Question 1

Is It Safe To Purchase A Property In Hurghada?

Accepted Answer

The Simple Answer Is YES!

We Have Many People Who Have Visited Hurghada and Seen Unfinished Buildings. The Main Reason For This is Because Small Developers Will Either Start to Build Without Governments Approval and Be Forced to Stop or They Could Be Developers Without Upfront Investments.

Although There Is A Lot Of Builds In Hurghada, We Hand Pick Our Developments and Carry Out Extensive Background Checks and Due Diligence Before Sharing With Our Clients. Another Bonus Of Our Company Is That Our Property Experts Always Visit The Complex Before Advertising To Ensure We Offer The Safest Properties For You In Hurghada.

Which Means We Only Work With Reputable Developers and You Do Not Need to Worry About Your Investment When Choosing a Property With Us.

Question 2

Do I Need a Lawyer?

Accepted Answer

When purchasing a vacation home with abroad dreams, we understand that ensuring all legal aspects are covered is crucial for your peace of mind and as a safety net.

Although it’s not necessary, we highly recommend having your own independent lawyer conduct all the in-depth checks and assist you with the documentation process. This not only safeguards your investments but also provides an added layer of security for your investment.

For your convenience, you do not need to worry about finding a reputable lawyer. We have a trusted lawyer we work with, who can provide you with comprehensive legal assistance throughout your property purchase in Hurghada. This professional will ensure that all legalities are thoroughly examined, helping you achieve a smooth and confident transaction.

By taking these steps, you can enjoy your new vacation home with the assurance that all legal matters have been properly addressed.

Question 3

What is the role of a lawyer when buying a property in Hurghada?

Accepted Answer

While hiring a lawyer is optional when purchasing property in Hurghada, at abroad dreams, we highly recommend that foreign buyers use our Egyptian lawyer.

Our experienced lawyer will act as your eyes and ears on the ground, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transaction.

Abroad Dreams can not assist you with any legal documentation within the contract unless its regarding the property description, as this is out of our expertise field, hence why we recommend the lawyer to take over this part of the process.

Once you reserve your apartment and receive your contract, our lawyer will conduct thorough background and contract checks to ensure everything is in order.

This level of diligence helps to avoid potential pitfalls and guarantees a secure and transparent property acquisition process. By relying on our legal expertise, you can have peace of mind knowing that all aspects of your purchase are fully compliant with local regulations and standards.

Question 4

How can I ensure that my purchase of a vacation home through abroad dreams is legally secure and hassle-free?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring a legally secure and hassle-free purchase of a vacation home through abroad dreams involves several important steps.

Unfortunately, not all legal services can be provided for free. Just like any lawyer in the UK or anywhere in the world, their knowledge and expertise come at a price. 
Here are the recommended steps:

1. Research: We strongly advise you to conduct thorough research on the property you are interested in. Understand the local regulations and market conditions in Hurghada.

2. Reserve Your Apartment: Once you have conducted your research and are ready to proceed, reserve your desired apartment through abroad dreams.

3. Consult a Lawyer: Use the services of a lawyer to handle the legal aspects of the purchase. abroad dreams recommends using our trusted legal partner to assist you. Lawyers will only assist you with your questions once a payment has been made, ensuring you receive professional support tailored to your needs.  By following these steps, you can be confident in your purchase and enjoy your new vacation home with peace of mind.

Question 5

Can I Have Property Registration Understanding?

Accepted Answer

As Mentioned Before. Our company Will Only Advertise and Sell Properties That Have Had All Relevant Checks. Although It Is Nice For You To Have A Better Understanding.

Foreigners Can Now Buy and Own Property In Egypt Under Law Number '230 of 1996' When Purchasing A Property. There is Two Ways A Developer Will Be Registered.

It can feel complicated when looking at all the information online as to the best process to undertake, however, there are fairly basic principles when looking at each method and there are advantages and disadvantages for both systems that you should recognise.

The First Is Green Contract
Green Contract is A Full Registration Process and is simply a green stamp on the documentation. It is issued by the state authorities of Egypt. It Means Developments Must Pass 7 Instances Before They Are Accepted to build. A Development Can Have An Allocation With The Government For A Green Contract But Can Only Complete The Registration Once The Development is Fully Built and Finished.

Advantages of Green Contract
Legal Assurance - The Green Contract is the highest form of ownership documentation for properties.
Protection Against Disputes - Ownership cannot be contested when the property is secured with a Green Contract.
Increased Property Value - Properties with Green Contracts typically have higher market value and are easier to sell at premium prices.
Simplified Utility Adjustments - Owners can make changes to utilities without needing further permissions.
Eligibility for Mortgage Financing - Mortgage financing requires a Green Contract, making it a prerequisite for such transactions.

Disadvantages of Green Contract
If You Own Properties With A Green Contract As A Foreign, You Can Only Own Up to 2 Properties and Are Restricted To Sell or Rent For Up to 5 Years. In which after this period you may need permission from the prime minister.

The Next Is Signature Validity
Each Person Who Purchases A Property In Hurghada Will Go Through The Signature Validity. The Buyer Delegates Power of Attorney to his Lawyer. This is Then Taken To The Courts By Your Lawyer To Make Sure The Development Exists and To Make Sure They Are On The Validator List of Trusted Identities, which in effect completes the sale.

Advantages of Signature Validity.
Documentation - Signature Validity certifies that there is no outstanding debt or claims on the land that is being built on.
No Restrictions - Signature Validity is an increasingly popular process amongst foreigners buying property in Egypt, as it removes restrictions on how many properties a foreigner may buy and when he may sell them. Which Means You Can buy, rent and sell when you like.

Disadvantages of Signature Validity
Ownership - The Paperwork will not of gone through the full ownership process, although this does not make a difference for foreigner investors and you will still rightfully be the owner as you would conduct  due diligence and notarized deeds with a lawyer without the unnecessary paperwork.

Please note - If the property is green contract, it does not necessarily mean you have to finalize the green contract papers. Therefore we always advise to keep your documents at the signature validity stage to prevent you from having any restrictions on buying, renting and selling if you are a investor.

Question 6

Do You Offer Mortgages/Payment Plans?

Accepted Answer

Your Typical UK Property You Would Of Course Have Cash Payment Or You Would Apply For A Mortgage. In Hurghada It Works A Complete Different Way.

You Do Not Need No Mortgage, No Credit Check and No Proof Of Income To Purchase a Property In Egypt.

You Can Either Pay Cash Payment Or You Can Do A Payment Plan Direct With The Owner Usually Over a Maximum Of 6 Years. (This depends on the owner). Payment plans are usually only avaialble for off plan properties.

For example:
If the build is nearly complete, the owner may only offer a 1 to 2 year payment plan.

If the build have 3 or 4 years left to complete, the the owner may give you the longer period to pay it off.

PLEASE NOTE EACH COMPLEX HAS IT OWN RULES WITH PAYMENT PLANS.

The good news is - 99% of our developments, You can collect the keys before payment has finished and use it or rent it out as you wish.

Question 7

I Want to Buy a Property as a Cash Buyer, What is the Process?

Accepted Answer

At abroad dreams, we make the process of purchasing a vacation property in Hurghada straightforward and efficient, especially for those ready with full cash payment upfront. Here's how it works:

1. Choose Your Unit: Begin by selecting the property that fits your preferences and requirements. You can browse our extensive listings, and our team is always available to assist you in finding the perfect vacation home.

2. Pay a Reservation Fee: Once you've chosen your unit, the next step is to secure it by paying a small reservation fee. This fee is crucial as it confirms your interest and temporarily holds the property for you.

3. Receive Preliminary Sale Contract: After the reservation fee is received, you will be issued a preliminary sale contract. This document is vital as it outlines all the terms and conditions of the transaction, providing a clear understanding of the agreement and what is expected from both parties. It is advised to have a lawyer  to review the contract before signing to ensure compliance with Egyptian laws and protect the buyer’s interests.

4. Signing the Contract: upon After signing and sending the contract back, you much send the full payment of the property direct to the developer. (Even if the resort is not finished, full payment must be made within a week of the contract to be able to get the cash discount as a cash buyer).

Please Note - Everything can be done electronically and the payments can be made via international transaction.

Our professional team at abroad dreams will assist you throughout the entire process, ensuring a smooth and transparent experience when buying your dream vacation home in Hurghada.

Question 8

What makes Abroad Dreams a reliable choice for purchasing property in Hurghada?

Accepted Answer

Abroad Dreams is a seasoned team of experts in the Hurghada property industry, dedicated to making your experience both stress-free and exciting. Our commitment to thorough legal checks sets us apart, as each property we offer has undergone stringent vetting to ensure your safety and investment security. By choosing Abroad Dreams, you can trust that your decision to buy abroad will be risk-free, allowing you to fully enjoy the process of acquiring your dream vacation home.

We specialize in Hurghada properties and offer tailored services to help you find your dream holiday home or profitable investment property. Choosing our experienced team means you will benefit from comprehensive guidance at every stage of your property search. Whether you're looking to enjoy a personal vacation retreat or seeking to create a business opportunity in Hurghada, we possess the necessary tools, local knowledge, and expert advice to ensure a seamless and successful experience. Explore the vibrant real estate market of Hurghada with confidence, knowing that Abroad Dreams is here to support you every step of the way.

Our offerings include property sales, rentals, and property management to ensure your investment is hassle-free. Whether you're looking to purchase a vacation home, rent one out for your holidays, or need someone to manage your property, we have you covered.

Moreover, our expertise goes beyond real estate. We can assist with a variety of additional services including setting up businesses, handling legal work, organizing excursions and tours, and providing detailed information and statistics about the area. Our goal is to be your one-stop solution for all things related to investing and living in Hurghada.

Question 9

I Just Want A Holiday, Can You Help?

Accepted Answer

Although are expertise are in the property market, we can advise you on areas to make the most out of your holiday.

Please Fill In Our General Submission On Our Contact Page and A Member Of Our Team Will Be In Contact With You.

Question 10

Do We Pay Egyptian Tax?

Accepted Answer

So this would depend on the development you purchase on.

Most of the time you will not need to pay any form of Tax.

But worst case scenario. If it arises and you need to pay. This could either be a one time payment of around 2.5% of the property price OR a small yearly cost and the cost depends on the development, the location, the facilities and the apartment.

PLEASE NOTE - There is no need to worry about this. and the developer will be in contact with you if this is necessary as a foreign buyer or it will be outlined by your lawyer.

Please note in most cases, if you do not pay tax prior, you must pay pay 2.5% tax upon selling your property

Question 11

How Does the Visas Work in Egypt for Foreigners?

Accepted Answer

Ok so first we have the basic entrance Visas.

For British, French, German, Usa, Italy, Holand, Sweden and Belguim. On your arrival into Egypt you will pay 25$ Which will give you a 30 day Visa.

For Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Czech and Poland you will pay 25$ and this will give you 60 day Visa.

There is no rules on how many times you can visit Egypt within the normal entry visa. As long as you pay a new visa at every airport visit.

Now Here is the Answer Once you Own a Apartment in Egypt.

When you Purchase an apartment in Egypt. If Your Apartment is under £100,000 and you want to stay more then 30 days. You can take your ownership into the passport office and apply for a 6 month visa. After the 6 months if you wish to stay longer, you can then revisit the passport office and apply for another 6 months. (You can only do this twice before leaving Egypt for properties under £100,000)

For Properties Over £100,000 You can Continue to Apply every 6 Months and Stay in Egypt for as long as you want.

If you own a business in Egypt. You can apply for a 5 Year Residence. and Reapply every 5 years.

Question 12

If I Buy Off plan and It is Not Delivered on Time. What Happens?

Accepted Answer

When Buying off plan. Many people have the worry of the resort not being Delivered on time.

Now off course whether its the UK or Egypt. Nothing is guaranteed on the date as it depends on the process of the build.

Although, we do work with developers who have a great track record of delivering on time for our customers piece of mind.

In Hurghada, Developers will give a date for delivery. Although in Hurghada the standard law give developers a 12 month grace period. Which means developers can go over there delivery date by 12 months before taking action.

After the 12 months grace period. If the developers have not finished the project, They give compensation to every month its not delivered to the owner. (As you can appreciate, Developers will not get to this stage as they loose a lot).

Question 13

What Will Happen to My Money if The Developments Stops Building?

Accepted Answer

At abroad dreams, we understand that purchasing a vacation home overseas can be a significant investment, and concerns about the reliability of property developments are common. To mitigate these concerns, we take several precautionary measures to ensure the security and success of your investment.

Firstly, we thoroughly vet all our developers before recommending their properties. This vetting process includes verifying that the developers have the necessary initial upfront investment to complete the construction of their projects. By confirming their financial stability from the outset, we minimize the risk of the development being delayed or abandoned.

Secondly, even with these precautions, we acknowledge that unforeseen circumstances can arise. In such rare instances, our dedicated team would swiftly look into the local laws and legal requirements in Hurghada to protect your investment. This proactive approach ensures that we can navigate any potential legal complexities and safeguard your interests as a property owner.

Should a developer be found violating these regulations, harsh penalties are enforced; in most cases, the developer will be put in prison and all their personal assets will be put on hold until repayment is made to all affected parties. This ensures that our clients can invest with confidence, knowing that their transactions are secure and legally protected.

By combining rigorous developer vetting with comprehensive legal oversight, abroad dreams is committed to providing a secure and reliable experience for clients looking to purchase vacation homes in Hurghada.

Question 14

I Want to Buy a Property in Egypt on a Payment Plan? What is The Process?

Accepted Answer

At abroad dreams, we make the process of purchasing a vacation property in Hurghada straightforward and efficient, especially for those ready with full cash payment upfront. Here's how it works:

1. Choose Your Unit: Begin by selecting the property that fits your preferences and requirements. You can browse our extensive listings, and our team is always available to assist you in finding the perfect vacation home.

2. Pay a Reservation Fee: Once you've chosen your unit, the next step is to secure it by paying a small reservation fee. This fee is crucial as it confirms your interest and temporarily holds the property for you.

3. Receive Preliminary Sale Contract: After the reservation fee is received, you will be issued a preliminary sale contract. This document is vital as it outlines all the terms and conditions of the transaction, providing a clear understanding of the agreement and what is expected from both parties. It is advised to have a lawyer  to review the contract before signing to ensure compliance with Egyptian laws and protect the buyer’s interests.

4. Signing the Contract: After signing and sending the contract back, you much send the remaining of your deposit down payment to the developer.

5: Continuing Payments: After deposit has been recieved, you will continue to pay for your property on the agreed payment plans.

Please Note - Everything can be done electronically and the payments can be made via international transaction.

Our professional team at abroad dreams will assist you throughout the entire process, ensuring a smooth and transparent experience when buying your dream vacation home in Hurghada.

Question 15

I Want to Buy a Apartment and Rent it Out. How does This Work?

Accepted Answer

When you own a property in Egypt. You can do what ever you want with it.

You can just use it for yourself. Have a long term tenant in it or let it out on short let holiday terms.

Once you receive the keys for your property. We will then look at the local rental agencies at the time. They will then arrange a meeting with you to discuss their process and management services.

Some developments have in house agencies and some are independent agencies working around Hurghada.

Most agencies work on a % basis.

Unfortunailty until the property is built, you are unable to get in depth information on this.

Question 16

What Rent will I Get on My Property in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

This is a open question and would all depend on your location, the size of the apartment, the facilities on the resort and off course the season.

Rental agencies will only be able to give you a idea on this once you receive your keys for the property.

For a Idea on todays Market for various different areas. You can get between £20 to £80 Per Night for a Apartment.  and £100 to £170 Per Night for a Villa. (Please note - this is not a guarantee and just a idea)

We recommend to look at other properties that are already built in the particular area you are looking to invest in

Question 17

Do Off Plan Properties Have Furniture?

Accepted Answer

It is Very Very Rare you have a Off Plan Property with Furniture. 95% of Our Developments come delivered in a standard finish.

A standard finish in Hurghada is:
Full Floor Tiled Throughout
Thoroughly Painted in White
Basic Bathroom Including, toilet, shower and sink.

When you get the keys for your property. You would be required to get your own kitchen and furnishing for the property.
DON'T WORRY

We are Hear to help. Once you get the keys for your apartment you have 3 options.

Option 1 - You can ask the developer direct for their furniture packages and get them to do everything for you (Bearing in mind, you may pay a bit more this way)

Option 2 - Shop around, go to different companies and do it yourself.

Option 3 - We will assist you. We have one recommended company who will come to your property on the day you get your keys. He will measure everything up. You will send him pictures of what you require. And he will quote you and do EVERYTHING. (Most our customers choose this one as they can get the exact design they want, no hassle of shopping and the best price).

Question 18

Can I Open a Bank Account in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

When You Own a Property in Egypt. You Have the Right to Open a Bank Account in Egypt. All You Need is Your contract ownership document, Your Passport and forms of Identification. Some banks may require English bank statements and Business Information.

Question 19

What is the Season in Hurghada?

Accepted Answer

Hurghada Season is All Year Round. You are Purchasing a Home, Not a Hotel Resort. Therefor you can visit anytime of the year whenever you want and nothing will shut down due to it being a all year round country.

Question 20

What are The Future Costs for My Property?

Accepted Answer

When you Buy a Property in Egypt. There is always a Maintenance Charge.

The Maintenance Charge depends on the development. But the most popular maintenance charge is 10% of your purchase price one in a life time.

What this actually means:
It means when you collect the keys or 6 months before you collect the keys, you pay 10% of the purchase price of your property and this will manage the resort facilities. . Now although they say it is one of life time fee. There is a small print that you should be aware off.

Developers use the interest from the bank from your maintenance payment to manage the resort. If for any reason the interest drops and the currency has a dramatic change. The developers may ask all owners to pay a one time small fee contribution to keep everything up and running.

Question 21

How do The Utilities Work in My Egypt Property?

Accepted Answer

Buying a Off Plan Property Means you need to set up your electric and Water Meter. Due to it being a new build.

So the first fee would be this. This will be a one off fee and usually the governments rate at the time. Usually no more then £250.

Going forward you will pay your electric on a pay as you go card. Which means you will have a card and top it up at the shop when and as you need it.

Your water will be invoiced to you on each of your visits by the development and will go off your usages.

Wifi - This is optional. and you can simply get a pay as you go or a monthly wifi in one of the shops in hirghada - Such as Vodafone.

Question 22

Is There Insurance in Hurghada?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately there is not home insurance in Hurghada. We always hope that there will never be a natural disaster in Egypt. And as off today they have not experienced this. ALTHOUGH.

We can never say never.

Once your home is built, you can then stop around on compared sites to see if anyone offers such thing. If there is nothing available at the time and a natural disaster were to occur. The government will review the laws and legalisations at the time of the event ad act accordingly.

Question 23

What is the Overall Costs When Buying a Property in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Here is a basic list of fees you are expected to pay.

Start Up Costs
Apartment Cost
Maintenance Fee 
Water and Electric Installation Fee
Lawyer cost (Optional)
Power of Attorney Fee (Once apartment is paid in Full)
Potential tax (If applicable, usually around 2.5% of the purchase price) 
Furniture cost
Future Costs
Sometimes Maintenance depending on the property
Water - Pay as Your Use
Electric - Pay as Your Use
Wifi - Optional

Question 24

is it safe for a foreigner to go to Hurghada Alone?

Accepted Answer

Hurghada is the most popular touristic city in Egypt, offers a vibrant blend of cultures and a high level of safety due to its reliance on tourism.

Investing in vacation home real estate in this city with abroad dreams means tapping into a diverse and bustling market. Hurghada’s importance to the Egyptian economy ensures that the safety and well-being of tourists and residents alike are prioritized.

In the event in them creating a problem, they could jeopardise their whole country.

We advise until you start to feel more confident in the city, to ensure you are aware of your surroundings and treat it like you would treat anywhere else in the world.

Frequently asked questions