How expats in KSA can start investing in real estate

Your rent is proof you can afford to invest. Let’s make it work for you.

Every month, thousands of riyals disappear into rent. That money builds someone else’s future, not yours.

If you’re an expat in Saudi Arabia, that story probably sounds familiar. You’re earning well, contributing to the Kingdom’s growth, but stuck in a cycle that doesn’t deliver anything back. Ownership feels out of reach.

Not anymore. Learn more on the Stake app.

The old reality? Locked out

For years, expats were sidelined from Saudi’s real estate market. Strict rules. High minimums. Complex structures.

The result? Millions spent on rent over a typical assignment, with nothing to show for it.

The Saudi market is opening

Saudi’s real estate landscape is changing. With new regulations and fintech platforms like Stake, expats can now invest from just SAR 500.

You get:

• Access to professionally managed real estate funds
• Options that are Shariah-compliant
• Fractional ownership without the hassle
• Liquidity through structured exit strategies

Why expats are positioned to invest

You might feel behind, but here’s why you’re not:

On-the-ground insight: You live where you invest. You see the growth, the cranes, the energy.

Dual perspective: You understand global investment principles and the local market. That’s rare.

Career flexibility: Unlike tourists or offshore investors, you’ve got time to research, test and scale.

Real network: Expat WhatsApp groups and LinkedIn forums are goldmines for shared experience and verified platforms.

3 investment plays that work for expats

1. Replace rent with rental income

Match what you spend on rent with passive income from real estate. If you grow your investment, you could eventually receive as much as you pay in rent.

2. Build wealth that moves with you

Invest in liquid funds you can maintain remotely. No agents. No maintenance calls. No local presence needed.

Perfect if you’ll rotate cities or countries every few years.

3. Ride Vision 2030

Tap into Saudi’s appetite for growth. These institutional-grade funds offer higher returns and are suited for long-term expats ready to bet on the Kingdom’s transformation.

Roadmap to getting started

Week 1:

• Calculate your rent and set an investment goal
• Explore Stake (regulated by the CMA, Shariah-compliant)
• Join an expat investor group

Week 2:

• Attend a webinar or learn on Stake’s Content Hub
• Review options based on return profiles and exit terms
• Understand the market and risks

Week 3:

• Start investing, you can start with SAR 500
• Choose a strategy: income, growth or a mix
• Track performance inside the app

Mistakes to avoid

Waiting for perfect timing

Emerging markets rarely offer complete clarity. Learn by doing. Time in the market beats timing the market.

Copy-pasting from your home market

Saudi has different drivers. Evaluate opportunities on their own terms.

Going all-in

Start. Diversify. Stay agile.

Ignoring exits

Property funds are long-term investments. Understand exit terms before you commit.

Your move

If you can pay rent, you can invest.

If you’ve got questions, we have answers.

If you’ve waited, now’s your time.

It only takes SAR 500 to get started. Try Stake today.

All Investments carry risks. Stake Funds is regulated by the CMA as a Fund Distributor in KSA.