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You also have a large number of professionals and businessmen in Riyadh, which makes the demand for accommodation even more significant. Also, their lifestyle is reflected in the local rental style. In general, most expats prefer to flock together, but there's something for all tastes and budgets, even if finding accommodation in Riyadh can seem a bit tricky and time-consuming at first. Also, rent prices vary from one type of accommodation to another, as well as from one neighborhood to another, so it's best to take your time and choose wisely.

Read also Choosing your neighborhood in Riyadh

Types of accommodation in Riyadh

In Riyadh, you are most likely to find one of the following types of accommodation:

• Compounds;
• Unlimited residences;
• Modern and luxury furnished flats and villas available for rent;
• Regular apartments.

Rent prices in Riyadh

Rental costs fluctuate according to the demand. Because of Riyadh's growth in recent years, rental costs have been increasing drastically in the past years. The location and size of the accommodation are two major factors that play a vital role in pricing.

The prices are as follows:

• Studio (comprises a kitchen and bathroom) - around SAR 25,000 per year (USD 6,666)
• Single-bedroom apartment (includes a bathroom, bed, and kitchen)' around SAR 30,000 (USD 8,000) per year
• Double bedroom apartment (with two bedrooms, kitchen, washroom, and a living room, i.e., lounge) - about SAR 40,000 (USD 10,666) per year.
• Triple room (comprising three bedrooms, kitchen, living room, and washroom) - around SAR 50,000 (USD 13,333 USD) per year

It's worth noting that some employers and companies provide their employees with a housing allowance. However, given the recent changes in rental prices, these can often be significantly below the market value. If you tell the landlord or owner of your ability to pay upfront, they are likely to offer interesting discounts. Most rental contracts are available for a 6-month or one-year duration; the latter often offers advantages compared to paying twice.

Read also Buying property in Riyadh

Looking for accommodation in Riyadh

Finding the best place to live in Riyadh requires proper research, but there are many options to explore. To refine your search, start by listing down your criteria, for example, your budget, how much you can afford to pay, the location and commuting duration to your work, the contract period, the method of payment, whether you prefer furnished or unfurnished accommodation, etc.

Read also Getting around in Riyadh

You will get a clearer picture once you have finalized your list. Riyadh has a wide offer of properties available for rent. It must also be said that compared to other Western countries, signing a lease is much quicker and can often be done in a couple of days. Have a look at the different local housing websites to get an idea of the location that suits you best and rent prices. If you are already on the spot, consider visiting the different neighborhoods. You can also ask your friends or colleagues whether there is any available accommodation they might be aware of. It is important to make sure the person you are in contact with is responsible for the place. This used to be a common scam, but this is no longer the case now that the government launched its platform .

Also, most of the Arabic newspapers advertise housing offers, but these are generally in Arabic. If you don't understand the language, there's nothing to worry about. You can simply seek help from your colleagues or friends.

Think about leaving your phone number with the building head or guard so that they let you know if there are any new vacancies. Alternatively, you can also take the owner's number to inquire yourself. In addition, real estate agencies often have signs with their numbers outside of buildings they manage. It might be worth considering giving these agencies a call as they manage multiple apartment complexes in different locations. You just have to mention what type of flat you are looking for and whether you are intending to move alone or with your family.

Ejar platform

The government launched a platform where all rental contracts must be signed. Landlords must be registered before they can offer contracts. All it will take from you is to share your Iqama number and phone number to the landlord, who will then be able to submit a rental contract to you through the platform. After logging in, you will be able to see and agree to your contract. The platform will then allow you to pay the amount for the rent. This will allow you to consult the status of your rent as well as downloading a contract featuring important information regarding your accommodation. This increases security against scammers for expats when having to deposit a full year of rent upfront.

Useful links:

Compounds in Riyadh