Understanding Egypt Property Law

Egypt is only 5 hours from the UK, but it is a world apart. Steeped in history and with a proud and diverse culture it is quickly becoming a destination of choice for British people looking to purchase a second home or to buy a retirement property in the sun. Egypt has a low cost of living and because the real estate market is young there is great opportunity for property appreciation. Because of all these factors, there are thousands of new properties being constructed along the popular Red Sea Coast and in the hectic and exciting capital of Cairo. Before you start the process of choosing a home you will want to understand the basics of Egypt property law.

If you are considering buying property abroad it makes sense to use a solicitor who specialises in transacting property deals in the country you are looking at. In Egypt there are different laws that apply in different areas – for example Sharm el Sheikh will be covered by different property laws than Cairo. It is essential that you have a solicitor that fully understands Egypt property law. It is best to have a solicitor in Egypt as any property that you are considering buying must be checked against disputes, loans and debts. Also, the signatures and all powers of attorney should be formally verified by the solicitor.

To protect yourself when buying property in Egypt you should alwyas request that all contracts be written in English and Arabic. As an extra measure of security you should have the Arabic contract translated to ensure that it matches the English version. A Egyptian property lawyer will also have a complete understanding of Egypt property law and will be able to help you take the necessary steps for residency and entry visas. This will be necessary to finalize the purchase of any property. When you decide upon your new property you will be required to place a deposit – usually about 10 percent.   

Due to historical real estate practice in Egypt it is sometimes difficult to determine the legal title holder. Many thousands of properties have been passed down from generation to generation which can leave a case where you need the signatures of many family members who may have a claim to the property in order to secure the deal. A solicitor with a thorough knowledge of Egypt property law and property taxes can help to find all potential property claimants and secure permission for the sale.