The Sultanate of Oman is intensifying regulatory oversight of its real estate sector amid rising property transactions and increasing foreign investment. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) emphasized that the updated legal framework aims to enhance market transparency, safeguard buyers and investors, and foster a more competitive and sustainable property environment.
Under the newly implemented Real Estate Regulation Law, various activities—such as property development, off-plan sales, brokerage, valuation, joint-property management, and escrow account management—are now governed by a unified legislative structure. Nasser bin Khamis al Siyabi, Director-General of Real Estate Development at MoHUP, highlighted that market confidence hinges on developers’ compliance with licensing, registration, and financial obligations.
“Building a strong real estate sector begins with building trust,” Al Siyabi stated, describing compliance as both a protective measure and a foundational element for developers, investors, and buyers alike. He noted that developers must secure appropriate licensing and complete registration procedures before promoting or selling any project, ensuring that developments meet prescribed legal, technical, and financial standards.
The licensing process consists of three consecutive stages. Initially, a company must obtain a real estate development licence authorizing it to conduct development activities within Oman. Subsequently, the developer is required to acquire a separate project-specific licence, which includes establishing an escrow account with a local bank prior to selling off-plan units. The final step involves obtaining a permit for advertising, promotion, and marketing before engaging in public dissemination of project details through media outlets, digital platforms, or exhibitions.
Al Siyabi explained that adherence to these steps enhances project preparedness and credibility while protecting the interests of all involved parties. The ministry’s Real Estate Development Services Centre collaborates with other government entities to streamline and expedite these procedures, aiming to reduce delays and administrative burdens without compromising regulatory rigor.
The law enforces penalties and legal action against entities that undertake property development, implementation, or advertising without the necessary authorizations. Violations of escrow account regulations likewise carry potential sanctions.
Al Siyabi urged prospective buyers and investors to verify that both the developer and the project hold valid registrations and licenses from the ministry before entering into financial commitments or signing purchase agreements.
This regulatory tightening comes as Oman’s real estate market shows robust growth. Real estate transaction values increased by 5.4% to RO 1.43 billion in the first half of 2026, up from RO 1.36 billion in the same period in 2025. Transactions by foreign investors surpassed RO 60 million, with those from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries exceeding RO 13 million. By the end of June, more than 190 real estate companies were registered with the ministry. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information, real estate activities contributed approximately RO 1.08 billion to Oman’s gross domestic product in 2025.