Can a foreigner buy a house in Egypt — Overview of Ownership Rules
what happens if a foreigner buys a house, A foreigner can buy a house in Egypt, but Egyptian law imposes certain restrictions. Foreign nationals may own up to two residential properties, each not exceeding 4,000 square meters in area They cannot purchase agricultural land or non-residential properties in their own name, unless they establish a company specifically for business use
In practice, recent regulatory easing means investors can now purchase multiple residential units in most areas without strict size limits . Still, exceptions may apply in strategic zones like Sinai, where only leasehold arrangements (e.g. 99-year leases) are permitted
What Happens When You Buy a House in Egypt — Legal & Practical Process
Legal Process and Due Diligence
When buying a house in Egypt, you must:
- Work with an independent lawyer to verify ownership history, ensure developer validity, and confirm no encumbrances exist
- Sign a bilingual (Arabic + your language) sale contract, or have a certified translation to prevent misunderstandings
- Register the property with the Real Estate Publicity Department (REPD) to receive a legal title deed (freehold)
Residency and Post-Purchase Conditions
Upon purchase, you may apply for a residence visa, typically valid for:
- 1 year for properties ≥ USD 50,000
- 3 years for properties ≥ USD 100,000
- 5 years for properties ≥ USD 200,000
These visas are generally renewable as long as ownership continues
Note: Ownership does not guarantee visa status, and immigration authorities may still deny or revoke permits
Restrictions on Resale & Registration Requirements
If you buy a house in Egypt as a foreigner, you must hold the property for at least 5 years before selling it
Some buyers attempt off-register transactions to bypass limitations, but these arrangements create legal risks—especially during resale
“By law, a foreigner is only allowed two properties… You cannot sell it before 5 years after registration.”
Fees, Taxes, and Financing
Foreign buyers should budget these costs:
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Registration fees | ~1%–3% of property value |
| Legal fees | ~2%–3% of property value |
| Property tax | ~0.1% of annual rental value |
| Down payment (usually 10%) and developer installments, if buying off-plan |
Mortgages are rarely available to foreigners, so prepare for cash payments or developer installments
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a House in Egypt — Example Context
Costs vary by region:
- Cairo (New Cairo, Maadi, Zamalek): popular among expats and foreigners
- Resort areas like North Coast, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh: attract buyers interested in vacation homes or rentals
- Recent market trends show strong appreciation, especially in popular areas, boosting potential ROI
Buying a House in Egypt Meme — Real-World Advice & Community Insight
Many expats share practical tips online. One Reddit user warns:
“Beware of the running costs… years ago they were low, today they are high… taxes, maintenance, utility bills…”
Another explains payments:
“You pay a 10% down payment… the rest on 7-year installments… price will not change after the down payment no matter what happens to currency.”
what happens if a foreigner buys a house, These anecdotes show that while buying a house in Egypt can be advantageous, it involves careful budgeting and planning.
Buy a House in Egypt Cairo — Why It Could Be a Smart Move
- Egypt’s real estate remains affordable, especially compared to Western markets
- Popular cities like Cairo, New Cairo, North Coast offer high rental yields and capital appreciation
- Strategic infrastructure projects and tourism growth will likely sustain long-term value gains
Call to Action: Explore and Secure Your Property with Confidence
Ready to buy a house in Egypt? Visit the [Regypt ] to connect with reputable agents, legal partners, and view listings tailored to foreign buyers. Let us guide you through every step—from legal due diligence to securing your visa and enjoying your new property with peace of mind.
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