Saudi Arabia surpasses 2025 homeownership target a year early 

Since 2016, the homeownership rate has risen from 47 percent, reflecting the effectiveness of the Housing Program in supporting Vision 2030 objectives. Shutterstock
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Updated 01 September 2025
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Saudi Arabia surpasses 2025 homeownership target a year early 

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia surpassed its 2025 homeownership target a year early, with 65.4 percent of families owning homes in 2024, an official report showed. 

According to the Housing Program’s 2024 annual report, the Kingdom had aimed for 65 percent by 2025, meaning it has already achieved 102 percent of the goal. The report, titled Facilitating the Journey to Homeownership and Sustainability, noted that the Kingdom now aims to raise the rate to 70 percent by 2030. 

Since 2016, the homeownership rate has risen from 47 percent, reflecting the effectiveness of the Housing Program in supporting Vision 2030 objectives.  

“Today, we live under an ambitious Vision that places the individual at the heart of its objectives. In pursuit of a dignified life for all, efforts and plans are in place to empower and build a vibrant society where people live in safety and stability,” the report quoted Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail.

In a post on his X handle, Al-Hogail added: “We are advancing with firm determination to continue achieving milestones within the Housing Program, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, supporting sustainable urban development and enhancing the quality of life for every Saudi family.” 

The minister emphasized that the program’s success is attributed to the provision of accessible financing solutions, innovative housing options, and the development of urban communities. The program also focuses on leveraging modern digital technologies to offer a flexible and efficient journey toward finding suitable housing that meets citizens’ aspirations and needs. 

In 2024, over 122,000 families benefited from housing support, with more than 21,000 eligible families achieving homeownership through developmental housing pathways. 

Additionally, the year saw the signing of over 13,000 contracts for land products offered by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, approximately 16,000 contracts for self-construction, over 49,000 contracts for ready-made units, and more than 27,000 off-plan sales contracts. 

The report also noted a rise in the total mortgage value from SR818 billion ($218 billion) to over SR859 billion, indicating increased efficiency in the housing market. 

Furthermore, affordability metrics improved, with the percentage of household income spent on housing decreasing from 41 percent to 40.2 percent. As a result, citizen satisfaction increased from 80 percent in 2023 to 89 percent in 2024. 


No Saudi acquisition offers: FC Barcelona tells Al-Eqtisadiah

Updated 51 min 58 sec ago
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No Saudi acquisition offers: FC Barcelona tells Al-Eqtisadiah

CAIRO: FC Barcelona has not received any offers, whether from Saudi Arabia or elsewhere, to acquire the club, according to an official source who spoke to Al-Eqtisadiah.

According to the source, the circulating news regarding the possibility of finalizing a deal to acquire the club in the coming period is a mere rumor.

Recent Spanish reports had indicated the possibility of a Saudi acquisition of Barcelona shares for around €10 billion ($11.7 billion), a move considered capable of saving the club from its financial crises if it were to happen, especially as it suffers from debts estimated at around €2.5 billion.

Sale not in management’s hands

Joan Gaspart, the former president of the club, confirmed that the current board of directors, chaired by Joan Laporta, does not have the right to dispose of the club’s ownership.

He added: “FC Barcelona is owned by about 150,000 members, and selling the club is something the owners will not accept. FC Barcelona possesses something no other club in the world has; money is very important, and so is passion, but the sentiment of the members today is to continue what the club has been for 125 years.”

High market value

Despite the financial crisis the club has been going through in recent years, FC Barcelona ranks sixth on the list of the world’s highest market value clubs, with an estimated value of €1.12 billion, according to Transfermarkt. Meanwhile, its rival Real Madrid tops the list with a market value of €1.38 billion.