The relevant authorities have established new procedures to curb exaggerations by committees assessing the values of properties expropriated for major power grid projects, These include requiring a representative from the relevant regional or municipal secretariat to provide the appraisal committee with the necessary information regarding the type of use of the properties to be expropriated, the building codes in effect at the site, and the properties’ locations in relation to development boundaries.

Specialized sources revealed that the procedures require a representative from the Ministry of Justice to submit a report to the appraisal committee detailing real estate sales that took place at the notary public’s office responsible for the project area or the nearest area to it during the year preceding the committee’s meetings.

The Saudi Authority’s guidelines also direct certified appraisers to prepare and issue a professional manual for the appraisal of fixed and movable assets for the purpose of expropriating real estate for public benefit, provided that it includes an appendix containing approximate prices for movable assets and all related items, updated within a period of 6 months and periodically thereafter.