JEDDAH: In a significant move to broaden access to homeownership, Saudi Arabia has reduced the minimum age for housing support eligibility from 25 to 20.
The policy shift is designed to accelerate homeownership among younger citizens and aligns with the Kingdom’s broader economic and social development goals.
A decision to this effect was approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday. The Council of Ministers also approved several decisions to boost homeownership in the Kingdom.
Commenting on the Cabinet’s decision in a post on social media platform X, Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail expressed his gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for endorsing the changes.
“This step will contribute to enabling more families to benefit from diverse housing and financing options, in line with the goals of the Housing Program and Saudi Vision 2030 to raise the homeownership rate to 70 percent,” the minister said.
The reform marks a continued commitment by Saudi Arabia to expand the reach and impact of the Saudi Housing Program, or Sakani, a key initiative driving social welfare and economic growth. The program was recently lauded by the International Monetary Fund in its September Article IV Consultation report, which cited notable accomplishments including a rise in the homeownership rate to approximately 64 percent, a 90 percent satisfaction rate among beneficiaries, and a wide variety of housing options.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, Al-Hogail stated: “The move reflects the leadership’s continued commitment to strengthening the Kingdom’s housing sector and enabling more citizens to own their first homes with ease and flexibility.”
He added that the updated regulations would offer a wider array of options tailored to the needs of different Saudi households.
One of the landmark reforms includes removing the financial dependency requirement previously applied to wives and divorced mothers, ensuring equal access to housing support regardless of gender.
The eligibility period for divorced women has been also revised, with details to be clarified in forthcoming implementing regulations. Previously, divorced mothers were subject to a two-year waiting period before qualifying for support.
Another notable change reduces the mandatory holding period for housing support assets—from 10 years to five—allowing beneficiaries to transfer or sell their supported assets more quickly. This is intended to provide greater flexibility and reflect the changing economic and social landscape of Saudi families.
The amendments also include enhanced accountability measures. Stricter penalties have been introduced for submitting false information, and authorities will now be able to reclaim any type of housing subsidy—including financial aid, residential units, or land—if an applicant is found to have provided misleading data.
Citizens will be able to apply under the new criteria once regulatory procedures are finalized and officially announced.
