Interview: Majid Al Hogail, Minister of Municipalities and Housing, on regulation, data and technology-driven urban growth
What role does regulation play in balancing sector growth and sustainability practices?
MAJID AL HOGAIL: Regulatory frameworks protect rights, define how processes are governed and bolster the sector’s ability to adapt to economic change. Recently, regulations have been updated to better respond to urban needs and align with Vision 2030. Measures addressing white land and vacant properties are improving land-use efficiency by discouraging hoarding and encouraging development, contributing to a gradual rebalancing of supply and demand as the market adjusts. Public policy aims to stabilise the rental market through clearer landlord-tenant frameworks, including mechanisms such as automatic contract renewal and rental controls for all residential and commercial properties in key cities. Off-plan sale and lease regulations, along with instant licensing services, have facilitated faster project delivery. These policies support higher homeownership rates, which have reached 65.4%, reflecting increased public confidence, and the impact of financing programmes and targeted housing initiatives introduced alongside regulatory reform. Policy frameworks and digital systems will continue to be reviewed and refined to ensure they remain aligned with evolving market conditions and urban development needs.
In what ways is the sector addressing challenges related to transparency and data availability?
AL HOGAIL: Real estate data management has been restructured through the unified data backbone built on the Real Estate Registry platform. Each property is assigned a unique identifier linked to its geographic location, rights and obligations. This is supported by geospatial data and a digital property record that captures the full history of the asset and all related legal interests. This has reduced verification processes, such as ownership and mortgage checks, from weeks to minutes, allowing investors to access clear, verifiable data and make decisions based on reliable information.
How is technology improving efficiency, transparency and the overall customer experience?
AL HOGAIL: Technology integration is a core enabler of improved efficiency and transparency across the real estate sector. Digital registry platforms, open data systems and advanced tools for verifying listings and licenses have improved data reliability and reduced transaction friction. PropTech Saudi plays a key role by providing a structured space to test real estate technologies and develop data-driven and artificial intelligence-based solutions. It also connects global best practices with local market needs. This work is supported by platforms like the Global PropTech Summit, which unites industry stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of new technologies. These initiatives align with smart city and urban development projects, where urban data systems, internet-of-things applications and smart sensors are used to improve asset management, operational efficiency and service delivery.
Which strategies are in place to meet the growing demand for affordable housing while ensuring urban development aligns with a diverse population?
AL HOGAIL: An integrated strategy addresses rising demand for affordable housing, balancing supply and aligning delivery with broader urban development goals. Affordable housing options have been expanded through comprehensive programmes that support purchasing power using flexible financing solutions aligned with Vision 2030. These programmes have contributed to measurable improvements in homeownership indicators. In parallel, public-private partnerships have been expanded to accelerate housing delivery and provide a wider range of housing products that serve different income segments, while improving overall project quality. Sustainable urban planning principles are also being embedded into housing development through the creation of integrated neighbourhoods with essential infrastructure and community services.
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