Hidden "Post-Key" Costs When Buying an Apartment in Saudi Arabia 2026: Complete Financial Planning Guide

Introduction: The Financial Shock Nobody Tells You About

Many citizens fall into the trap of focusing on the monthly installment or unit price when buying a new apartment, ignoring a massive block of capital costs that appear immediately upon receiving the keys. In 2026, with continued inflation in material and service prices, post-key costs have become a huge financial and psychological burden that can lead to early financial distress. The bitter truth is that most new apartments are delivered without air conditioning, without a kitchen, and without any basic amenities, meaning the new owner needs an additional budget ranging between 60,000 and 150,000 SAR or more to transform the apartment from a concrete shell into a livable home. This guide reveals all hidden costs with real 2026 figures so you can plan financially and avoid shocks.

Air Conditioning: The Major Shock

Air conditioning is the biggest surprise item in post-key costs, as most new apartments in Saudi Arabia are delivered without AC units. The new owner faces two main options: split AC units or concealed ducted systems, each with its own cost and advantages. In the Kingdom's hot climate, AC is a life necessity, not a luxury, making this item impossible to postpone or cut corners on.

Split AC: The Economical Choice

Split AC units are the most widespread and budget-friendly option. A single unit with 18,000 BTU capacity ranges between 1,800 and 2,500 SAR including installation from major stores like Al Manea, Extra, and SWSG. A 3-bedroom apartment typically needs 4 to 5 split units, meaning a total cost ranging between 8,000 and 12,000 SAR. Key advantages of this option include easy installation and maintenance, spare parts availability, and the ability to operate each room independently, which saves on electricity consumption.

Concealed Ducted AC: The Luxury Choice

Concealed or ducted split AC is a system installed inside a false ceiling that distributes air through ducts to various rooms. It features an elegant appearance where only ventilation grilles show in the ceiling, with even and quiet air distribution. However, the cost is very high, including the central unit, ducts, gypsum work for the false ceiling, and specialized installation. A 3-bedroom apartment may need a budget ranging between 25,000 and 45,000 SAR for complete concealed AC. This option suits those seeking luxury and having a comfortable budget, but it's not necessary for basic living.

Kitchen: The Expensive Heart of the Home

The kitchen is the second largest item in post-key costs, and most apartments are delivered with a completely empty kitchen space with only water and gas connections. Kitchen setup cost depends largely on the material used, space size, and required finishing level.

Kitchen Types and Prices

Aluminum kitchens are considered the most practical and moisture-resistant option, with meter prices ranging between 600 and 1,200 SAR depending on aluminum quality and finish. Cladding kitchens that combine wood appearance with aluminum strength start from 650 SAR per meter. Natural or manufactured wood kitchens start from 1,000 SAR per meter and can reach 2,000 SAR for polished wood and complex designs. Economical ready-made kitchens are available at prices starting from 2,000 to 5,000 SAR for small kitchens, suitable for investment apartments or singles.

Calculating Actual Kitchen Cost

A kitchen with a 4 by 3 meter area, meaning 12 square meters, in medium-quality aluminum costs approximately 9,000 to 14,000 SAR for upper and lower cabinets. Add to that marble or granite countertop costing 2,000 to 5,000 SAR, electric hood costing 500 to 2,000 SAR, and sink with faucet costing 500 to 1,500 SAR. The estimated total for a medium kitchen ranges between 12,000 and 22,000 SAR. Open American-style kitchens require special designs and high-quality range hoods, raising the cost by an additional 20 to 30 percent.

Furniture and Electrical Appliances

Furnishing a home from scratch requires a considerable budget, especially for families moving for the first time. The cost varies greatly depending on taste and quality, but there is a minimum for equipping a decent family home.

Bedrooms

A complete master bedroom including bed, wardrobe, dresser, and nightstand ranges in the Saudi market between 5,000 and 15,000 SAR for medium quality. Hotel-style and luxury models start from 13,000 SAR and reach 23,000 SAR. Children's or guest bedrooms range between 3,000 and 8,000 SAR. A 3-bedroom apartment needs a bedroom furniture budget ranging between 12,000 and 35,000 SAR.

Living and Dining Room

A sofa set of 7 to 9 seats ranges between 5,000 and 20,000 SAR depending on material and design. Dining table with chairs ranges between 2,000 and 8,000 SAR. Traditional floor seating ranges between 3,000 and 10,000 SAR. Curtains and rugs range between 2,000 and 6,000 SAR for the complete apartment.

Essential Electrical Appliances

Refrigerators range between 1,500 and 5,000 SAR for medium and large sizes from known brands like Samsung and LG. Automatic washing machines range between 1,000 and 4,500 SAR depending on capacity and features. Oven or stove ranges between 1,500 and 3,500 SAR. Microwave, water kettle, blender, and small kitchen items combined range between 1,000 and 3,000 SAR. TV screen ranges between 1,500 and 5,000 SAR for medium and large sizes. The estimated total for essential appliances ranges between 8,000 and 20,000 SAR.

Moving: The Forgotten Cost

Moving furniture from the old home or buying new furniture and delivering it requires a separate budget. The cost varies depending on the city, furniture quantity, distance, and required service quality.

Within-City Moving Prices

Moving a medium apartment's furniture within Riyadh or Jeddah ranges between 500 and 1,500 SAR including disassembly, assembly, and basic wrapping. Professional companies that guarantee no furniture damage and provide insurance on belongings charge higher prices reaching 2,500 SAR. AC unit moving services are calculated separately, ranging between 150 and 300 SAR per unit.

Inter-City Moving

Moving furniture from Riyadh to Jeddah or vice versa ranges between 3,000 and 6,000 SAR depending on furniture quantity and wrapping type. Shorter distances like Riyadh to Dammam range between 2,000 and 4,000 SAR. This cost may surprise those relocating for work to a new city and needing to move all their belongings.

Handling Post-Handover Defects

One of the frustrating costs the new owner faces is repairing defects that appear after moving in, even though the developer is theoretically obligated to repair them during the warranty period. The reality is that many developers delay repairs or provide temporary solutions, forcing the owner to repair at their own expense.

Common Defects and Repair Costs

Plumbing leaks in bathrooms and kitchens may cost between 500 and 3,000 SAR for detection and repair. Door problems from difficult closing, opening, or squeaking cost between 200 and 800 SAR per door. Repainting to cover stains or unevenness costs between 1,000 and 4,000 SAR for the apartment. Ceramic problems from swelling or cracking cost between 500 and 2,000 SAR depending on affected area. Electrical problems from non-working outlets or exposed wires cost between 300 and 1,500 SAR. The estimated total for defect handling ranges between 3,000 and 12,000 SAR.

Importance of Pre-Handover Inspection

It is strongly recommended to engage a certified property inspection company before signing the handover report. Inspection cost ranges between 1,500 and 4,000 SAR but may save you tens of thousands in repair costs later. Inspection covers structural integrity, plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, thermal insulation, and finishing quality. The engineering report gives you negotiating power to obligate the developer to repairs before handover or deduct their value from the price.

Sound Insulation: The Emerging Cost

With the spread of apartment living, weak sound insulation has become one of the most common complaints. Many commercial buildings are built with minimum insulation standards, making sounds travel between apartments and floors annoyingly. This drives many owners to install additional sound insulation at their own expense to ensure privacy and comfort.

Sound Insulation Options and Costs

Sound-insulating wall stickers start from 15 to 25 SAR per piece and are an economical solution but with limited effectiveness. Insulating foam boards range between 20 and 50 SAR per square meter and are easily installed on walls. Gypsum boards with internal insulation range between 120 and 180 SAR per square meter and provide better insulation. Sound-insulating doors range between 100 and 600 SAR per door depending on material and insulation level. Insulating a complete bedroom with medium quality may cost between 3,000 and 8,000 SAR. Full apartment insulation may reach 15,000 SAR or more.

Comprehensive Cost Estimation Table

To facilitate financial planning, we present a comprehensive estimation table for post-key costs for a medium 3-bedroom apartment in Saudi Arabia 2026. These figures are estimates and may vary depending on city and required quality.

Minimum Basic Setup

Air conditioning with split units costs approximately 10,000 SAR. Economical aluminum kitchen costs approximately 10,000 SAR. Basic furniture costs approximately 20,000 SAR. Essential electrical appliances cost approximately 8,000 SAR. Moving costs approximately 1,000 SAR. Defect handling costs approximately 3,000 SAR. Minimum total ranges around 52,000 to 60,000 SAR.

Medium Comfortable Setup

Split AC with good brands costs approximately 15,000 SAR. Medium quality kitchen costs approximately 18,000 SAR. Good furniture costs approximately 35,000 SAR. Good electrical appliances cost approximately 15,000 SAR. Moving with professional wrapping costs approximately 2,000 SAR. Defect handling costs approximately 5,000 SAR. Partial sound insulation costs approximately 5,000 SAR. Medium total ranges around 95,000 to 110,000 SAR.

Luxury Setup

Concealed ducted AC costs approximately 40,000 SAR. Luxury kitchen costs approximately 35,000 SAR. Luxury furniture costs approximately 60,000 SAR. Luxury electrical appliances cost approximately 25,000 SAR. Professional moving costs approximately 3,500 SAR. Defect handling and improvements cost approximately 10,000 SAR. Comprehensive sound insulation costs approximately 12,000 SAR. Luxury total ranges around 185,000 to 220,000 SAR.

Mortgage Stress

These unexpected costs lead many new owners to resort to additional personal loans or credit cards, raising their monthly deduction percentage from income to dangerous levels that may exceed 65 percent of income. This situation creates a state of mortgage stress where the home that was a dream becomes a source of anxiety and tension instead of comfort and stability. The danger increases in case of any emergency such as job loss or illness, where the owner finds themselves unable to pay their accumulated obligations.

Tips for Sound Financial Planning

Before Buying

Calculate post-key budget within your advance financial planning. The golden rule is to allocate 15 to 20 percent of property value as additional budget for setup. Don't exhaust all your savings on the down payment and leave sufficient reserve. Ensure the monthly installment with your other obligations doesn't exceed 40 percent of your income.

At Handover

Engage a certified property inspection company before signing the handover report. Document all defects with photos and video and request repairs in writing from the developer. Don't rush to move before ensuring the apartment's basic readiness, especially AC and kitchen.

During Setup

Prioritize your needs and start with essentials like AC, kitchen, and basic furniture. Postpone luxuries and decorations until you're financially stable. Compare prices between several suppliers and don't buy from the first shop. Take advantage of seasonal offers and discounts, especially at year-end and occasions. Consider interest-free installment buying from major stores to distribute the financial burden.

Smart Alternatives to Save Costs

Economical ready-made kitchens work as a temporary solution for the first years. Used furniture in good condition saves 50 to 70 percent of cost. Refurbished appliances from trusted stores offer excellent value for money. Gradual furnishing in stages lightens the immediate financial burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to set up a new apartment in Saudi Arabia 2026?

Costs range between 60,000 SAR for austere basic setup and 220,000 SAR or more for luxury setup. Comfortable average ranges around 95,000 to 110,000 SAR for a 3-bedroom apartment.

Are apartments really delivered without AC?

Yes, most new apartments in Saudi Arabia are delivered without AC units. Only electrical preparation and connection points are ready. The owner must buy and install AC at their own expense.

What's the difference between split AC and concealed ducted?

Split AC is mounted on the wall with a visible indoor unit and outdoor unit, costing 1,800 to 2,500 SAR per unit. Concealed ducted is installed in false ceiling with only ventilation grilles showing, costing 25,000 to 45,000 SAR for the complete apartment.

How much does aluminum kitchen cost compared to wood?

Aluminum kitchen meter price ranges between 600 and 1,200 SAR and features moisture resistance and easy cleaning. Wood kitchen meter price ranges between 1,000 and 2,000 SAR and features warm appearance but is less moisture resistant.

Should I inspect the apartment before handover?

Yes, it's strongly recommended to engage an engineer or certified inspection company. Cost ranges between 1,500 and 4,000 SAR but may save you tens of thousands in repair costs and gives you negotiating power with the developer.

What is the recommended post-key budget?

The golden rule is to allocate 15 to 20 percent of property value as budget for post-key costs. A 700,000 SAR apartment needs an additional budget ranging between 105,000 and 140,000 SAR.

Conclusion

Post-key costs are the hidden part of the apartment buying equation that many overlook until they hit reality. In 2026, with rising material and service prices, advance financial planning has become a necessity, not a luxury. The bottom line of the numbers says that a 700,000 SAR apartment actually needs a total budget ranging between 760,000 and 920,000 SAR to become comfortably livable. Those who enter this equation unprepared expose themselves to mortgage stress and financial distress. Knowledge is the first line of defense, so calculate your real budget and prepare well before receiving the keys to your new home.