Foreign Property Purchases in Egypt Jump 47.4% to $2.8bn: What It Means for Buyers
Net foreign purchases of Egyptian real estate rose to about $2.8 billion in fiscal year 2025/2026 (ended June 2026), up from about $1.9 billion a year earlier, according to the Central Bank of Egypt's latest balance of payments data as reported on 18 October 2026. That is a jump of roughly $900 million, or 47.4%.
It is a big headline number, but it is a national figure. Here is what was actually reported, what the data does not tell you, and what it means if you are buying in New Damietta.
What was reported
Daily News Egypt and Al-Mashreq News, citing the CBE report, highlighted these figures:
- Net inflows for real estate purchases by non-residents: about $2.8bn in FY2025/2026 versus about $1.9bn in FY2024/2025.
- Proceeds from selling companies and productive assets to non-residents: about $433.2m versus about $399.8m.
- Loans from parent companies: net repayments of about $480.4m versus $381.6m.
Earlier coverage on 12 October put total net foreign direct investment for the year at around $18bn. Note that the same report showed an overall balance of payments surplus of about $2.8bn as well. That is a separate figure that happens to match the real estate number.
The regulatory backdrop
- The Ministry of Justice finished drafting a bill in May to regulate ownership of built property and vacant land by non-Egyptians. It is not yet law.
- On 10 August, a presidential directive set up a committee to inspect projects and enforce delivery schedules.
- A draft law to create a federation of real estate developers is still being prepared.
What the data does not tell you
- No location breakdown. The report does not say which cities or what kind of units (homes, holiday homes, commercial) were bought.
- Not a price index. More dollars flowing into property does not automatically mean higher prices per square meter in any given city.
- Net flows, not transactions. It does not reveal how many units were sold or at what average value.
What this means for New Damietta buyers
Don't buy on a national headline
If a seller tells you foreign demand will push local prices up, ask for local evidence: recent sale prices for similar units in the same district, how fast they sold, and how much new supply is coming. The official data says nothing specific about New Damietta.
Egyptians abroad: plan the paperwork early
If you are buying from overseas, sort out your payment route and power of attorney in advance, and keep an eye on the foreign ownership bill, which could change procedures for dual nationals. Talk to a lawyer before signing.
Use the tighter oversight to your advantage
With the state focusing on delivery schedules and developer regulation, it is entirely reasonable to ask a developer for proof of licensing and construction progress before you book.
Quick checklist
- Treat the $2.8bn figure as a national signal, not a forecast for your district.
- Collect real comparable sale prices before negotiating.
- Verify the project license and delivery timeline.
- If abroad, arrange your power of attorney and payment method early.
- Get independent legal and financial advice before committing large sums.
FAQ
Will New Damietta apartment prices rise because of this?
The data cannot answer that. It does not show where purchases happened, and local prices depend mostly on local supply, demand, building costs and services.
Who counts as a "non-resident"?
It is a balance of payments category for parties economically based outside Egypt. The coverage described the flows as foreign real estate investment without breaking down buyers by nationality.
Is there a new law on foreign property ownership?
As of the coverage, it was a draft bill prepared by the Ministry of Justice, not an enacted law.