Client Overview
A publicly listed Saudi joint-stock developer is leading the transformation of Madinah into a modern, connected city, creating vibrant lifestyle destinations within the sacred boundary of the Haram. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, it holds the distinction of being the first developer in the city permitted to sell units to international buyers, a milestone that significantly broadens its investor reach.
The Challenge
The forthcoming change in law, opening sales to international purchasers, created an immediate need to move away from a developer-led sales model towards a broker-supported one capable of delivering greater reach. To support this shift, the client required a compensation benchmarking report alongside clear recommendations on building a broker function.
This was far from straightforward. Unlike Dubai, where brokers handle around 80% of stock, Saudi units are sold directly by the developer, meaning the broker market is smaller, less established and difficult to benchmark. The brief effectively called for guidance on a market that does not yet exist — informed instead by proven frameworks from across the wider GCC. Engaging consistently busy senior stakeholders added a further layer of complexity.
Our Approach
Leadership
The project was led by Andrew Deverell-Smith, supported by Head of Research Anna Rickenberg, drawing on deep networks and benchmarking expertise across the GCC real estate market.
Methodology
-
Leveraged senior leadership relationships across the GCC to build an accurate picture of compensation and market structure
-
Conducted talent and market mapping to benchmark salaries against comparable regional models
-
Applied competitor mapping alongside existing networks and referrals, with all research carried out on a fully anonymous, no-names basis
Results
-
Delivered a complete compensation and recommendations report within two weeks of brief
-
Provided robust salary benchmarking despite the absence of a directly comparable Saudi market
-
Equipped the client with a clear, actionable framework for establishing a broker capability ahead of the new legislation
Key Success Factors
Success came from combining an established GCC benchmarking framework with genuine regional insight, enabling confident recommendations in an emerging market. The engagement demonstrates Hintel's ability to deliver clarity and strategic direction where reliable market data simply does not yet exist.
Success story: Senior Client Advisor, Leading Real Estate Consultancy
Success story: Head of Consulting, leading property consultancy
Success story: Chief Procurement Officer
Sign up to devcast...
Whether you’re looking to get hired, or looking to hire then we’ve got you covered.
Reach out and speak to our expert team today.