Glossary
Real estate glossary
Definitions of the terms used in Egypt's primary real estate market, written for buyers, developers and brokers. Each entry explains what the term means, how it is used in practice, and the mistakes people make with it.
Terms
- Absorption rateAbsorption rate is the share of released units a developer sells in a period. How it is calculated in Egypt's primary market, and how it is misread.
- Off-planOff-plan means buying a home before it is built. How off-plan purchase works in Egypt's primary market, what the buyer is committing to, and the risks.
- EOI (expression of interest)An EOI is a refundable pre-launch payment that secures a buyer's place in the queue for a unit. How EOIs work in Egyptian launches and what they do not guarantee.
- Semi-finishedA semi-finished unit is delivered structurally complete but without flooring, paint, kitchen or fittings. What is included, what is not, and what finishing costs.
- Maintenance depositA maintenance deposit funds long-term upkeep of a compound's shared assets. How it differs from service charges, when it is paid, and whether it is refundable.
- Shahr Aqary registrationShahr Aqary registration records legal title to Egyptian property in the state register. Why it matters, what it costs, and what an unregistered unit relies on instead.
- Installment planAn installment plan sets the down payment and periodic payments for an off-plan home. Why the plan is part of the price in Egypt's primary market.
- Down paymentA down payment is the percentage paid on contract for an off-plan home. How it interacts with plan length, price and the developer's cost of capital.
- Price per metrePrice per metre is total price divided by built-up area. Why the measure is unreliable without matching area definitions, finishing and payment plans.
- Primary marketThe primary market is new homes sold by the developer that built them. How it differs from resale in Egypt, and why the two markets price differently.
- Unit holdA unit hold is a temporary exclusive claim on a specific unit for a client. How holds prevent double sales and why expiry matters on launch day.
- Delivery dateThe delivery date is the contractual handover date for an off-plan home. What it governs, how delay clauses work, and why the contractual date is the one that counts.
Related
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