Riyadh Launches Real Estate Balance Platform to Provide Affordable Residential Land for Citizens

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has officially launched the Real Estate Balance Platform. This new digital service allows Saudi citizens to apply for residential land plots in the capital. This initiative comes as part of a broader government strategy led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to stabilize the property sector, improve housing affordability, and support the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals.

The move is expected to significantly impact Riyadh’s rapidly growing population by ensuring citizens gain fair access to residential land at affordable prices.

Crown Prince’s Vision for a Stable Property Market

Earlier this year, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the importance of balancing supply and demand in the real estate sector. Housing affordability has been a pressing issue in Saudi Arabia, particularly in Riyadh, where population growth, urban expansion, and increased demand have driven land prices upward.

By launching the Real Estate Balance Platform, the government aims to address this challenge head-on. The program intends to release a steady supply of residential plots every year, ensuring that middle-income families and younger citizens have a better opportunity to own property in the capital.

The RCRC has committed to making available between 10,000 and 40,000 land plots annually over the next five years, with prices capped at no more than SR 1,500 ($400) per square meter. This pricing strategy is intended to prevent speculative spikes in land value while keeping housing projects within reach of average citizens.

Who Can Apply?

The platform has set specific eligibility requirements to ensure fairness and that the program benefits those who genuinely need residential land. To qualify:

• Applicants must be Saudi citizens.

• They must be married or at least 25 years old.

• They should have lived in Riyadh for a minimum of three years.

• They must not own any other property in the Kingdom.

Applications will remain open until October 23, 2025, giving citizens ample time to prepare and submit their requests.

Rules for Successful Applicants

The RCRC has outlined strict guidelines for those who successfully obtain land through the platform. These conditions are designed to encourage genuine residential use rather than speculation:

1. Construction Deadline – Recipients are required to build on the land within 10 years of receiving it. If construction does not take place within this period, the land may be repossessed by the commission.

2. No Resale or Transfer – The land cannot be resold or transferred during the 10 years. The only exception is for mortgages used to finance construction, ensuring that the plots are used for actual housing development.

3. Single Application Channel – The RCRC stressed that the platform is the only official channel for submitting applications. Citizens are advised not to rely on intermediaries or unofficial sources.

These rules are intended to prevent land hoarding, speculation, and misuse of the program, ensuring that the land serves its purpose of providing affordable housing opportunities.

Application Process

Citizens interested in applying can access the platform through the official website tawazoun.rcrc.gov.sa. The process has been designed to be simple and transparent, minimizing bureaucracy and maximizing accessibility.

The steps include:

1. Registering with personal information to verify eligibility.

2. Submit proof of residency in Riyadh.

3. Confirming that no other property is owned in the Kingdom.

4. Completing the digital application before the October 23 deadline.

While registration on the platform is necessary, the commission emphasized that it does not guarantee allocation. Applicants will be carefully reviewed, and successful candidates will be notified through official channels.

Ensuring Transparency and Fairness

The RCRC has made it clear that all announcements and updates regarding the initiative will be issued only through its official communication channels. A dedicated call center has also been established to handle citizen inquiries and provide guidance on the application process.

This focus on transparency aims to eliminate the risk of fraud and protect citizens from falling victim to unofficial brokers or agents who may falsely claim to represent the program.

Why This Initiative Matters

The Real Estate Balance Platform is more than just a housing scheme—it reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating a fairer and more sustainable urban future. Several key factors highlight its importance:

1. Addressing Housing Demand – Riyadh is one of the fastest-growing cities in the region. As the capital continues to attract investments, businesses, and new residents, the demand for housing has surged. Providing land at controlled prices helps ensure supply keeps pace with demand.

2. Preventing Market Speculation – By capping prices and restricting resale for 10 years, the program discourages speculation, ensuring that land is used for residential purposes rather than profit-driven trade.

3. Supporting Vision 2030 Goals – Expanding housing ownership is a central pillar of Vision 2030. This initiative supports the Kingdom’s aim to raise homeownership rates among Saudi citizens to 70 percent by the end of the decade.

4. Boosting Construction and Economic Growth – With thousands of new residential plots expected to be developed, the program will create fresh demand for the construction industry, architects, contractors, and suppliers, contributing to economic diversification.

Broader Impact on Riyadh’s Development

Riyadh has been at the center of several transformative projects under Vision 2030, ranging from transport infrastructure and entertainment hubs to green spaces and smart city initiatives. The Real Estate Balance Platform fits into this vision by ensuring that affordable housing development keeps pace with the city’s overall growth.

Over the next five years, the release of up to 40,000 plots annually will reshape Riyadh’s residential landscape. Neighborhoods are expected to expand, infrastructure will grow, and new communities will emerge, giving citizens not only homes but also improved lifestyles with better access to services and amenities.

Deadline and Citizen Responsibility

The commission has set October 23, 2025, as the deadline for submitting applications. Citizens are encouraged to apply early and ensure that all required documents are prepared correctly.

For those who are successful, the responsibility lies in following the construction and usage rules. By adhering to the conditions, citizens will contribute to a more sustainable and balanced property sector that benefits the wider community.

Conclusion

The launch of Riyadh’s Real Estate Balance Platform represents a major step toward tackling one of the Kingdom’s most pressing challenges—housing affordability. By making land available at reasonable prices, setting fair eligibility criteria, and implementing clear usage rules, the initiative ensures that property ownership becomes more accessible to Saudi citizens.

With a clear vision guided by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the program promises not only to stabilize the property market but also to support Saudi Arabia’s long-term urban development goals under Vision 2030.