Egypt
Finding a reputable law firm in Egypt can be a minefield - why not let The International Property Law Centre LLP take the stress out of the legal aspects of your Egyptian property purchase.
The International Property Law Centre LLP provides specialist Egyptian-speaking lawyers, who are based in the UK and who can help you with your property purchase in Egypt, via a step by step guide. Our independent team of solicitors offer a straightforward alternative to the complexity of sourcing legal services overseas, saving you valuable time and money.
Why not make the procedure of buying your property in Egypt as stress free as possible by instructing The International Property Law Centre LLP to handle your conveyancing. The practice offers not only a comprehensive Egyptian conveyancing service, but also assistance in a wide range of legal matters, in your chosen jurisdiction.
A country bordered on two sides by the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, Egypt is surrounded by a culturally and environmentally rich atmosphere. The country is a historian's dream destination as it has an incredible history. Egypt is famous for its ancient civilization and some of the world's most stunning ancient monuments, including the Giza Pyramids, the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings and the Great Sphinx of Giza. Today, Egypt is widely regarded as the main political and cultural centre of the Arab and Middle Eastern regions.
To complement the astounding cultural aspects of the country the landscape of Egypt is quite spectacular as well. It is truly no wonder that the region has become flooded with tourists wanting to explore the location and discover the way of life of the locals. Many tourists have enjoyed the experience so much so that they chose to purchase a permanent residence in Egypt.
GEOGRAPHY
Location:
Egypt enjoys a unique, strategic location at the crossroads between Africa, the Middle East and Europe. it is bound by the Mediterranean, and Red Seas.
Terrain:
Covering an area of about 1,001,450 square kilometres (386,560 mi²), Egypt shares land borders with Libya, Sudan, Israel and the Gaza Strip. The Nile, which traverses over 1,000 miles within Egypt, from Wadi Halfa in the South to the Mediterranean in the north, divides the country into four broad regions.
Mineral Resources: Egypt is rich in mineral resources such as phosphate, iron and petroleum.
The Egyptian legal System
Egypt adopted a modern legal system in 1865. Like France, it applies a civil code. Hence, written codified laws, as opposed to court precedents under the common law system, is the primary source of legislation. Other sources of legislation include, the principles of natural law and the rules of equity. Doctrine and jurisprudence play an important role under the Egyptian legal system, yet, they do not have a binding nature.
In the hierarchy of laws the Constitution occupies the top echelon. It has therefore absolute precedence and priority over all the laws and regulations prevailing in Egypt. Any law that violates or departs from any principle of the Constitution is ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Constitutional Court. Hence, the principles of the Constitution which govern the status of women or affect such status are indicative of the general trends of all the various laws which have a bearing on the subject.
Private law encompasses civil law, commercial law, maritime law, aviation law, labour law, civil and commercial procedures and private international law. The laws affecting the status of women and their ability to participate in the development process are a mixture of public and private laws. When we address in the following chapters each of the essential legal rights, we will refer to the laws affecting the exercise of such right whether public or private, and will analyse the effect of custom and tradition on the application of such laws, where applicable.
The Egyptian tourism industry
The Egyptian tourism industry is one of the most important sectors in the economy in terms of high employment and incoming foreign currency, and therefore figures prominently among the priorities of the Egyptian government. There were 3.1 million visitors in 1995, 6.4 million in 2003, and 8.5 million in 2005, so Egypt is definitely now the number one tourist destination in the Middle East and the East Mediterranean as far as the number of arrivals and tourist nights are concerned. Hurghada’s neighbour, Sharm El Sheikh, is the world’s 4th most popular tourist destination (after Cape Town, the Maldives and Dubai).
Many tourists from Europe and the UK in particular, seem to be visiting the area each year and sometimes recurrently since it is impossible to see all there is to see within the time frame of a brief vacation. As such, many visitors are choosing to purchase property in Egypt either as a permanent place to live or simply as a summer home so they can return each year and discover everything there is to find throughout the country. Living in the area is optimal as it will allow you to visit the sites in a much more liberated manner and certainly spend more time observing each feature so as to gain a better appreciation for all Egypt has to offer.
This recent increase in property sales and supply has contributed to now being an excellent time for buyers. Not only are homes cheaper but of better quality as well, possessing all the modern amenities one would expect in a normal residence in the UK. Buyers from the United Kingdom can truly feel right at home in their new house in Egypt.
The region of Hurghada is of particular interest as there is a wealth of real estate for sale in this area of the country and at a price just slightly above £40,000. These one, two or three bedroom detached villas in the heart of the region are near many significant components of the city such as cinemas, shopping facilities, communal gardens and numerous other conveniences.
Superb views of the city are merely one of the many additional benefits of owning property in this part of the country. There are scheduled plans to include bigger apartments, complete with six or seven bedrooms, in this area soon also, making it an ideal place for a large family to move in.
Whether you are a family oriented individual looking for a fun and exciting place to live and work or you are a bachelor wanting to reside in an exotic location for the summer months, you can be sure to find something in Egypt.
The expanding and growing economy of the country has recently been a major player in bringing in tourists and potential home buyers and creating an abundance of work openings for those in search of worthwhile work.
10 smart reasons to buy in Egypt:
1. The cost of living is low.
2. The sun shines all year round.
3. The Red Sea is one of the best places in the world for diving.
4. Egypt is full of history, antiquities and things to see and do.
5. Hurghada has four 18-hole golf courses.
6. Nearby Sharm-el-Shiek is the world's 4th most popular tourist destination.
7. Rental demand should always be high.
8. Hurghada has its own international airport, so getting there is easy.
9. It's just 5 hours' flight from the UK.
10. It offers value for money – properties are available from 59,420 Egyptian Pounds.
What next?
If you are thinking of buying a property in Egypt why not talk to an expert in international law who can help you avoid any pitfalls. Please contact us to discuss your purchase or call us now on 0844 578 5008.
The International Property Law Centre LLP
London Office: Frazer House, 32-38 Leman Street, London E1 8EW.
Tel: 0844 578 4003. Fax: 0844 578 4001.
(Telephone from abroad: +44 (0)207 173 6180. Fax from abroad: +44 (0)1482 240 192.)
Hull Office: 14 Scale Lane, Hull HU1 1LA.
Tel: 01482 224 900. Fax: 01482 240 192.
(Telephone from abroad: +44 (0)1482 224 900. Fax from abroad: +44 (0)1482 240 192.)
Email: info@iplc.co.uk
Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Registered address: 14 Scale Lane, Hull HU1 1LA.
The International Property Law Centre LLP is registered in England number: OC337700.
A list of the members of the LLP is displayed at the registered office as above.
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