Saudi Arabia Implements New Regulations Allowing Additional Basement Floors for Residential Villas
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has implemented new regulations allowing residential villas to build additional basement floors, in a move aimed at expanding the residential supply in the country.
The government has increased the permissible building percentage for the ground and first floors of residential villas from 70 percent to 75 percent, with the new regulations coming into effect on July 15. These changes, approved by Saudi Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majid Al-Hogail, are part of the nation’s efforts to increase home ownership to 70 percent by 2030 under the Housing Program, a Vision 2030 initiative.
One of the key changes is the ability to separate floors in residential villas into independent housing units, each with its own entrance, as long as there is a parking space available for each unit within the property boundaries. Additionally, the front wall facing the street can be removed to create parking spaces for the villa’s residential units, increasing the number of parking spaces available.
The new guidelines also allow for the ground floor of a multi-story residential building to be used for parking, without counting towards the official number of floors. Basements can now be used for housing in both residential villas and buildings, as long as natural ventilation and lighting are ensured according to Saudi Building Code requirements.
These regulations follow international best practices to enhance quality of life, encourage investment, improve the urban landscape, and regulate development in a way that positively impacts the urban environment and the fabric of Saudi cities. The amendments also include specifications for the minimum width and area of driver or domestic worker’s bedrooms, as well as restrictions on the placement of air-conditioning units and extensions on facades facing roads and main streets.
While the new regulations do not apply to certain types of buildings such as hotels, lodges, senior citizens’ and disabled centers, and high-rise towers, existing buildings and those under construction can benefit from the increased building percentages and heights. The regulations also encompass spatial planning requirements and technical specifications to ensure the safety and integrity of buildings without harming neighboring properties.
Overall, these new regulations are set to have a significant impact on the residential construction sector in Saudi Arabia, providing more flexibility and opportunities for homeowners and developers alike.