Building restoration in Al Slama, Riyadh: before buying or handover

Prepared by the technical team · editorial review · last updated 13 November 2026 · Sources

Before we start: what we know about Al Slama

The centre of Al Slama is at 24.6814, 46.7042, about 4.6 km from the centre of Riyadh, with an approximate radius of 1.2 km. The service-area circle on the map below is drawn from this point. The centre of Al Slama sits about 605 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data).

Main roads in or near Al Slama: Makkah Road, King Saud Road, Abdulaziz bin Musaed bin Jalawi Road.

Is a building in Al Slama, Riyadh, worth restoring before you buy it? That is the first question most owners ask, and the answer depends on the condition of the structure as much as the price. Al Slama sits at roughly 24.6814 N, 46.7042 E, about 4.6 km from the centre of Riyadh, and its core covers an approximate radius of 1.2 km. The neighbourhood lies around 605 m above sea level, so it is a useful reference point when you compare a property with others further from the city centre. Knowing where a building sits helps you plan access, travel time for trades, and how it relates to the wider city.

Before you commit to a purchase, arrange an inspection that covers the structure, the roof, the external walls, the openings and the services. A visual walk-through should note cracks, damp patches, signs of past repairs and the state of any plumbing and electrical fittings. Ask the inspector to estimate the scope of works so you can compare the likely cost. Restoration work in this area is typically quoted per square metre, with a rate of SAR 55–160 per m², so the size and the level of damage will shape the final figure. For smaller issues, a routine maintenance visit is usually priced at SAR 160–420 per visit, which can help you judge whether the building needs ongoing upkeep or a larger programme of repair.

Prepare a few things before the visit so the inspection is productive. Gather the title deed, any previous inspection reports, records of past repair work, and details of the building's age and construction. Make a list of the problems you have already noticed, such as leaks, noises or sticking doors, and note which rooms are used most. Decide in advance what your budget and timeline are, so you can ask the right questions about phasing the works. With this information ready, the inspector can give you a clear picture of the building's condition and help you decide whether restoration makes sense before you buy.

Before buying or taking over a property, an inspection gives you findings in writing before you sign.

When do you need building restoration?

If you notice one of these signs in Al Slama, it is a good moment to talk to the team:

• Cracks in the plaster
• Peeling paint
• Damage left after a leak

Where the problem usually comes from

• A common cause: the age of the building.
• Earlier damp — we check this before anything else.
• A leak that was never treated — we check this before anything else.

Tools and methods, and when we use them

From the first visit to the report

1. Survey: The cause of the damage is recorded.
2. Treating the cause: The water source is stopped first.
3. Restoration: Plaster, tiles and paint.
4. Handover: Before-and-after photos.

Al Slama in facts and sources

Common questions about building restoration in Al Slama

Common mistakes we see

• Restoring before the damp source is stopped

The written outputs

The written output: before-and-after photos and the work done. The report is numbered and can be checked with its verification code.