Saudi Rental Market 2026: The Numbers and What They Mean
Saudi Arabia registered over 281,000 residential rental contracts in January 2026, 17% more than a year earlier, says REGA. What that means for tenants.
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The numbers are in.
According to REGA’s monthly bulletin for January 2026 (in Arabic), Saudi Arabia recorded 281,042 residential rental contracts that month, 17% more than in January 2025. Non-residential rental contracts rose even faster, up 23%.
At the same time, residential property sales fell 38% year on year, to 20,026 deals. The average apartment sale was worth 7% less than a year earlier, and the average villa sale 22% less.
What does this mean? People are choosing flexibility. And the market is shifting accordingly.
Riyadh continues to lead.
Riyadh region accounted for 32% of all rental deals nationally, residential and commercial, with 135,556 in January alone. Makkah region followed at 27%, and the Eastern Province at nearly 17% (same bulletin).
Rental ads recorded by REGA rose 30% year on year, to 20,557, a sign of more landlords putting homes on the market.
Why renting makes sense right now.
With average sale values down and rental contracts up, more residents, from young professionals to families to expats, are recognizing that renting offers something ownership can’t: flexibility.
The ability to move for a better opportunity. To adjust your living situation as your life changes. To not tie up your savings in a single asset.
This is what Ejari was built for.
We pay your landlord upfront for the full year. You pay us monthly. No lump sums. No stress. Transparent fees, Sharia-compliant terms, and an instant digital experience.
With more than 281,000 residential leases documented in a single month, the shift is clear: Saudi Arabia is renting smarter. And Ejari is here to make that easier.
Ready to rent your way?
Get your instant quote at ejari.sa or download the app.
