How to Buy Property in Sahl Hasheesh as a Foreigner: Egypt’s welcoming property laws allow non-Egyptians to own freehold real estate in Sahl Hasheesh, a prime Red Sea destination. With flexible regulations, transparent processes, and developer incentives, purchasing a villa, apartment, or plot here is straightforward. Below is a step-by-step guide to navigating legal requirements, taxes, and payment options.
📜 Legal Requirements for Foreign Buyers
- Freehold Ownership: Foreigners can fully own property under Egypt’s Law No. 230/1996.
- Tax ID (TIN): Obtain a Tax Identification Number from the Egyptian Tax Authority.
- Military Approval: Not required in Sahl Hasheesh (non-border area).
- Passport & Residency: No residency needed; valid passport suffices.
📍 Restricted Areas for Foreigners
Sahl Hasheesh is NOT restricted, unlike Sinai or border regions.
📝 Step-by-Step Buying Process
- Choose a Property: Select units in projects like Cala Sahl Hasheesh (studio to villa).
- Hire a Lawyer: Essential for title checks and contract reviews (cost: 1–2% of property value).
- Reservation Contract: Pay 5–10% deposit to secure the unit.
- Due Diligence: Lawyer verifies ownership history and developer licenses.
- Final Contract: Sign at a notary office; pay remaining amount.
- Registration: Register deed at Egyptian Survey Authority (1–2 weeks).
⏳ Timeline Table
| Step | Duration |
|---|---|
| Reservation to Due Diligence | 1–2 weeks |
| Contract Signing | 1 day |
| Registration | 7–14 days |
💸 Payment Options & Currency Rules
- Foreign Currency: Pay in USD, EUR, or GBP via international transfer.
- Developer Installments: E.g., 10% down, balance over 5–7 years.
- Local Bank Account: Optional unless paying in EGP.
⚠️ Currency Restrictions
- No limits on foreign currency transfers for property purchases.
- Funds must be transferred through Egyptian banks.
💰 Taxes & Fees Breakdown
| Fee Type | Cost | Paid By |
|---|---|---|
| Property Registration | 1–3% of value | Buyer |
| Notary Fees | 0.5% | Buyer |
| Agent Commission | 2–3% | Seller/Buyer |
| Annual Property Tax | 0.1–0.3% of value | Owner |
🚫 Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Title Issues: Always verify the seller/developer’s ownership.
- Hidden Costs: Budget for registration, utilities, and maintenance.
- Language Barriers: Ensure contracts are bilingual (Arabic/English).
🤝 Why Use a Real Estate Agency?
Reputable agencies like TheHorizonRealEstate streamline the process by:
- Providing pre-vetted properties
- Handling legal paperwork
- Negotiating discounts up to 10%
- Offering post-purchase rental management
📞 Start Your Purchase Today!
- Call: 01004545121
- Email: info@thehorizonreadestate.com
❓ Foreign Buyer FAQ
Can I get residency through property purchase?
Yes! Buying property worth $100,000+ qualifies for a renewable 5-year residency.
Are mortgages available for foreigners?
Limited options; most buy via installments or cash.
What documents are needed?
Passport, TIN, proof of funds, and sales contract.
If you are interested in living or investing in the Cala project, here are all the exact details in this link.
