SAMA's Governor, Dr. Ahmed A. AlKholifey, has stated that after more than two years of implementing finance laws and their implementing regulations, SAMA recognizes the noticeable improvement of the regulatory and supervisory environment of real estate finance, which will enhance protection against associated risks and ensures the rights of parities involved in a financing relationship and maintain confidence in this sector. Therefore, SAMA has decided to raise the maximum loan-to-value ratio for home financing, set forth in Article 12 of the Implementing Regulation of Real Estate Finance Law, from 70% to 85% for citizens' first home ownership only.

Dr. Alkholifey has also explained that such increase will support growth in the real estate finance sector, complement the national housing objectives included in the Kingdom's Vision 2030 without jeopardizing the soundness of the banking sector and financial stability, and allow banks to provide various products that serve citizens and meet the market's needs.