Accommodation in Jeddah

Most expat accommodation in Jeddah is in the form of compounds. These communities are designed with expats in mind. They range from compact to vast – some compounds consist of just a few houses, and others are microcosms with numerous villas, apartments and shared amenities.

There tends to be more freedom for expats in the compounds, where they often live far removed from the restrictive rules governing everyday life in Saudi Arabia. With facilities such as shops, sports grounds, swimming pools, parks, restaurants, and daycare centres, compounds offer expats everything they may need. Staying at some of the more exclusive compounds in Jeddah can even be likened to living in a holiday complex.

Popular expat compounds in Jeddah

Arabian Homes

One of the best-known compound companies in Saudi Arabia, Arabian Homes offers a selection of apartments and villas. Sport and recreational facilities are available and there are various property types to suit all family requirements.

Al Basateen Village

A luxury compound, Al Basateen provides expats with the sort of space and safety they’d expect from quiet suburbs back home. Families have various housing options, while green parks and cul-de-sacs help make living here enjoyable.

Sharbatly Village

With a long-established history, Sharbatly Village is conveniently located within easy reach of the airport.  Properties come complete with manicured grounds and top-of-the-line recreational facilities, with both space and privacy being top priorities for developers.

Types of accommodation in Jeddah

Accommodation in Jeddah is typically expensive due to high demand and limited supply. Housing allowances are a fairly standard part of Saudi employment contracts but their format varies. Allowances may include a specific amount, a percentage of the employee’s salary or, in the case of larger employers, even the provision of a property. Rental agreements are often between the employer and the compound.

Compound housing in Jeddah tends to be fully furnished, though it's possible to find unfurnished accommodation at slightly lower prices. For a bit extra, expats who prefer to travel light can also arrange a 'soft package' which includes bedding, towels, cutlery, and crockery. Otherwise, numerous shops sell quality household items.

Ultimately, expats could ship all their furniture to create a home away from home, though this is a significant expense. Moving with personal items only and living with what the compound provides is what most expats do.

Shipping and Removals in Jeddah

Finding accommodation in Jeddah

Demand for compound housing in Jeddah considerably outstrips supply, so finding the right home can take some time. When choosing a compound, expats should think about the location and general lifestyle, rather than just the house itself – the livability of a fantastic property is greatly diminished in the wrong location. It’s also worth bearing in mind that it's easier to change houses within a compound once you've moved in than it is to move from one compound to another.

Information about compounds in Jeddah is available online through individual property websites and listings. Websites such as Real Estate Saudi and Bayut can be good resources. You could also browse expat groups on social media sites for advice, or get advice from work colleagues and other expats once you arrive in Saudi Arabia.

Luckily, the majority of expats moving to Jeddah have the hassle of finding a suitable compound taken care of as employers usually arrange expat accommodation prior to their employees' arrival. In most cases, expats are housed close to colleagues and other foreigners, which makes the transition into expat life in Jeddah much smoother. 

Useful links

• Real Estate Saudi
• Bayut

Renting accommodation in Jeddah

Applying for a lease

In most cases, expats will be spared the trouble of applying for a lease, as employers tend to provide accommodation for their workers as part of their contracts. In the case that you do need to apply for a lease, expect to submit proof of identification and employment, a valid visa and referrals.

All leases in Saudi Arabia must be registered on Ejar, which uses a standardised lease format.

Fees and deposits

Compound contracts tend to be on a rolling annual basis, with rent paid in a lump sum at the start of each year or every six months. Deposits are typically around 10 percent of the annual rent.

Terminating a lease

It's possible to terminate a lease early through mutual agreement between the landlord and tenant. The request can be initiated on the Ejar network. A good reason for termination usually needs to be supplied. A clause stipulating terms for early termination can be added into the lease to make this process easier.

Domestic help

Expats living in Jeddah often hire domestic help, such as maids, nannies and drivers, to assist with household chores and childcare. Domestic workers are typically brought in from other countries, such as the Philippines, Indonesia or India, and are required to live in the household of their employer. It is common for employers to provide their domestic workers with room and board, medical insurance and paid time off.

To learn more about the ins and outs of hiring domestic help in the country, read Domestic Help in Saudi Arabia

Useful links

• Ejar

Utilities in Jeddah

When living in a compound, expats may find that some or all utilities are bundled into the price of rent. Those living in independent villas will most likely need to manage and pay for their own utilities, including electricity, gas, water, and internet.

Electricity

Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) is responsible for the country's electricity supply. They have a comprehensive website with English resources, making it easy to manage your electricity. The website includes options to open an account as well as view and pay bills. 

Gas

Gas in Saudi Arabia is usually in the form of canisters, which can be replaced with a full one when empty. The National Gas and Industrialization Company (GASCO) is the main provider of this service. Rarely, homes may have piped-in gas, in which case a private company is usually used.

Water

Water is supplied by the National Water Company (NWC). You'll need to register to connect to the water supply. This is a fairly easy process and can be done online.

Waste removal and recycling

The local municipal council removes solid waste, using a local garbage collection process. Recycling tends to be managed through private companies.

Useful links

• SEC
• GASCO
• NWC