Real Estate: What Sellers Must Do Before Advertising
If you are looking to buy property in Egypt, Article 15 of Law No. 181 of 2018 provides an important protection that is often overlooked. It is illegal for a developer or seller to:
- Advertise that a property unit is for sale
- Enter into a sale contract
- Sell land intended for construction
- Subdivide land for sale
...until a building permit has been obtained in accordance with the Building Law (Law No. 119 of 2008).
For expats considering off-plan property purchases, this is critical. If you encounter a developer marketing units without a building permit, this is a legal violation you can report to the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA).
Practical tip: Before signing any property agreement, request written evidence of the building permit. A legitimate developer will have no hesitation providing this documentation.
Protection Against Unsolicited Door-to-Door Sales
Under Article 16, suppliers are prohibited from visiting your home to offer or sell products unless you have made a prior and explicit request. This means:
- Uninvited salespeople showing up at your door and pressuring you to purchase is illegal
- Any sale made under these circumstances may be challenged
- The executive regulations specify the exact procedures that must be followed for any home sales
For expats — particularly those unfamiliar with local market norms — this protection prevents predatory selling tactics.
Home Renovation and Maintenance: Your Warranty Rights
If you're renovating or maintaining property in Egypt, Article 26 is directly relevant. Any supplier providing finishing, maintenance, or household fixture services is legally required to:
- Guarantee the quality of work performed for at least one year
- Guarantee the quality of products supplied as part of the work for at least one year
- The CPA may specify a shorter period where appropriate based on the nature of the work
This covers a wide range of service providers including:
- Painters and decorators
- Plumbers and electricians
- Air conditioning installers
- Tile and flooring contractors
- Kitchen and bathroom fitters
If work fails within the warranty period, the contractor is obligated to rectify it at no additional cost to you.
Service Provider Obligations: Quality and Remedies
Article 25 establishes clear obligations for service providers — not just product sellers. If there is a defect or deficiency in a service, the service provider must:
- Reimburse the cost of the service, or
- Cover the cost of repairing the defect, or
- Return the item to you in proper condition
If you and the service provider cannot agree on a resolution, the CPA issues a binding decision that both parties must follow.
This applies to a wide range of services expats commonly use, including repair services, cleaning services, and specialist installation work.
Data Privacy When Contracting
One important but often overlooked provision is Article 29, which governs how suppliers handle your personal information. Any supplier you enter into a contract with is legally obligated to:
- Maintain the confidentiality of your personal information
- Not share, sell, or misuse your data without your express consent
- Take all necessary precautions to protect the confidentiality of your information
For expats who may provide passport details, residency information, or financial data as part of purchases or service contracts, this provides a layer of legal data protection.
Buying on Installments: Essential Protections
Installment purchases are common in Egypt for electronics, appliances, and furniture. Article 30 requires that any installment agreement must clearly state:
- The total sale price of the product
- The equivalent cash price (what you'd pay in full upfront)
- The annual interest rate and total interest over the installment period
- The amount and schedule of individual payments
Without this information clearly documented, you cannot make an informed financial decision. Expats should be especially cautious: always request a full breakdown before signing installment agreements, and never rely on verbal promises about monthly payments.
Strategic Products: Price Controls and Availability
Under Article 8, it is illegal to hoard or withhold strategic products from sale — including hiding them, refusing to sell them, or artificially restricting supply. The Prime Minister designates which products are classified as strategic, which can include food staples and essential goods.
While this provision is largely enforced at the commercial level, it is useful context for expats: if you encounter deliberate scarcity or price manipulation for essential goods, this is reportable to authorities.
Prohibited Discriminatory or Offensive Products
Article 13 prohibits the import, production, trade, or advertising of products in any manner that:
- Discriminates between citizens
- Abuses any individual or group
- Violates public order or morality
This provides an additional layer of protection should you encounter products or advertising that targets or demeans individuals based on their background, including nationality.
Key Takeaways for Expats
- Developers cannot legally advertise or sell property without a building permit
- Uninvited home sales visits are illegal under Egyptian law
- Home service contractors must provide a minimum 1-year guarantee on work and materials
- Service defects entitle you to a refund, repair, or CPA-issued resolution
- Installment agreements must disclose all financial terms in writing
- Your personal data shared with suppliers is legally protected