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📆 Saturday, Rabiʻ II 8, 1448 AH — September 19, 2026

Property Transfer Fee Calculator (RETT)

Calculate the Saudi Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) of 5% on property sales in Saudi Arabia, including the first-home exemption

How to Use

  1. Select the property type (residential — first home, residential — other, or commercial)
  2. Enter the property value
  3. Press "Calculate" to see the RETT amount, first-home exemption (if applicable), and total buyer cost

Saudi Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT)

RETT is a tax levied on real estate dispositions (sale, purchase, gift) within Saudi Arabia, managed by ZATCA.

Tax Rate

RETT is 5% of the transaction value. First introduced in October 2020, it is now governed by the Real Estate Transaction Tax Law (Royal Decree M/84, 2024), whose Implementing Regulations took effect on 10 April 2025.

First-Home Exemption

Saudi citizens purchasing their first home are exempt on the first SAR 1,000,000 of the property value, in support of Vision 2030 homeownership targets.

Did RETT Replace VAT on Real Estate?

Yes. Since October 2020, residential and commercial real estate transactions are exempt from 15% VAT and instead subject to 5% RETT — saving buyers 10% compared to the old regime.

Calculation Methodology

Base formula

Real Estate Transaction Tax = taxable base × 5%. The taxable base is the transaction value after applying any exemption entered in the calculator.

First-home exemption

When first home for a Saudi citizen is selected, the calculator deducts the exemption amount up to SAR 1,000,000 from the property value, then applies tax to any remaining taxable amount.

Source basis and limits

This page is based on ZATCA information about RETT. It does not detail every exemption or exception, so check the ZATCA portal before transfer or payment.

Practical Examples

First home purchase at SAR 800,000

Ahmad, a Saudi citizen, is buying his first home for 800,000 SAR. Exemption: first 1,000,000 SAR exempt → exempt amount = 800,000 SAR Taxable amount = 800,000 - 800,000 = 0 SAR RETT = 0 SAR Total buyer cost = 800,000 SAR (no tax).

Non-first residential property at SAR 1,500,000

Sarah is buying a second apartment for 1,500,000 SAR. No exemption (not a first home). Taxable amount = 1,500,000 SAR RETT = 1,500,000 × 5% = 75,000 SAR Total buyer cost = 1,500,000 + 75,000 = 1,575,000 SAR.

Commercial property at SAR 3,000,000

Mohammed is buying a commercial property for 3,000,000 SAR. No exemption (commercial property). Taxable amount = 3,000,000 SAR RETT = 3,000,000 × 5% = 150,000 SAR Total buyer cost = 3,000,000 + 150,000 = 3,150,000 SAR.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays RETT — the buyer or the seller?
The seller (transferor) is legally responsible for paying RETT before or during title transfer via the ZATCA portal. However, buyer and seller can contractually agree for the buyer to bear the cost.
How does the first-home exemption work?
The government covers RETT on the first SAR 1,000,000 of the purchase price for Saudi citizens buying their first home. Buyers must obtain a "first home" certificate from the Sakani platform (housing.gov.sa) and present it to the seller before registering the transaction.
Is RETT applied on inherited property?
No, the distribution of an estate among legal heirs is exempt from RETT. However, if an heir subsequently sells their inherited share, the sale transaction is subject to RETT.
Is there a difference in RETT between land and built property?
No, the 5% rate applies uniformly to all real estate dispositions — whether bare land, residential buildings, or commercial properties.
How do I pay RETT?
Register the transaction on the ZATCA portal (zatca.gov.sa) under the "Real Estate Transaction Tax" service. If the tax is under SAR 20,000, pay via mada Pay; if above SAR 20,000, pay via the SADAD payment system.
Is RETT applied on gifts between family members?
Gifts to a spouse or relatives up to the third degree are exempt, provided the property is not sold within 3 years of the gift. Third-degree relatives include siblings and their children.
Did RETT replace VAT on real estate?
Yes, since October 2020, real estate transactions are exempt from 15% VAT and instead subject to 5% RETT under Royal Order A/84, saving buyers 10% compared to the previous regime.

Legal References

Disclaimer: The results shown are approximate and for reference only, and do not constitute financial or legal advice. Actual amounts may vary based on additional factors. Please consult the relevant official authorities or a licensed financial advisor for accurate information specific to your situation.

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