Introduction: Your Property Ownership Starts Here May Allah make your path easy if you're about to buy or sell a property. We know that property transfer and ownership registration can seem complex at first glance, especially with the major digital transformation Saudi Arabia has witnessed in recent years. But the truth is, things have become much easier than you might imagine. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every step of real estate ownership transfer in Saudi Arabia for 2026. We'll explain when to use the Real Estate Exchange and when to use the Property Registry, the difference between them, and how to complete your transaction from home in minutes instead of waiting hours at notary offices. Whether you're buying land for the first time, selling an apartment, or transferring ownership of a villa, this article is your ultimate reference. Save it and share it with anyone considering a real estate transaction. First: What Is Property Transfer (Ifraagh)? Property transfer, or "Ifraagh" in Arabic, is simply the legal process through which ownership of a property is transferred from one person (the seller) to another (the buyer) in an official and documented manner. This process guarantees the rights of both parties and makes the ownership legally protected. In Saudi Arabia today (2026), you no longer need to visit a notary office and wait in lines. You can complete the transfer process electronically from anywhere in the world, around the clock, seven days a week, through two main platforms that we'll explain in detail. The Difference Between an Electronic Deed and a Property Registry Deed Before we begin, it's important to understand the difference between the two types of deeds. The electronic deed is an ownership document issued by the Ministry of Justice — the traditional deed everyone knows but in digital format. The Property Registry deed, on the other hand, is a comprehensive "identity" for the property that includes its precise geographic coordinates, rights, obligations, and any changes, giving it absolute legal authority after one year of registration. The type of deed determines which platform you'll use for the transfer: if you have a regular electronic deed, you'll use the Real Estate Exchange; if your property is registered in the Property Registry system, you'll use the Property Registry platform. Second: Transfer via the Real Estate Exchange (srem.moj.gov.sa) The Real Estate Exchange is a comprehensive digital platform launched by the Ministry of Justice for managing the Kingdom's real estate assets. The platform enables property trading (buying and selling) with ease, along with mortgage services, property splitting and merging, and deed updates. It is the primary choice for anyone with an electronic deed issued by the Ministry of Justice. Types of Transactions in the Real Estate Exchange The Real Estate Exchange offers three types of transactions based on your needs: Type One: Private Transaction (Sale to a Specific Buyer) This is the most common type. You use it when the seller and buyer have already agreed on the deal. For example: you've agreed with a landowner to purchase their land for a specific amount, and you want to complete the official transfer. Type Two: Open Transaction (Without a Specific Buyer) You use this type when you want to list your property for sale to everyone on the Real Estate Exchange. The property is displayed in the property listings, and any interested person can submit a purchase request. Type Three: Purchase Request If you're a buyer and found a property listed on the Real Estate Exchange that suits you, you can submit a purchase request directly through the platform. Steps for Transfer via Real Estate Exchange (Private Transaction - Sale) Here are the detailed steps to complete a private sale transaction between specific seller and buyer: Step One: Register the Real Estate Transaction Tax Before starting on the Real Estate Exchange, the seller must visit the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority website (zatca.gov.sa), select "Real Estate Transaction Tax" service, then "Register Real Estate Transaction." Enter the property details, buyer information, and transaction value. You'll receive a reference number needed later. Important note: At this stage, you don't need to pay the tax amount — just register the data and obtain the reference number. Step Two: Log into the Real Estate Exchange The seller logs into the Real Estate Exchange platform (srem.moj.gov.sa) using the National Single Sign-On (Nafath) account, then selects their capacity (on their own behalf or as an agent). Step Three: List the Transaction From the navigation bar at the top of the page, the seller selects "Transaction Services" then "List Transaction." A list of owned properties that comply with the Real Estate Exchange terms and conditions will appear. Step Four: Select Property and Transaction Type The seller selects the property to be sold from the list, reviews its details (plot number, plan number, area, property type, neighborhood, and ownership document details), then selects the transaction type "Private Transaction - Sale." Step Five: Enter Buyer and Transaction Details The seller enters the following information: The buyer's national ID number (multiple buyers can be added). Transfer percentages for each buyer if there are multiple buyers. The agreed transaction value. The seller's bank account number (IBAN). The real estate transaction tax reference number obtained in Step One. Step Six: Review and Confirm The seller reviews all transaction details, confirms their accuracy, acknowledges the undertaking, and confirms the request. The system automatically verifies the validity and ownership of bank accounts through the Saudi Central Bank. Step Seven: Buyer Approval The buyer receives a notification on their phone. The buyer logs into the Real Estate Exchange with their account, reviews the transaction details, and approves it. The transaction amount is then transferred to an intermediary account. Step Eight: Completing the Transfer After verifying the fund transfer, the deed is automatically transferred to the buyer's name, and the amount is transferred to the seller's account. Confirmation messages are sent to both parties. Transaction completed successfully! Steps for Listing a Property for Sale (Open Transaction) If you want to list your property for sale without a specific buyer, the steps are similar with a slight difference: after selecting the property, choose "Open Transaction (without a specific buyer)" instead of a private transaction. Enter the desired transaction value and IBAN. The property is displayed in the real estate listings for everyone. When a buyer submits a purchase request and the seller approves, the remaining procedures are completed as in a private transaction. Third: Transfer via the Property Registry (rer.sa) If your property is registered in the Real Estate Registration system (meaning it has received a "property number" and an ownership registration deed from the Property Registry), then the ownership transfer is done through the Property Registry electronic platform, not the Real Estate Exchange. What Is Real Estate Registration? The Real Estate Registration system is a modern system issued by royal decree, supervised by the General Authority for Real Estate. This system makes the property itself the core basis for ownership registration instead of the person. Each property registered receives a unique property number and an ownership registration deed that includes the property's data, precise geographic coordinates, condition, and associated rights and obligations. Is My Property Registered? Real estate registration is implemented gradually according to areas announced by the General Authority for Real Estate. In 2026, registration was announced for over 459,000 real estate parcels in Riyadh, Makkah, and Madinah regions, covering more than 200 neighborhoods. If your property is in an announced area and you've registered it, you use the Property Registry platform. You can inquire by calling 199002. Steps for Ownership Transfer via Property Registry Step One: Register the Real Estate Transaction Tax As with the Real Estate Exchange, you must first register the real estate transaction on the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority website and obtain the reference number. The tax must be paid if applicable and the reference number extracted before proceeding. Step Two: Log into the Property Registry Platform The property owner (seller) logs into the Property Registry platform (rer.sa) using the National Single Sign-On. Step Three: Select Ownership Transfer Service From the services menu, select "Ownership Transfer." This service allows transferring ownership of the registered property in whole or in part. Step Four: Enter Transaction Details Select the property to transfer, enter the buyer's details (ID number), type of transaction (sale, gift, or other), transaction value, tax reference number, and bank account number. Step Five: Buyer Approval and Transfer Completion The buyer receives a notification and logs into the platform to approve. After depositing the amount, the property record is updated and a new ownership deed is issued in the buyer's name. The transfer of funds to the seller's account may take three business days, including procedures for completing the ownership transfer and secure interconnection systems with relevant authorities. Basic Conditions for Ownership Transfer via Property Registry The national ID or residency must be valid and unconditional. The property must not have any rights, restrictions, or obligations such as mortgages or usufruct rights. Consent from all relevant owners and rights holders must be obtained. A valid power of attorney must exist if the applicant is an agent. Fourth: Real Estate Transaction Tax (5%) This topic concerns everyone approaching a property transaction. Let's explain it simply and in detail. What Is Real Estate Transaction Tax? It is a 5% tax imposed on the total property value for any real estate transaction that transfers ownership, whether it's a sale, gift, exchange, or otherwise. It is imposed regardless of the property's condition or type (land, apartment, villa, building), and whether the transaction is documented or not. Who Pays the Tax? The seller (the person disposing of the property) is legally obligated to pay the tax. However, both parties can agree that the buyer bears part or all of it, provided this is explicitly stated in the contract. How to Calculate the Tax? The calculation is simple: Property Value × 5% = Tax Amount. Example: If the land value is 500,000 SAR, the tax is 500,000 × 5% = 25,000 SAR. When Is the Tax Paid? The tax is paid before or during the property transfer process or contract documentation. The transfer cannot be completed without registering the real estate transaction with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority. First Home Exemption The government bears the real estate transaction tax for the citizen's first home, up to a maximum property value of one million SAR (i.e., maximum 50,000 SAR in tax). This exemption only includes existing residential units (villa, apartment, floor, duplex) and does not include land, self-construction, or investment buildings. To obtain the exemption, you must get a tax exemption certificate from the Sakani platform (sakani.sa) before completing the transaction. Other Tax Exemption Cases Other cases exempt from real estate transaction tax include: Gifts to spouse or relatives up to the third degree. Inheritance distribution among heirs and testamentary bequests. Ownership transfer to a government entity or registered charitable endowment. Temporary ownership transfer as collateral for financing. Presenting the property as an in-kind share in a company's capital under certain conditions. Fifth: General Conditions for Property Transfer Whether you're using the Real Estate Exchange or the Property Registry, there are basic conditions that must be met to complete the transfer process: Seller Conditions A valid electronic ownership deed linked to the national ID. The deed must be free from any suspensions or restrictions preventing disposal. No mortgage on the property (or obtaining mortgage release approval from the financing entity). Valid national ID. Active bank account (IBAN) linked to the ID. Buyer Conditions Valid national ID or residency. Active bank account (IBAN). Ability to transfer the transaction amount while considering daily transfer limits. Property Conditions The deed must be electronic (if paper-based, it must be updated first via Najiz or the Real Estate Exchange). The deed must comply with the terms and conditions of the platform used. The property must not be mortgaged or seized by judicial order. What If the Deed Is Paper-Based? You must first submit a deed update request through the Najiz portal to convert it to an electronic deed before starting the transfer process. The deed update service is also available through the Real Estate Exchange and processing typically takes no more than 10 days. Sixth: Required Documents Prepare the following documents before starting any transfer process: Basic Documents Valid national ID for both parties. Electronic ownership deed. Seller's bank account number (IBAN). Real estate transaction tax reference number. Additional Documents Based on Situation If the property is mortgaged: Mortgage release letter from the financing entity. If there's an agent: Valid power of attorney. If the property is jointly owned: Consent from all partners. For companies and institutions: Valid commercial registration and authorization from approved delegates. For first home: Tax exemption certificate from Sakani. Seventh: How Long Does Property Transfer Take? One of the best advantages of digital transformation is that transfers have become very fast: Via the Real Estate Exchange Electronic transfer typically takes 30 minutes to two hours if all conditions are met and there are no complications. The platform is available around the clock, seven days a week, including official holidays. Via the Property Registry Ownership transfer is done electronically and instantly after both parties approve. Transferring the amount to the seller's account may take three business days, including procedures for interconnection with relevant authorities. Via Notary Public (Traditional Method) Still available for those who prefer it, taking a few hours to one business day depending on appointment availability. However, it has become less common with the availability of electronic services. Eighth: Special Cases in Property Transfer Transferring a Mortgaged Property The transfer cannot be completed until the mortgage is electronically released by the financing entity. After release, the deed status is automatically updated in the system and becomes tradeable. The Real Estate Exchange also allows transferring mortgaged deeds after the mortgagee's approval directly through the platform. Purchasing Through Real Estate Financing If the buyer is purchasing through bank financing, the bank handles the transfer procedures in coordination with the relevant platform. Ownership is transferred and then the mortgage is registered in the bank's name in one step. Transfer to Heirs This is done based on the inheritance certificate and division deed issued by the court. It is exempt from real estate transaction tax when distributing the estate among heirs. Transferring Jointly Owned Properties Requires consent from all partners or a document proving the distribution of shares. The undivided share alone can be transferred without the remaining shares. Ninth: Golden Tips Before Transfer For the Buyer (Before Purchasing) Verify the deed's validity and that it's electronic and active by checking on the Real Estate Exchange. Confirm the property isn't mortgaged, seized, or suspended. Review the ownership document and verify the area, boundaries, and location. Verify the seller's identity and that they are the actual owner. Don't transfer any amount outside the Real Estate Exchange or Property Registry platforms. If it's your first home, obtain the exemption certificate from Sakani before the transaction. Consider daily bank transfer limits when planning to pay the transaction amount. For the Seller (Before Selling) Update your deed to an electronic deed if it's paper-based. Ensure there are no mortgages or seizures on the property. Register the real estate transaction with the Zakat Authority and obtain the tax reference number. Verify the accuracy of the IBAN bank number registered in your account. For Both Parties Document everything and keep copies of all receipts and confirmations. If the transaction is complex or involves a large amount, consult a real estate or legal advisor. Ensure your Absher and National Single Sign-On account is activated and updated. Tenth: Frequently Asked Questions Can I complete the transfer from outside Saudi Arabia? Yes, both the Real Estate Exchange and Property Registry are accessible from anywhere in the world. However, some services linked to the National Single Sign-On may require internet from Saudi service providers. The alternative is to authorize someone to act on your behalf within the Kingdom. Is the transfer available for companies and institutions? Yes, the Ministry of Justice has made the transfer service available for enterprises and companies through the digital portal using authorized delegates. Is there a maximum transaction value? There is no maximum transaction value on the Real Estate Exchange, but you must consider daily bank transfer limits when making payment. What if my properties don't appear in the Real Estate Exchange? Ensure the deed is electronic and meets the requirements. If the deed is paper-based, suspended, or mortgaged, it won't appear in the list until its status is resolved. Is the first property registration free? Yes, the first registration of properties in announced areas is free during the specified registration period. What happens if I don't register my property within the specified deadline? The owner may face financial penalties according to the Real Estate Registration Law, in addition to delays in sale, mortgage, or ownership transfer procedures until registration is completed. What's the difference between the Real Estate Exchange and Najiz for transfers? The Real Estate Exchange is the specialized and newer platform for property trading and transfers, offering a more comprehensive experience including listing, trading, and mortgaging. Najiz still provides some transfer services, but the government direction is to move all real estate transactions to the Real Estate Exchange. Is vacant land subject to real estate transaction tax? Yes, the 5% real estate transaction tax is imposed on all types of properties including vacant land. The first home exemption does not include land. Conclusion May Allah ease your property ownership matters. Remember these key points: If you have a regular electronic deed, use the Real Estate Exchange (srem.moj.gov.sa). If your property is registered in the Property Registry, use the Property Registry platform (rer.sa). Register the tax with the Zakat Authority and get the reference number before starting. The 5% tax is legally borne by the seller, and the first home exemption is up to one million SAR. Don't transfer funds outside official platforms. Verify the deed's validity before any transaction. Share this guide with everyone thinking about buying or selling property. Knowledge protects you and saves you time and effort. If you're looking for reliable properties or need help in your real estate journey, Raghdan platform is always here to serve you.

Tags: property transfer, Real Estate Exchange, property registry, ownership transfer, electronic deed, real estate transaction tax, buy land, sell property, Ministry of Justice, General Authority for Real Estate