What is the ruling on purchasing a house from Al-Rajhi Banking & Investment Corporation, where an agreement is made with them to buy the house in cash, and then to purchase it from them in installments, with an upfront payment of 1200 Saudi Riyals as a fee for inspecting and appraising the house, which is non-refundable if the sale is not completed?

The described sale is a Murabaha to a Promisee to Purchase, which is permissible. As for the amount the bank takes in advance, known as the "immediate installment" or "earnest money," it is permissible to take it to ensure the seriousness of the purchase. If the customer defaults, the bank may take from him an amount equal to the costs it incurred to complete the sale procedures. It is not permissible for the bank to take more than the actual costs. If the company adheres to this, there is no harm. However, if it takes more, it is not permissible, and it must return the excess.