Selling flats and duplexes

Sell an apartment with a licensed real estate broker

The flat market differs from the villa market: buyers are more varied — from a young family buying its first home to an investor looking for rental income — and comparing flats in the same building or district is quick and easy. That’s why selling a flat needs accurate pricing and a presentation that shows what sets it apart.

With SaudiRealtor you describe your flat once, and your request reaches up to three licensed brokers who know your area. They contact you with offers so you can compare commission, marketing plan and experience.

Request broker offersFree, no obligation

The facade of a residential building with rows of balconies in light brick

Who is this for?

Owners of a flat or duplex who want to sell — whether they live in it and plan to move to a villa, bought it as an investment and now want to sell, or inherited it with their siblings. It also suits owners of a let flat who want to sell with the tenant in place, which needs particular experience with investor buyers.

If the flat is in a building with an owners’ association or shared maintenance fees, serious buyers will ask about it — a good broker prepares this with you before marketing.

How a sale usually works with a licensed broker

The general steps are similar between brokers, with differences in detail:

Viewing and pricing: The broker visits, compares the flat with similar ones in the district and suggests a realistic price range.
Brokerage agreement: A written agreement setting out the flat, duration, commission and exclusivity before marketing starts.
Preparation and photos: Simple tidying, good light and professional photos that show the space honestly.
Marketing and viewings: A licensed ad on the approved platforms and viewings with serious buyers, coordinated with any tenant.
Negotiation and transfer: The broker negotiates price and terms, then the transfer is completed through official channels.

Selling a let flat

You can sell a flat that is let, but the buyer usually takes over the existing lease until it ends — which attracts investors and puts off people who want to move in straight away. Gather the documented lease, the payment schedule and the end date, and agree with the broker how viewings will respect the tenant’s privacy.

Preparing the flat before it goes on the market

Buyers compare your flat with dozens of others in photos before deciding to visit, so small details make a big difference: repainting marked walls, fixing taps and doors, servicing the air conditioning and clearing extra furniture so the space shows. It doesn’t mean a big refurbishment before selling — many buyers prefer to refurbish themselves.

Agree with the broker what is worth fixing and what isn’t, and ask for their view of the photos before they go live. Read how to prepare your property for sale.

What a good broker does for you

A good broker knows what flat buyers in your area look for: the floor and the lift, parking, nearby services and the state of the building. They highlight what makes your flat stand out, honestly, and price it to stay competitive against the flats on offer around it.

They screen callers before viewings, coordinate with the building guard or owners’ association when needed, and follow the documents with you until transfer.

Documents usually needed

The title deed for the flat, ideally an up-to-date electronic deed.
The owners’ IDs, and a valid power of attorney if an agent acts for them.
Owners’ association and shared maintenance details, if any.
The documented lease if the flat is let.
Proof the mortgage has been released if the flat is financed.

What affects a flat’s price and time to sell

Location and district, and access to roads and services.
Floor and view, the lift and parking.
Size, number of rooms and bathrooms.
Age and condition of the building, and how well it is managed and maintained.
The flat itself: finishes, kitchen and air conditioning.
Let or empty — each attracts a different kind of buyer.
The asking price compared with similar flats on offer.

How the broker is paid

A broker usually earns a commission when the sale completes. The Real Estate Brokerage Law sets the general framework, and the details go into the brokerage agreement: the amount, who pays, when, and what it covers. Compare offers by the services the commission includes, not just the figure. Read broker commission explained.

Questions to ask every broker

What is your FAL licence number?
What experience do you have selling flats in this district or building?
How will you price the flat against those on offer around it?
What is the marketing plan, and which platforms will you use?
How will you handle the tenant if the flat is let?
What is the commission, what does it include, and is the agreement exclusive?

Red flags

A broker without a FAL licence, or who won’t share its number.
A promised price far above similar flats, with no explanation.
Fees up front, or refusing to put a brokerage agreement in writing.
Viewings without notice or without respect for the tenant.

What does selling a property cost?Commission, real estate transaction tax, valuation fees and preparing the property — what to budget for before you sell, without misleading figures.

Available in these cities

Common questions about selling a flat

Is the request free?

Yes — sending a request is free and without obligation.

Can I sell a flat that is let?

Yes, and the lease usually continues with the new owner. The broker explains what suits your case.

Will you publish an ad for my flat?

No — we publish no property ads. The broker you choose handles marketing with a licensed ad.

How many brokers will contact me?

Up to three licensed brokers, or the number you choose.

Should I sell the flat furnished?

It depends on the likely buyer — some investors prefer a furnished flat ready to let, while many families prefer it empty. Discuss it with the broker before marketing.