Ownership and seller
Identify the legal owner and confirm that the person offering the apartment has authority to sell or act for that owner.
PROPERTY TYPE / 01
Buying an apartment with better questions.
An apartment search in Egypt is about the building as much as the room count. Use this guide to compare location, usable space, ownership documents, shared services and payment obligations before a viewing becomes a commitment.
THE FIRST COMPARISON
Space on paper, space in use.
Ask whether the advertised area includes balconies, walls or shared portions. A plan can be useful, but visit the precise unit and measure rooms that matter to you. Note natural light, airflow, noise, storage and the position of doors and columns.
Check the floor, elevator access and how stairs or shared entrances work for everyone who will live there. A similar floor area can feel very different in two buildings.
Take this to the viewing
Request a current plan and compare it to the actual unit. Photograph or note any visible change, then ask who approved it and whether it appears in the relevant records.
Inspect the facade, roof, parking arrangement, water supply and common areas. These can create costs or inconvenience after a purchase even if the apartment itself looks ready.
THE DOCUMENT FILE
Four checks before negotiating.
Documents differ by project and ownership history. Ask an independent Egyptian legal professional which originals and official searches apply to the particular property.
Building and unit
Ask for relevant permits, unit identification and any restrictions affecting use, alteration or transfer.
Amounts due
Check whether utility, service, maintenance or instalment balances exist and who must clear them at completion.
A FAIR COMPARISON
Compare the full housing cost.
Put the asking amount beside transfer costs, finishing, regular maintenance and any financing charges. If a payment schedule is offered, record every due date, what happens after a missed payment and when possession is expected.
| Question | What to request | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| What exactly is included? | Unit identification, floor plan and written specification. | Prevents a comparison between different products. |
| When can I occupy it? | Written handover conditions and completion evidence. | Connects the price to usable possession. |
| What continues after purchase? | Maintenance, services and utilities schedule. | Shows the recurring cost of living there. |