Al-Bar said the decision to allow residents to build additional floors is almost approved and that people in the holy city have been asking for permission to build additional floors to their properties for some time.

Al-Bar added that their demand is legitimate, especially in light of the current real estate problems in Makkah and the rising costs of rent because of ongoing development projects close to the Grand Mosque, which many real estate owners say has also adversely increased the price of land. Salem Abu Hamra, a real estate investor, said many people have had their homes demolished because of the construction projects close to the Grand Mosque and have moved to districts on the edge of the city, and other cities such as Jeddah and Taif, where accommodation is cheaper.

“The current costs of rent is beyond most of these people’s financial abilities,” said Abu Hamra. “Adding additional floors to homes will balance rental prices and curb the increases in rents.”

Many people in the city have asked for permission to build additional floors to their existing buildings to rent out or accommodate their growing families. Building an additional floor to an existing building is cheaper than building a new home.