The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has released draft regulations for stricter penalties and higher fines for owners of undeveloped land and vacant properties. This is part of broader efforts to expand housing supply and curb land speculation across the Kingdom.
The proposed framework falls under the White Land and Vacant Properties Fees system. It is open for public consultation via the government’s Istitlaa platform. According to the ministry, stakeholders and citizens can submit feedback until January 11, 2026.
In Saudi Arabia, “white land” refers to vacant plots designated for residential or mixed residential-commercial use. These plots are within officially defined urban boundaries. These areas are identified through approved urban planning maps that outline different phases of city development.
طرحت @saudimomrah مشروع (لائحة المخالفات والغرامات المترتبة على مخالفة نظام رسوم الأراضي البيضاء والعقارات الشاغرة) عبر منصة #استطلاع؛ بهدف حماية المنافسة العادلة، ومكافحة الممارسات الاحتكارية في القطاع، وتستقبل المنصة المرئيات والمقترحات على المشروع حتى تاريخ 11 يناير 2026م.… pic.twitter.com/W0pYxEPP1n
— المركز الوطني للتنافسية (@KSANCC) December 25, 2025Under the draft rules, authorities have outlined violations and penalties. These are intended to discourage landowners from holding prime urban land as passive investments. Instead, the policy aims to encourage owners to develop properties promptly that contribute to the housing market.
In an official statement, the ministry said the proposed measures are intended to strengthen compliance with the White Land and Vacant Properties Fees Law. They enhance the effectiveness of the fee structure and increase the supply of developed land and housing units. The regulations are also designed to balance supply and demand, promote fair competition, and counter monopolistic practices within the real estate sector.
منها فوترة رسوم الأراضي البيضاء وتملك الأجانب.. قرارات مهمة تدخل حيّز التنفيذ بدءًا من يناير 2026#معكم_باللحظة https://t.co/5mgHeuS38y pic.twitter.com/2UIwyA1lF3
— أخبار 24 (@Akhbaar24) December 27, 2025The policy direction sends a clear signal to the market: undeveloped land within city limits is no longer expected to remain idle. By tightening enforcement and imposing stronger financial penalties, the government aims to ensure urban land is used productively. This supports Saudi Arabia’s long-term housing and development goals.
