The updates focus on eliminating the disparity between building regulations and the actual level of construction across the Kingdom, by standardizing requirements and eliminating previously applicable regulations.
In this context, Eng. In this context, architect Abdullah Al Bashir, in an interview with “Masa'a Al-Kathafia” program, confirmed that these updates represent a major development in the construction sector, explaining that the main objective is to reduce the discrepancy that existed in four different levels, pointing out that the first level includes the discrepancy between the engineering maps of the licenses and the actual implementation on the ground, as this gap was causing many violations.
Al Bashir added that the first level includes the discrepancy between the engineering maps for licenses and the actual implementation on the ground, as this gap was causing many violations. <Al Bashir added that the new updates combined the requirements of the Saudi Building Code and the requirements of the Ministry of Municipalities, which minimized the discrepancy between them. He also explained that the municipalities in different regions of Riyadh used to differ in their interpretation of the requirements, but the new updates unified these requirements at the level of the Kingdom, which contributed to reducing violations and facilitating procedures for citizens and investors.
Al Bashir added. <According to Al Bashir, one of the most prominent updates is the increase in building ratios by 42%, allowing citizens to better utilize spaces. For example, land with an area of 300 square meters used to allow building areas of 480 square meters, while now it allows building areas of up to 607.5 square meters.
Al Bashir said. <In another context, Engineer Hani Al-Duwayan, Certified Manager of the Saudi Code, pointed out that these amendments apply to existing and under construction buildings as well as new licenses, allowing the opportunity to benefit from the amendments regardless of the status of the current building. He also explained that the new requirements give great flexibility for engineering creativity, enabling the development of distinctive architectural models in the Saudi market, including floor distribution, townhouse division and new products. <"These requirements will make us think outside the box and offer the possibility of adding indoor gyms, large diwaniyas, outdoor annexes, and even a cinema. They will also help improve the aesthetics of the urban landscape and indoor gardens, enhancing quality of life and well-being. Regarding the impact of these updates on the real estate market, Al-Duwayan noted that they are expected to increase the residential supply by between 10% to 20%, contributing to the balance of supply and demand and helping to achieve fairer prices.
Engineer Abdullah Al Bashir emphasized that increasing the number of housing units and distributing the cost of land over multiple units helps reduce prices and make them fairer, noting that the new updates address the scarcity and high cost of housing by increasing the housing supply and providing opportunities for family housing and investment at the same time.
The new updates are expected to increase the housing supply by 10% to 20%, which contributes to the balance of supply and demand and helps achieve fairer prices.
The new updates to building and housing requirements in the Kingdom are an important step towards improving the quality of life and providing diverse housing options for citizens. By minimizing restrictions and opening up the horizon of architectural ideas, these updates contribute to creating a more suitable and luxurious residential environment, enhancing the country's urban and economic development.
