Why Do 63% of Saudis Regret Home Financing? Complete 2026 Guide: When to Buy and When to Rent

Introduction: The Truth No One Tells You

Imagine this scene: A Saudi young man in his late twenties, extremely excited because he finally got approval for his home financing. He signs the papers joyfully, receives the keys to his new home, celebrates with family and friends. The dream has come true! But after just one year, the picture changes completely. The monthly payment eats half his salary, he can no longer go out with friends, the family feels financial pressure, and every day he wakes up thinking: "I wish I hadn't taken this loan!"

This scene is not fictional, but the reality lived by thousands of Saudis today. Global statistics say that 63% of young people who bought their homes with financing regret their decision, and 44% of those who bought within the last two years wish they had never done it. In Saudi Arabia, despite all support programs and Vision 2030, the question remains: When should I buy? And when is renting better?

This article is not against homeownership, but an honest practical guide to help you make the right decision at the right time. We'll talk with numbers, scientific studies, and real experiences. Because the financing decision is not just a paper you sign, but a 20-25 year commitment that affects your entire life: your mental health, social relationships, children's future, and daily quality of life.

First: Reality of Real Estate Financing in Saudi Arabia 2026

The Real Numbers

According to the latest data from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) for 2026, the volume of residential real estate financing for individuals reached 80.4 billion Saudi Riyals. This huge number reflects the great demand for ownership, but it also hides many stories of financial pressure and regret.

The ownership rate of Saudi families reached 66% in 2026, and the government targets reaching 70% by 2030. This is a great achievement without doubt, but the important question: Are all these owners happy with their decision? Is ownership always the best option?

Interest Rates and Financial Burdens

Interest rates on real estate financing in Saudi Arabia range between 2.59% and 7.22% depending on the type of financing and bank. These rates may seem low at first glance, but let's calculate the truth:

Real example: Person buying a house for 800,000 riyals, 20% down payment (160,000 riyals), remaining amount 640,000 riyals, 4% interest, 25-year term:

• Monthly payment: about 3,380 riyals
• Total paid over 25 years: 1,014,000 riyals
• Interest paid: 374,000 riyals

This means you paid almost half a million riyals extra on top of the original house price! This is if interest rates don't rise in the coming years.

Government Programs: Help But Not a Magic Solution

The Housing Program under the Ministry of Municipal and Housing Affairs provides significant housing support, and the Real Estate Development Fund provides interest-free loans (but they are limited and highly demanded). Despite this support, 41% of buyers said they did not expect the real costs of ownership after purchase.

Second: The Terrifying Truth - Why Do People Regret?

Shocking Global Statistics

Let's talk frankly about real numbers from recent global studies:

• 93% of new buyers have regrets or reservations about their purchase decision (Clever Real Estate 2023 study)
• 63% of millennials (25-40 years) regret buying their homes - almost double the regret of older people
• 44% of those who bought within the last two years wish they hadn't bought (Guardian Service 2025)
• 31% of first-time buyers feel real regret, and 9% say "I shouldn't have bought at all"

Main Reasons for Regret

According to multiple studies, these are the most common reasons for regret:

1. Unexpected Maintenance Costs (28%)

The old house needs constant maintenance: air conditioning, plumbing, electricity, painting. General rule: Budget 1-4% of house value annually for maintenance. Meaning house worth 800,000 riyals = 8,000 to 32,000 riyals annually for maintenance!

2. Monthly Payment Higher Than Expected (23%)

Many people forget to add insurance, maintenance fees, VAT on services. The payment that was supposed to be 3,000 riyals becomes 4,500 riyals after all additions!

3. Rushing the Decision (30%)

Societal pressure, fear of rising prices, seeing friends buy - all factors make you rush and regret later. People who felt rushed were 3 times more regretful!

4. Unsuitable House (24%)

21% said the house is small, 6% said large, 8% discovered the neighborhood is not suitable, 8% the location is far from work.

5. Paid Too Much (23%)

During competitive times for houses, many pay more than the real value of the house, and when the market calms down they discover they paid 10-20% extra!

Third: Psychological and Health Impact of Debt - Scientific Studies

This part is very important and supported by scientific studies published in global medical and psychological journals. Debts are not just numbers, but have a real impact on your health and life:

Psychological Impact

1. Depression and Anxiety

Study published in AIMS Public Health found that indebted people are 3 times more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety compared to those without debt. Long-term debts (such as 20-25 year mortgages) continuously raise stress hormone levels.

2. Feeling Loss of Control

Study from University of Miami found that debt causes "loss of sense of control over life" and increases feelings of hopelessness and frustration. 52% of Americans with credit card debt suffer from constant anxiety and stress - imagine a 25-year mortgage!

3. Pressure on Family Relationships

Study from Health and Retirement Study (2004-2016) found that mortgage debts increase:

• Difficulty paying monthly bills (Material Financial Stress)
• Continuous financial stress (Ongoing Financial Strain)
• Marital problems and disputes over money
• Feeling guilty towards children for not providing a better life

Physical Impact

1. Blood Pressure and Heart Disease

Chronic stress from debt raises blood pressure and increases risk of heart disease. Study from SSM Population Health found clear relationship between debt and increased risk of heart attacks.

2. Weakened Immunity

Continuous pressure weakens the immune system, meaning more susceptible to diseases, frequent colds, and flu.

3. Sleep Problems

Anxiety about monthly payments causes chronic insomnia. 34% of indebted people suffer from sleep disorders.

4. Weight Gain or Loss

Stress affects appetite and eating habits, leading to unhealthy weight gain or loss.

5. Unhealthy Behaviors

People under financial pressure are more prone to smoking, excessive caffeine consumption, lack of physical activity.

Scary Numbers

• 60% of Gen X (40-55 years) say their mental health was negatively affected by money (Bankrate 2023)
• 35% of millennials feel very severe psychological pressure due to financial matters (NAPFA)
• People who committed suicide were 8 times more likely to be in debt

Fourth: Ownership vs Renting - When is Each Better?

This is the golden question! And let's answer it frankly based on global research:

When is Buying the Best Option?

1. If You'll Stay in the Same Place 5+ Years

Financial experts agree: Don't buy unless you're sure you'll stay in the same city/neighborhood for at least 5 years. The reason? Buying and selling costs are very high (fees, commissions, taxes), and you need a long time to recover them.

2. Monthly Payment Doesn't Exceed 30% of Your Income

Golden rule: Payment + insurance + maintenance = no more than 30% of your monthly income. Some experts say 25% is better. If your income is 10,000 riyals, payment shouldn't exceed 3,000 riyals including everything.

3. You Have at Least 20% Down Payment

Large down payment reduces monthly payment and saves you thousands of riyals in interest. If you pay less than 20%, you'll likely pay additional PMI insurance increasing burdens.

4. Your Job is Stable and Income is Fixed

Don't buy while on probation, or if your job is unstable. Real estate financing is a 20-25 year commitment, you need stable and guaranteed income.

5. You Have Emergency Fund for 6 Months

Before thinking about buying, you must have an amount sufficient for 6 months of expenses. If you lose your job, or have a health emergency, you don't have to sell the house at a loss.

When is Renting the Best Option?

1. If You'll Stay Less Than 3 Years

It's not logical to buy a house and sell it after a year or two. Selling and buying costs can lose you 5-10% of house value. Renting gives you flexibility.

2. If Price-to-Rent Ratio is More Than 20

In 71% of American cities, renting is cheaper than buying currently. How to calculate? Take house price and divide by annual rent. If ratio is more than 20, renting is better financially.

Example: House price 800,000 riyals, annual rent 30,000 riyals → Ratio = 800,000 ÷ 30,000 = 26.6 → Renting is better!

3. If You're Fresh Graduate or Beginning Your Career

In the first 5 years of your professional life, you'll likely change jobs, cities, and even fields. Renting gives you flexibility to move and grow.

4. If You Prefer Investing Your Money in Other Fields

If rent is cheaper than payment, you can invest the difference in stock market, investment funds, or small projects. Historically, stock market returns over long term are higher than real estate returns.

5. If You Don't Want Maintenance Responsibilities

Tenant: AC broken? Call the owner. Owner: AC broken? Pay 5,000-10,000 riyals to fix or replace it!

Comprehensive Comparison Table

Factor	Ownership	Renting
Initial Cost	Very high (20% down + fees + moving costs)	Low (one or two months deposit)
Monthly Cost	Payment + insurance + maintenance + fees (usually higher)	Fixed rent (usually lower)
Flexibility	Hard to move (need to sell)	Easy to move (end of contract)
Wealth Building	Build equity over time	Don't build equity
Maintenance	100% your responsibility	Owner's responsibility
Stability	Fixed payment (if fixed interest)	Rent may increase annually
Freedom	Can change and modify as you wish	Limited by owner's conditions
Risks	House value decline, economic crises	Rent increases, sudden eviction

Fifth: When is the Right Age for Financing?

There's no one "right" age for everyone, but there are indicators to help you know if you're ready:

Signs of Financial Readiness

1. Income Stability

At least 3 years in the same job or field. Banks like to see stability, and you need it more.

2. All Short-term Debts Paid

No car loans, credit cards, personal loans. Debt-to-income ratio less than 40%.

3. Excellent Credit Score

Clean record in SIMAH. The better your record, the lower interest you get.

4. Real Estate Market Knowledge

Understand neighborhoods, prices, trends. Don't buy based on emotion or pressure.

By Age Group

20-25 Years: Wait (Usually)

Don't rush! This period is for learning, professional growth, building savings. 90% of people this age change jobs and cities. Renting gives you flexibility.

25-30 Years: Think Carefully

If your job is stable, you're married, and have good savings, you can think about it. But make sure of geographical stability first.

30-40 Years: The Ideal Time (If Ready)

Most people this age are professionally stable, married, have good income. This is the ideal age if other conditions are met.

40+ Years: Possible But Carefully

20-25 year financing means you'll pay until you're 60-65. Make sure you can pay even after retirement.

Sixth: Impact on Social and Family Life

On Couples

Studies say that financial disputes are the first cause of divorce in the world. Heavy monthly payment creates:

• Constant tension at home
• Disputes over every small expense
• Guilt from the party who insisted on buying
• Deprivation of recreational activities and trips

On Children

Children feel financial pressure even if you don't talk in front of them:

• Lack of activities and hobbies
• Inability to buy their needs
• Parents' tension reflects on them
• Feeling they are a financial burden

On Social Life

28% of people under financial pressure avoid social activities fearing expenses:

• Declining friends' invitations
• Inability to return hospitality
• Social isolation
• Feeling inferior to others

Seventh: How to Avoid Regret - Practical Guide

Before the Decision

1. Make Accurate Expense Schedule

Write all your expenses for 3 months. Every riyal! You'll be surprised how much you spend on things you don't notice.

2. Calculate Real Cost

Monthly payment + insurance + maintenance (1% of house value annually) + electricity and water (higher in owned house) + service fees.

3. Try Renting in Same Neighborhood First

Before buying, rent in the same area for 6 months-year. You'll know the neighborhood, neighbors, transportation, services.

4. Don't Buy at Market Peak

When everyone is buying and prices are soaring, stop and think! It might be a bubble. Wait until market calms down.

5. Consult Independent Financial Expert

Not a bank employee! Independent financial expert who calculates numbers and gives you honest opinion.

During the Decision

1. Don't Be Affected by Social Pressures

"All my friends bought" - So what? Everyone has their circumstances. Don't compare yourself to anyone.

2. Inspect House Carefully

17% of regretters skipped technical inspection! Don't save 1,000-2,000 riyals and lose 50,000 riyals later.

3. Read Contract Word by Word

Don't be shy to ask about any clause you don't understand. Get a lawyer if needed.

4. Negotiate Smartly

Advertised price is not final. Average negotiation 5-10% of price. 40,000 riyals on 800,000 riyal house!

After the Decision

1. Keep Separate Emergency Fund for House

Amount sufficient for emergency maintenance. Not from personal emergency fund.

2. Review Budget Every 3 Months

Make sure you're financially comfortable. If you feel pressure, take action immediately.

3. Don't Neglect House Maintenance

Small problem today = big disaster after a year. Regular maintenance saves you thousands.

4. Think About Refinancing If Interest Drops

If interest drops 1% or more, refinancing can save you hundreds monthly.

Eighth: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Renting Throwing Money Away?

No! Absolutely not! Rent buys you flexibility, peace of mind from maintenance, and freedom to move. If you invest the difference between rent and payment, you may earn more than the house.

What's the Ideal Down Payment Percentage?

At least 20%. If you pay less, you may pay PMI insurance increasing payment 200-500 riyals monthly.

Should I Buy Old Cheap House or New Expensive One?

Old house is cheap in price, expensive in maintenance. New house is expensive in price, cheap in maintenance (first 5-10 years). Calculate total cost over 10 years, not just current price.

When Should I Sell House If I Regret?

Better to wait at least 3-5 years to cover buying and selling costs. If you sell quickly, you'll usually lose.

Is Islamic Financing Better Than Conventional?

Shariah-wise yes. Financially, final cost is usually similar. Compare offers carefully.

What If I Lose My Job and Have Payment?

Call the bank immediately. Most banks offer solutions: payment deferral, rescheduling, grace period. Don't wait until you default.

Are Housing Support Programs Sufficient?

They help a lot, but not sufficient alone. You must have strong personal financial readiness.

Ninth: Advice from Global Financial Experts

28/36 Rule

Don't exceed 28% of gross income for housing payments. And total debts (house + car + cards) shouldn't exceed 36% of income.

5 Year Rule

Don't buy unless sure you'll stay at least 5 years in same place.

Price-to-Rent Ratio Rule

Divide house price by annual rent. If ratio:

• 15 or less = Buying is better
• 16-20 = Gray area
• 21 or more = Renting is better

Emergency Fund Rule

Before buying: 6 months expenses. After buying: 9-12 months expenses (because your responsibilities increased).

Tenth: Real Scenarios

Scenario 1: Ahmed - 27 years, newly married

Income: 12,000 riyals
Savings: 80,000 riyals
Decision: Thinking to buy 700,000 riyal house

Analysis:

• 20% down payment = 140,000 riyals (doesn't have it!)
• If pays 80,000 riyals (11%), monthly payment = 4,200 riyals
• Percentage of income = 35% (dangerous!)
• No emergency fund left

Advice: Don't buy now! Continue renting (e.g. 2,000 riyals), save the difference for 2 years then review.

Scenario 2: Fatima - 35 years, stable employee

Income: 18,000 riyals
Savings: 250,000 riyals
Decision: Thinking to buy 900,000 riyal house

Analysis:

• 20% down payment = 180,000 riyals ✓
• Monthly payment = 4,500 riyals
• Percentage of income = 25% ✓
• Remaining emergency fund = 70,000 riyals (enough for ~4 months)

Advice: Possible, but save bigger emergency fund first (at least 100,000 riyals).

Scenario 3: Khalid - 42 years, large family

Income: 25,000 riyals
Savings: 400,000 riyals
Decision: Wants to buy 1,500,000 riyal villa

Analysis:

• 20% down payment = 300,000 riyals ✓
• Monthly payment = 7,200 riyals
• Percentage of income = 29% ✓
• Remaining emergency fund = 100,000 riyals ✓
• But age 42, means will finish payment at 67!

Advice: Possible, but think about 15-year financing instead of 25. Payment will be higher (9,000 riyals) but you'll finish before retirement and save thousands in interest.

Conclusion: The Right Decision Starts with Being Honest with Yourself

After all this information, numbers, and studies, the conclusion is clear:

Ownership is not always the optimal solution. And renting is not failure. Everyone has their circumstances, goals, and life stage.

Buy If:

• ✓ Will stay in same place 5+ years
• ✓ Payment doesn't exceed 30% of income
• ✓ Have 20% down payment
• ✓ Have 6-9 month emergency fund
• ✓ Job is stable
• ✓ Understand all costs (not just payment)
• ✓ No other heavy debts
• ✓ Price/rent ratio less than 20

Rent If:

• ✓ Will stay less than 3 years
• ✓ Job is unstable
• ✓ Don't have sufficient down payment
• ✓ Payment higher than 30% of income
• ✓ Prefer investing in other fields
• ✓ Don't want maintenance responsibilities
• ✓ Price/rent ratio higher than 21
• ✓ Market at peak and prices exaggerated

Most Important Message

Don't rush. The house you miss today, there's another like it or better tomorrow. But wrong decision will live with you 20-25 years.

Don't listen to anyone but yourself. Not your family, friends, or society. This is your life, money, and future.

Mental health is more expensive than house. House causing you stress, anxiety, family problems, and diseases - not a house, it's a prison!

Ownership is a means, not a goal. Real goal is stability, happiness, and peace of mind. If renting achieves this for you, it's the right choice.

We wish you a correct decision, stable financial life, and a home - owned or rented - filled with happiness and tranquility. 🏡💙