ownership of land in Dina, Punjab, to a buyer in Pakistan. The seller’s statement was recorded remotely through a secure digital link, while the entire registration process was completed electronically in line with official legal procedures.
The new digital registration system is aimed at making property buying, selling and transfer faster, more transparent and secure for overseas Pakistanis, eliminating the need to visit Pakistan for legal formalities. Officials say the initiative will also help reduce costs, save time and minimise legal complications.
PLRA Director General Ikram-ul-Haq described the successful registration as a major step towards strengthening the confidence of overseas Pakistanis and improving transparency in land transactions. He said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to providing international-standard public services through technology and promoting efficient, citizen-friendly governance.
According to the PLRA, the service is currently available for Pakistanis residing in the United Kingdom. Authorities plan to extend the facility to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates within the next 30 days through continued collaboration between the Punjab Land Records Authority and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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