Seeking reputable lawyer for Hurghada apartment purchase

Hi
I suggest you contact your embassy. They usually keep a list of reputable lawyers who speak your language. Buying property in Egypt particularly a new development is tricky to say the least and especially if you are not Egyptian and more so if you don't have fluent Arabic. Lots of issues with planning and planning compliance and this is the main reason there is not a good mortgage service supplied by the banks, in that a lot of finished development do not comply with planning, such as there was supposed to be 6 stories but the developer put 7.  Expect to be charged a lot more than the locals. Buyer beware is the slogan on the day. I have bought in Egypt but my wife is Egyptian. We used her as a front and all went well at the agreed price until I appeared in the end and he was very upset about the price he charged (too low when he saw me) .... Meet a few, make sure they can speak your language fluently, agree a price in writing before engaging, discuss the registration cost, discuss planning compliance, discuss how you get your money back if the developer does not deliver as a lot of the time they will take your money and wont start the development until more people sign up. My sincere advice is to buy a unit already developed and you can check the completed planning and what service charges and taxes would be applicable and if you have your own water meter and electricity and or gas meter. And the second hand market is more transparent and you can shop around with local agents and the internet but it will still not be easy as when they see you the price will go you but at least you can be a bit more secure in what you are getting. A good lawyer is essential as there is plenty of scams where even Egyptian people have bought houses or apartments from people who did not own the property!      so best of luck
This was just my experience.
Ray

Hi Ray,

Thanks for sharing your experience. Alot of the points I have noted.

Yes, I'm aware of the price changes for non Egyptians. My husband is also Egyptian. However this purchase is through a UK company working with developers. They have checked the ownership of the land and so has the lawyer I have managed to find.

I've been advised on the point you mentioned - what happens if not built how to get money back. It's in the contract terms the developer will refund money paid. Although, the lawyer enlisted to help me has pointed out there are other articles in the contract in need of changing. After speaking with the developers it appears they are unwilling to change any part of the contract terms as over 450 people have signed it. It was used for their previous sister resort built that being Aqua Palms and soas things stand it's either I accept the terms or not.

The price has been agreed, the instalments agreed. It's just the articles relating to maintenance % increases, contract failure to build or late handover as I understand things from the lawyer I spoke to. Regular updates of the build are sent through each month. Does look as though its moving along. The developers did deliver last resort on time. But there is something that just isnt sitting right with me about signing the contract. So I dont think I will.

The company is Goinvestment - have you heard anything about them?

Other people have mentioned about buying property already completed. The problem with that is we are not in a position to buy with payment all in one go. Which is what most sellers want. The money for their completed apartment. Nobody wants to wait for instalments. So that's why this fits at the moment. Trying to save has become a nightmare. But we can most definitely handle instalments.

I think the message I'm getting right now is dont buy and just try to save those instalments for a few more years and see what is available to buy completed with what we've got.

Thank you so much for your insight - much appreciated.

Samara