The real estate sector in general, and citizens in particular, welcomed with great satisfaction the amendment to building regulations for residential buildings, allowing citizens to make full use of the space they own; such that the building ratio on the ground floor is 70% (maximum), by allowing construction in setbacks and annexes.
The Amlak Real Estate newspaper welcomed the decision and surveyed experts, real estate professionals, and citizens regarding its positive impact, to clarify their differing perspectives on the decision and its future effect on the housing market and villa prices.
Al-Harbi: The decision is good but overdue
At the outset, citizen Bandar Al-Harbi (West Al-Nakheel District) explained that the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs" decision to amend the existing setback regulations for residential buildings is good but came too late, as it should have been issued years ago, just as it was in the Municipality of Kuwait following the Gulf Crisis in the 1990s, where every Kuwaiti citizen is entitled to build four stories, and the Municipality of the Emirates did the same.
Regarding the future impact of the decision on villa prices and the residential sector, and whether it is beneficial and will affect the aesthetic appeal of residential neighborhoods, Al-Harbi explained that the decision will not affect the neighborhood’s aesthetics because this space must be utilized, and many will benefit from it, noting that implementing the decision on the ground will take some time for people to understand and get used to it.
Al-Musallam: It raises prices and stimulates the real estate market
Meanwhile, Ahmed Abdulrahman Al-Musallam (Western Al-Nakheel District) noted that the decision would not cause any harm if it were extended to include the remaining floors, provided the structural foundations are sound, Regarding the decision’s impact on villa prices, the residential sector, and real estate, Al-Musallam said that the decision would increase the prices of residential units where this addition is made, due to the increase in their floor area, which will save the owner a great deal in the future.
Al-Musallam added: I do not believe the decision will affect the neighborhood’s aesthetics; rather, it will improve its appearance. Regarding its impact on real estate agents and contractors, Al-Musallam said that it will certainly have positive effects for them because it will stimulate the real estate market and open up opportunities for contractors to increase their activity in construction and development, so the decision is positive and in the citizens" best interest. He expects it to be implemented easily since it was approved by the municipality.
Al-Dohan: The decision is in the citizens" best interest
Citizen Suleiman Al-Dohan predicted that the implementation of the decision would face some difficulties at the outset; however, it will be suitable for everyone over time. Al-Dohan said, "I do not expect any harm if the decision is extended to cover the remaining floors, as it will not affect the rest of the residential units; however, it may face opposition or rejection from certain parties and individuals who do not accept sudden and rapid changes."
Al-Dohan said he does not expect this decision to lead to a drop in prices in the future, and at the same time, it will not affect the aesthetic appeal of residential neighborhoods; on the contrary, it is better and will enhance the beauty of the neighborhoods where it is implemented. He added that such decisions have several benefits for citizens, contractors, and the real estate market, but the decision came late, and the countries around us have been implementing it for many years.
Al-Mahous: The decision causes problems for neighbors
Citizen Sattam Al-Mahous (Al-Sahafa neighborhood) criticized the municipal and village council’s decision, noting that it will create problems and cause friction with neighbors, He said that at the same time, it will benefit contractors because some had already implemented the decision before it was issued, but one of its positives is that the empty spaces in the villas and residential units under construction will be utilized.
Regarding the extent to which the decision will affect the aesthetic appeal of residential neighborhoods, he explained that he does not believe it will have a negative impact on the aesthetics of the neighborhoods, and the proof of this is that some neighborhoods implemented it before the decision was issued and were not affected aesthetically, but as I mentioned earlier, one of its drawbacks is that it will create a shortage of space that was previously available between neighbors.
Al-Dail: The decision supports investors and owners
For his part, Nayef Al-Dail of Al-Madimig and Al-Hussein Real Estate Company- that the decision by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs supports investors, owners, and furnished apartment owners, as it enables them to utilize the maximum amount of space, which means increased income for them, and may contribute in one way or another to a relative increase in supply, denying that the decision has a direct or noticeable impact on the residential sector. Al-Dail said, "It is advisable to extend the 70% construction ratio to the first floor."
Regarding the decision as a whole, Al-Dail stated that it is excellent for both parties (commercial and private construction), and that it does not detract from the aesthetic appeal of residential neighborhoods but will actually increase their value, noting that the new system will not face implementation difficulties because it serves the interests of all parties.
Al-Daoud: New Building Regulations Benefit Residential Projects
As for Abdullah Al-Daoud—Dar Wafaq Office- denied that the new system would harm neighbors or cause security issues, explaining that increasing the building area serves the interests of the future and the interests of citizens, whether they are property owners or tenants, Al-Daoud emphasized the decision’s benefits for residential projects, as it helps provide housing units with diverse specifications that meet the needs of home seekers with varying preferences, especially given the growing size of Saudi families.
Al-Dawood predicted that the decision will be easily implemented and will not face any problems, given that all parties stand to benefit from it, noting that it will not affect the aesthetics of the residential neighborhood.
