Ban on use of government agencies’ names in real estate marketing

RIYADH — The Board of Directors of the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) has approved the Real Estate Marketing and Advertising Regulations, pursuant to the Real Estate Brokerage Law. This is aimed at enhancing transparency and safeguarding stakeholders within the real estate market. Under the new regulations, the use of the names of government entities in real estate marketing is strictly prohibited. The advertising license will be revoked if it is found that its validity has expired or used in a manner inconsistent with its stated purpose, or it contains misleading or inaccurate information. Under the regulations, it is prohibited to directly or indirectly defame others; publish or promote false or misleading information or data; issue a real estate advertisement without a license; include a contact method in the advertisement other than that provided by the applicant when applying for the advertising license; use the name, logo, or identity of REGA or any other government entity without legal justification; or publish an advertisement containing descriptions that contradict reality or misrepresent the true nature of the property. Violators shall be subject to the penalties set forth in the schedule of violations and penalties under the Real Estate Brokerage regulations. The new regulations govern the issuance of real estate advertising licenses, establish requirements for advertising content, outline relevant prohibitions, and define the obligations of licensees engaged in real estate marketing activities, in addition to the responsibilities of electronic real estate platforms. A real estate advertisement must include essential details of the property, such as its type, location, area, description, and value, as well as any additional information that may influence the property’s value or the buyer’s decision. It must also disclose any existing real or personal rights associated with the property, specify the price, rent, or brokerage fees, and provide a valid and up-to-date contact method. Advertisements must not contain any phrases, symbols, signs, drawings, images, or statements that are misleading, deceptive, falsified, exaggerated, or that conceal any of the required data or information. Furthermore, advertisements published on electronic real estate platforms must be limited to data obtained through technical integration with the REGA’s systems. These regulations apply across various channels, including social media platforms, visual, audio, and print media, exhibitions and public events, online real estate platforms, and billboards. To obtain a license, the advertiser must be the property owner, an authorized representative of the owner, or a licensed broker. A property ownership registration contract must be submitted, except in cases involving properties under government supervision. The advertiser is required to pay the prescribed fees using the designated payment method; avoid including inaccurate or misleading information that could disrupt the stability of the real estate market or erode confidence in it; comply with applicable regulations, bylaws, and standards of public decency in business conduct; ensure that a valid real estate advertising license is in place for the property being marketed; include the license number in the advertisement; and promptly remove the advertisement upon fulfillment of its purpose or upon expiry of its validity period, whichever occurs first.