Examining Saudi Arabia’s housing tenure and price trends: a comparative study with global context

Purpose This paper aims to analyze and compare housing tenure and model housing price index (HPI) in Saudi Arabia with selected Organization for Economic Cooperation Development (OECD) countries. Design/methodology/approach The research uses quantitative data from the Saudi 2022 Statistical Census and OECD sources. Analytical methods include polynomial regression modeling for housing price trends and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to explore the relationship between housing variables, alongside descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings The polynomial regression analysis reveals distinct HPI trends across the studied countries, indicating stability and growth. Countries like Australia, France and the US are projected to see substantial HPI increases by 2026, reaching values around 175, signaling strong market recovery and growth. Greece’s trajectory is marked by fluctuations, recovering modestly post-2020, while Saudi Arabia’s market shows stability with a slight increase forecasted to 92.8 by 2026. The ANOVA analysis for Saudi Arabia highlights significant regional differences in housing tenure, with economic conditions and housing types significantly impacting tenure patterns. Originality/value This study fills a void in research by offering a comparative analysis of housing tenure and HPI, shedding light on how economic and demographic factors influence housing trends. The findings are crucial for policymakers to develop targeted strategies that address affordability and stability, catering to diverse demographic needs.