-  Idle Lands Program issues invoices for second round in Riyadh

The Idle Lands Program announced the issuance of invoices for undeveloped land fees for the year 1444/1445 H for the second round of second phase in Riyadh. The program called on the landowners to pay the fees or reconstruct their land within a year from the date of issuance of the decision.

In a recent press statement, the programme announced that a grace period of one year will be provided from the date of issuing invoices. This period allows landowners to either pay the fee or undertake the reconstruction of their land by constructing residential facilities, excluding activities such as fencing, as specified in the building permit issued for the land. In a bid to boost the availability of real estate products and developed lands while curbing monopolies, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing is taking steps to encourage landowners to reconstruct and develop their properties. This includes providing support through initiatives like the Etmam Centre and the Real Estate Development Agency, with the aim of expediting the development of vacant lands.

The program not only highlighted the need to pay the required fees, but also stressed the significance of doing so within the designated timeframe to prevent incurring penalties of up to 100% of the fee's worth. It was mentioned that landowners have the ability to access the fees imposed on them and make the necessary payments within one year from the date of the decision, 17 Muharram 1445 H, corresponding to August 4, 2023 via https://idlelands-services.housing.gov.sa/idlelands-services/idlelands-services.html.

Over the past months, the program issued invoices for the seventh round of first phase in Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah. This is besides invoices for sixth round of first phase in Makkah, first round in Qassim region (Buraydah and Unayzah), Hail, Tabuk, Al-Ahsa, Medina, Asir (Abha, Khamis Mushait), Jazan (Jizan, Samtah, Abu Arish), and Taif. According to the programme, land that is owned by multiple individuals may be subject to fees. These fees are imposed on each owner based on their respective share in the land ownership deed. In the meantime, the Idle Land Fee website allows beneficiaries of individuals assigned or planning to purchase land to easily check for any existing fees on idle land using just the deed number.

The Implementing Regulation of Idle Land Fees Law have been revealed, outlining a three-phase process for implementing fees, as stated by the program. The initial phase will encompass vast stretches of undeveloped land, spanning over 10,000 square metres within the Ministry's jurisdiction. In the second stage, there is a significant amount of developed land measuring 10,000 square metres or more and the total of the developed lands assigned to a single owner with an area of 10,000 square metres in a single plan within the urban scale. The third phase targets land measuring 5,000 square metres or more in any city falling under the jurisdiction of the Ministry. According to the programme, funds collected from fees and fines are allocated towards housing projects, as well as the development and provision of public facilities and services. This aligns with the guidelines outlined in Article (15) of the Implementing Regulation of Idle Land Fees Law.