White Lands
in Saudi Arabia
The White Land Fees System regulates annual fees on undeveloped land within urban boundaries — we help you understand your obligations, object to assessments, and protect your rights.
White Lands are vacant plots located within urban boundaries designated for residential or mixed-use development but remain undeveloped. The system was introduced to encourage land development, increase the supply of developable land, and promote balanced urban growth across Saudi Arabia.
Why Were White Land Fees Introduced?
Increase Housing Supply
Incentivize development of idle land to increase available residential and commercial units.
Prevent Land Hoarding
Discourage holding developable land for speculation or monopolistic purposes.
Market Balance
Support supply-demand balance in the real estate market aligned with Vision 2030.
Urban Development
Improve land utilization within cities and support organized urban expansion.
How We Help with White Land Matters
Legal Assessment
Evaluate whether your land is subject to fees and review the financial assessment for accuracy.
Objection Preparation
Draft objection memoranda supported by legal provisions and required documentation.
Committee Representation
Represent you before specialized committees and judicial authorities if your objection is rejected.
Pre-Transaction Advisory
Review the legal status of land before purchase or sale transactions to avoid risks.
Frequently Asked Questions About White Lands
White Lands are vacant plots within urban boundaries designated for development but remaining undeveloped. The system aims to encourage urban development and increase the supply of developed land.
The fees apply to undeveloped land within urban boundaries that meets the conditions set by the Minister's decisions and Executive Regulations.
The land, or the total lands owned by one owner within the city's application zone, must be at least 5,000 square meters.
The basic annual fee is 2.5% of the land value, which may be increased up to 10% by Cabinet decision under specific conditions.
The program provides an official inquiry service using the deed number or property registration through the electronic platform.
Yes, inherited lands are subject to fees regardless of whether the deeds are updated. Each co-owner is responsible for payment according to their ownership share.
No, a building permit alone does not stop the fees. Completion of construction and issuance of an occupancy certificate is required.
No, mortgaging does not exempt the land. The registered owner at the time of fee issuance remains responsible for payment.
Yes, the owner has the right to object within 60 days of invoice issuance. Objections are submitted to a specialized committee appointed by the Minister.
Violators may face fines up to 100% of the fee amount, and unpaid invoices are referred to the enforcement court for compulsory collection.
While not mandatory, hiring a specialized lawyer helps evaluate your legal position and prepare an objection supported by legal provisions and documentation.
No, fencing alone is not considered development. Stopping the fees requires meeting the development requirements specified in the law and regulations.
These answers are for general awareness purposes. Final assessment depends on land data and announced decisions in the applicable city.
Need Help with White Land Matters?
Our specialized lawyers are ready to evaluate your legal position and prepare your objection — contact us today.