The housing cycle theory with regard to housing development in Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

This paper can be seen as a part of the on-going attempts to relate various well-established spatio-economic theories to the contemporary development in Saudi Arabia.

After discussing the housing cycle theory and the various building programs that have been put into operation since 1970, it is concluded that the theory, despite its relevance in certain stages, is not fully valid in explaining housing development in Saudi Arabia up to the present day (i.e., early 1990s).

Indeed, state policies have produced programs for additional housing even when there was a surplus so that housing development to the present in Saudi Arabia may be seen as a line rather than a cycle.

The line started with the housing shortage of the early 1970s and has continued with a surplus repeatedly seen since the early 1980s.

The effects of these policies, together with demand-related factors, will probably determine the future pattern of housing development in Saudi Arabia.