How to Buy Property in Hurghada, Egypt: Complete Guide for Foreign Buyers (2026) Part 3 of 5

How to Buy Property in Hurghada, Egypt: Complete Guide for Foreign Buyers (2026)

Part 3 of 5

✍️ Step 3. Signing the Sales Contract

Once the reservation deposit has been paid and all legal checks have been completed, the next stage is signing the Sales Contract.

This is the primary legal agreement between the buyer and the seller. It defines the rights and obligations of both parties, the payment schedule, delivery date, property specifications, and all essential terms of the transaction.

Depending on the developer or private seller, the Sales Contract is usually signed within 7 to 30 days after the reservation agreement.

🌐 Which Language Is the Contract Written In?

In Egypt, the legally binding version of any property contract is the Arabic version.

Most developers also provide an English version for the buyer's convenience. Some developers may additionally offer German, French, Russian, or other language translations.

⚖️ If you do not fully understand the contract, it is strongly recommended to have it reviewed by an independent lawyer before signing. Never sign a contract that you cannot read or fully understand.

📑 What Should the Sales Contract Include?

A professionally prepared Sales Contract should clearly specify:

👤 Identity: Full names and passport details of both parties.
📍 Location: Exact property address, building number, apartment number, and floor level.
📐 Dimensions: Gross and net area, along with the official floor plan.
💶 Financials: Purchase price, currency of payment, and payment schedule.
⏳ Timeline: Completion and handover dates.
🛋️ Inclusions: Furniture and appliances included in the sale.
🛠️ Maintenance: Maintenance fee terms and conditions.
📜 Legal Terms: Rights and responsibilities of both parties, plus penalties for delayed payments or contract breaches.

The more detailed the contract is, the better protected both parties will be.

💳 Buying Property with an Installment Plan

One of the biggest advantages of the Egyptian real estate market is the availability of interest-free installment plans offered by many developers.

Typical payment plans include:

📊 Down payment from 10% to 30%.
🚫 0% interest on installments.
📅 Payment periods ranging from 1 to 5 years (with some premium projects offering plans of up to 6 or 7 years).

Installment conditions vary from one developer to another, so comparing different projects is always recommended.

🏷️ Can You Receive a Discount?

Yes.

Many developers offer attractive discounts for buyers who pay the full purchase price upfront.

Depending on the project, cash buyers may receive discounts ranging from 5% to 10%, and occasionally even more during limited promotional campaigns. Before making the final payment, it is always worth discussing possible incentives with the developer.

💸 Payment Methods

Foreign buyers generally use one of the following payment methods:

🏦 1. Bank Transfer (SWIFT) International bank transfers remain the most common and secure payment method for overseas buyers. Payments are made directly to the developer's or seller's bank account according to the Sales Contract.

💵 2. Cash Payment Cash payments are still widely accepted, particularly in resale transactions. However, buyers should always ensure that every payment is properly documented with official receipts.

🪙 3. Cryptocurrency Some developers and private sellers accept cryptocurrency, most commonly USDT. If cryptocurrency is used, the payment terms should be clearly stated in the Sales Contract, and both parties should retain complete transaction records.

🔑 Property Handover

The handover process depends on whether you purchase a completed property or an off-plan development:

🔑 Completed Properties: Buyers usually receive the keys shortly after all contractual payments have been completed.
🏗️ Off-Plan Developments: The property is handed over after construction has been completed and the developer officially delivers the apartment.

🔍 Property Inspection Before Acceptance

Before accepting the keys, buyers should carefully inspect the apartment. A professional inspection should include checking:

🧱 Walls, ceilings, and flooring quality
🪟 Windows and doors
🚰 Plumbing and electrical installations
❄️ Air conditioning units
🍳 Kitchen fittings and bathrooms
🌅 Balconies and terraces
✨ Overall finishing quality

Any defects should be documented and addressed before signing the final handover documents whenever possible.

🤝 Why Professional Transaction Management Matters

Many people believe that a real estate agency simply shows apartments. In reality, experienced agencies provide much broader support.

A professional real estate advisor helps clients:

📊 Identify the best investment opportunities
💬 Negotiate favorable purchase terms
📑 Coordinate legal documentation
🏗️ Monitor construction progress
🔒 Organize secure payments
📞 Communicate directly with developers
🛡️ Supervise the entire transaction from reservation to ownership

At M&R Property Group, our role is to protect our clients' interests throughout every stage of the buying process and ensure that every purchase is completed safely, transparently, and efficiently.

🔜 Part 4 will explain the three most important ownership documents in Egypt—Tawkeel, Court Validity (Sehat Wa Nafaz), and Green Contract—as well as taxes, registration costs, maintenance fees, and other expenses buyers should be aware of.