MOMAH seeks public input on regs for idle land law violations

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing headquarters

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing put forth the draft regulation for violations of the White Land Fees and Vacant Properties Law for public consultation on the “Istitlaa” platform until January 11, 2026.

The draft regulation aims to enhance compliance with the White Land Fees and Vacant Properties Law, and to improve the efficiency of fees imposed on undeveloped (white) land to stimulate the real estate market, increase the availability of developed land and real estate units, achieve a balance between supply and demand, protect fair competition, and combat monopolistic practices, the ministry stated.

The provisions of the violations and penalties regulation include the following:

First: If the taxpayer wishes to sell the land, all fines imposed on the land must be paid before ownership can be transferred.

Second: Fines must be paid within 30 days from the date the taxpayer is notified.

Third: In all cases, the value of fines shall not exceed 100% of the fee value within a single billing cycle.

Fourth: The committee’s decision shall specify the type of violation, the value of the fine, its date, and the final deadline for payment.

Fifth: It is permissible to challenge the committee’s decision to impose a fine before the competent administrative court.

Sixth: A violation shall be considered repeated if the taxpayer owns more than one land plot subject to the fee across more than one billing cycle, and the same violation applies.

Seventh: A violation shall not be considered repeated if it is imposed on the taxpayer within the same billing cycle on more than one land plot; in such cases, the violation shall be imposed independently on each plot.

According to data available with Argaam, it was announced recently that invoices for idle land fees in Riyadh will be issued starting Jan. 1, 2026, as per the White Land and Vacant Property Fees Law.