off-plan sales projects recorded an exceptional growth of more than 350% in the number of existing units during the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to a report by the General Real Estate Authority. This increase reflects a clear acceleration in development activity and growing confidence among developers in future demand, supported by regulatory frameworks that promote this type of project as a major tributary to increase the residential and investment supply in the market.

Riyadh is the hub of real estate development
Riyadh topped the list of the most active cities in off-plan sales, accounting for more than 21,000 existing units, confirming its role as a center of gravity for real estate development in the Kingdom. In contrast, the market witnessed a significant drop in traditional residential sales transactions by 43.6%, reflecting a shift in focus from trading on existing units to new projects that inject renewed supply.

Structural shift in the real estate market
The real estate market witnessed a radical shift in supply and demand behaviors, as personal financing for ready-made units declined and secondary market transactions slowed down due to high costs and price saturation, prompting buyers and developers to turn to off-plan sales as a more flexible and less expensive alternative. This shift reflects the market's transition from relying on trading existing assets to focusing on developing new assets that meet current and future market needs. Recent data reflects a healthy shift in the nature of real estate transactions, with an increase in the number of medium and small transactions while the total value has stabilized or decreased, indicating that the market is emerging from the real estate speculation bubble towards a more stable and realistic market, where liquidity is more widely distributed and investment opportunities are more widespread.

Recent data reflects a healthy shift in the nature of real estate transactions, with an increase in the number of medium and small transactions while the total value has stabilized or decreased.