In recent years, the demand for booking apartments and daily rentals in Saudi Arabia has grown significantly. With the variety of platforms available—such as Mabaat, Airbnb, Jathern, Darz, Darent, and GoldenHost—it has become essential to understand their differences. That’s why this article provides a detailed comparison to help you find the best website to rent apartments directly from owners.
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Best Website to Rent Apartments from Owners
In today’s fast-paced digital world, searching for an apartment no longer means roaming neighborhoods or relying on acquaintances. The best websites to rent apartments directly from owners are now the smart choice for anyone seeking convenience, reliability, and time efficiency. That’s why we’ve prepared this exclusive 2025 guide:
Baytak
When discussing the best apartment rental platforms in the Arab world, Baytak stands out as a notable choice. With a modern, responsive design, a simple user interface, and advanced search filters, Baytak helps you quickly find the right apartment. Key features include:
- Accurate search by city, price, number of rooms, and area size.
- Updated, authentic photos that reflect reality.
- Direct and secure communication with property owners or trusted brokers.
- Educational blog posts and tips to guide smart decision-making.
- A seamless browsing experience that builds trust from the very first click.
Airbnb – Best for Flexible Short-Term Stays
If you’re looking for a furnished apartment for a short stay—whether you’re a student, tourist, or remote worker—Airbnb remains one of the best options. With hundreds of ready-to-move-in apartments in over 190 countries, Airbnb ensures secure and instant bookings. Notable features include:
- Verified guest reviews offering real insight before booking.
- Secure booking system backed by platform guarantees.
- 24/7 customer support whenever you need assistance.
Aqar Map – A Comprehensive Real Estate Reference
Aqar Map is among the best platforms in both Egypt and Saudi Arabia for renting apartments directly from owners. It combines ease of use with accuracy in data, making it a reliable option for those seeking trustworthy insights. Key highlights include:
- Accurate, updated information on neighborhoods and regions.
- An interactive price index showing price trends in every area.
- Regular reports and analyses for investors and property seekers.
Property Finder – For Premium Rentals in KSA & UAE
When it comes to high-end apartments in Saudi Arabia or the UAE, Property Finder is a top choice. It offers an elegant interface, detailed listings, and high-resolution images, supported by interactive features for a smooth search experience. Key features include:
- Professional-quality photos showing every property detail.
- Smart interactive maps for location-based searches.
- Options across all budgets, from affordable units to luxury apartments.
- 360-degree virtual tours to help you make informed decisions.
Benefits of Renting Apartments Directly from Owners
Here are some key advantages of using the best platforms to rent directly from owners:
- Save time and effort in property search and listing.
- Multiple payment systems for flexible transactions.
- Clear property details, including ownership status and total area.
- Direct communication with landlords via phone or email.
- Reduced risks of fraud often associated with untrustworthy agents.
- Better cost efficiency by avoiding unnecessary fees.
With Nahla, you can maximize efficiency and increase returns by connecting with all booking platforms through a single dashboard—saving time and effort at every step.
Saudi Platforms vs. International Platforms
When booking an apartment or daily rental, the choice is not just about price—it’s about the entire booking experience. Here’s the key distinction:
- Flexible Check-In & Check-Out:
Platforms like Jathern and Mabaat allow early check-in and late check-out when coordinated directly with owners. Airbnb offers this too, but with less flexibility and sometimes extra charges. - Privacy & Self Check-In:
In Saudi rental platforms, self-check-in has become a standard, where you enter using a digital code without needing reception staff. This is ideal for those seeking complete privacy or late-night access. - Platforms like Mabaat, GoldenHost, and Darent focus heavily on this feature.
- On Airbnb, it depends on the host and varies from one unit to another.
FAQ
What are the steps to rent an apartment?
- Define the parties: include landlord (lessor) and tenant details with IDs.
- Describe the apartment: full address, size, and number of rooms.
- Specify rental duration: whether short- or long-term, with clear start and end dates.
- Set the rent amount: include payment method, due dates, and deadlines.
- Security deposit: define the refundable amount, provided no damages occur.
- Contract signing: Both parties must sign all contract pages with the date.
Do I need a license to rent out my unit on these platforms?
Yes. According to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism regulations, an official permit is required for renting out residential units, ensuring security and compliance.
Conclusion
With Nahla Property Management, handling your real estate is now easier and more seamless. You can monitor all units, connect them with booking channels, and take advantage of every rental opportunity with complete ease—without unnecessary complications or administrative hassles.
