How to Check a Real Estate Developer in Egypt Before You Book
When you buy off-plan, the most important choice is not the floor or the view but the developer, because you hand over money years before the unit exists. Vetting a developer starts with a handful of documents, a site visit and some direct questions. The final contract review belongs to a specialised property lawyer, and you should not skip it.
Why check before paying anything
Fake listings and unlicensed projects do appear in Egypt. In September 2026, the New Urban Communities Authority warned citizens about an unofficial page using its logos to advertise non-existent units in 6th of October City. It urged people not to transfer money or share bank details, to verify the source of any ad, and to rely only on official ministry, authority and city channels. Do not pay a reservation fee until you know who you are dealing with.
Documents to ask for
A legal checklist published by Akhbar El-Yom highlights these items:
- Commercial register of the company, and who is authorised to sign.
- Land allocation decision or ownership contract, in the name of the same company you are signing with.
- Building permit for this specific project, matching the advertised floors and units.
- The full chain of contracts for resale units, from the developer to the current seller.
- Property tax status of the unit.
- Cancellation terms: some contracts deduct up to 10% of the contract value if you cancel.
If a developer will not show you the land and permit papers, treat it as a red flag.
Checks beyond the paperwork
Visit the site
Is there real construction, and does progress fit the promised handover date?
Look at the track record
Visit a project the developer has already delivered and ask residents about timing, specs and after-sales service.
Verify the ad
Match the plot number and district in the ad against the documents. Be wary of pages using government logos and of pressure to pay today.
Ask the city authority
In New Damietta, the city development authority under NUCA handles land and permits, so an inquiry there adds confidence.
What may change
A draft law to create a Real Estate Developers Union would, as summarised by Banker, make registration a condition for operating, require proof of land and solvency, bar permits for unregistered firms, create two free public online registers updated monthly, and require a permit to advertise. It is still a proposal, so documents and site visits remain your main tools.
Checklist before the reservation fee
- Commercial register reviewed and signatory confirmed.
- Land allocation or ownership in the company's name.
- Valid building permit matching the ad.
- Site visited and work observed.
- A past project visited.
- Delivery, delay and cancellation clauses read.
- Contract reviewed by a property lawyer.
FAQ
Is a well-known name enough?
No. Even with big developers, confirm that the specific project has allocated land and a valid permit.
Should I pay a reservation fee before seeing documents?
Preferably not. See the papers first and get the refund terms in writing.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is general guidance; consult a specialised lawyer before signing or paying.
On Masari you can compare unit prices, floor plans and payment plans before contacting any seller.