capping costs

Saudi Arabia freezes home rents for 5 years, citing steep increases

The freeze comes amid government concern about the impact of rising Saudi real estate values on the cost of living in Saudi Arabia's capital city

Bernd von Jutrczenka/picture alliance via Getty Images

View of Riyadh city center from the terrace of the Al Faisaliah Tower

Saudi Arabia has ordered a five-year freeze on rent increases for residential and commercial properties in Riyadh, effective immediately, citing a steep rise in housing costs.

The decree, issued by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, requires that rents for...