Best Conveyancing Lawyers in New Cairo

About Conveyancing Law in New Cairo, Egypt

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of real estate from one party to another. In New Cairo, Egypt, conveyancing covers pre-sale checks, drafting and reviewing contracts, securing required approvals, notarizing the sale, and registering the transaction with the real estate registry - commonly called the tabu or real estate publicity office. Because New Cairo is a planned urban community developed under the New Urban Communities Authority, many properties involve additional developer rules, building permits and community service obligations that affect the transaction. Efficient conveyancing protects buyers and sellers by confirming title, identifying encumbrances, and ensuring the transfer is legally binding and fully registered.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Real estate transactions in New Cairo can be complex. You may need a lawyer when you are buying or selling a property, taking out or repaying a mortgage, buying off-plan from a developer, resolving a dispute over title, dealing with inherited property, executing or accepting a power of attorney, or when unclear contractual terms, unpaid taxes, or outstanding municipal or developer obligations exist. A lawyer provides legal due diligence, negotiates contract terms, prepares or reviews transfer documents, handles registration formalities at the tabu, advises on taxes and fees, and represents you in disputes or administrative procedures.

Local Laws Overview

Property ownership in Egypt must be recorded at the real estate registry (tabu). Registration creates public notice of ownership and any mortgages or encumbrances. Notarization by a notary public is required for certain deeds and powers of attorney, and many sale contracts are drafted or certified by a notary to ensure enforceability.

New Cairo properties are regulated both by national property and registration laws and by rules issued by the New Urban Communities Authority. Building permits, zoning approvals, occupancy certificates and developer licensing are essential local considerations. Developers often sell units off-plan under specific contracts that include payment schedules, handover conditions and warranty or defect liability clauses.

Taxation and fees apply to real estate transfers. Typical costs include stamp taxes, registration fees and possibly taxes on gains depending on the nature of the seller and transaction. Mortgages and security interests must be registered against the title to be effective against third parties. Powers of attorney are commonly used for absentee buyers or sellers and must meet formal requirements to be accepted by the registry.

Foreign ownership is regulated and may require administrative approvals or compliance with special rules. Condominium or common-interest communities often have management regulations and service charge obligations that buyers must accept. Because regulations are subject to change and practice varies by office, local legal advice is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is conveyancing and what steps does it include?

Conveyancing is the process of legally transferring property ownership. Typical steps include verifying the title at the tabu, checking for mortgages or liens, confirming building permits and developer approvals, reviewing and negotiating the sale contract, managing deposit and payment arrangements, preparing notarized documents or powers of attorney, paying required taxes and fees, and registering the final deed with the real estate registry.

How long does a conveyancing transaction usually take in New Cairo?

Timeframes vary. A straightforward resale of a registered property can take a few weeks if all documents are in order. Off-plan transactions or sales requiring additional approvals, clearing encumbrances, or resolving municipal issues can take several months. Delays often come from missing documents, disputes, or slow administrative processing at the registry or municipal offices.

What documents do I need to buy property in New Cairo?

Common documents include valid identification for buyer and seller, the seller's title deed as registered in the tabu, a recent extract from the real estate registry showing encumbrances, the sale contract or preliminary agreement, power of attorney if a party is represented, proof of tax clearance where required, developer documents for new units, and any municipal or building permits or occupancy certificates. Your lawyer will provide a precise checklist for your transaction.

How do I check that the seller has a clean title?

Title checking involves obtaining an official extract from the tabu or real estate publicity office that shows the registered owner, the chain of ownership, and any registered mortgages, liens or judicial orders affecting the property. A lawyer will also verify seller identity, confirm that sale proceeds will clear any encumbrances, and check for unpaid taxes or service charges that could affect transfer.

Are notaries required in Egyptian conveyancing?

Yes, notaries play an important role. Many transfer deeds, powers of attorney and certain contracts must be notarized to meet formal requirements and to be accepted by government offices. Notary certification helps verify signatures and the legal capacity of the parties involved.

What taxes and fees should I expect when buying or selling?

Transactions commonly incur stamp tax, registration fees at the tabu, notary fees, and possibly capital gains or income tax for the seller depending on circumstances. There may also be municipal or local charges and outstanding utility or service fees that must be settled before registration. Exact rates and applicable taxes depend on the transaction and the parties, so legal and tax advice is recommended early in the process.

Can a foreigner buy property in New Cairo?

Foreign ownership is regulated. Foreign buyers often face specific administrative steps or approvals and may be subject to limitations depending on the property type and location. It is essential for foreign buyers to get local legal advice to ensure compliance with rules and to secure any required permissions before completing a purchase.

What special issues apply to off-plan purchases from developers?

Off-plan purchases require careful review of the developer contract, payment schedule, completion and handover conditions, warranty periods, and the developer's permits and registration with relevant authorities. Ensure the developer holds the necessary approvals from the New Urban Communities Authority and that escrow or payment protections are understood. A lawyer can negotiate protective contract terms and check whether performance bonds or guarantees are in place.

Can I use a power of attorney if I cannot attend registration in person?

Yes, powers of attorney are commonly used when a buyer or seller cannot attend. The power of attorney must meet formal requirements, may need notarization and legalization depending on where it was issued, and must be accepted by the tabu and notary offices involved. Use a narrowly tailored power of attorney to limit risk, and have a local lawyer review it before use.

What should I do if a dispute arises after purchase?

If a dispute arises - for example over title defects, developer defects, unpaid charges, or breach of contract - contact your lawyer immediately. Remedies may include negotiation, mediation, administrative complaints to relevant authorities, or litigation before the civil courts. Time limits and procedural steps apply, so prompt legal action and preservation of documents and correspondence are important.

Additional Resources

Ministry of Justice - Real Estate Publicity Department and local tabu offices - for official registration and title extracts. New Urban Communities Authority - for information on New Cairo planning, developer licensing and approvals. Cairo Governorate or the local district municipal office - for building permits, occupancy certificates and municipal clearances. Egyptian Tax Authority - for guidance on applicable taxes and tax clearance requirements. Notary public offices - for document notarization and authentication. Egyptian Bar Association or local bar associations - to verify lawyer credentials. Banks and mortgage providers - for financing and mortgage registration procedures. Consumer protection or housing ombudsman bodies - where administrative complaints are relevant. Your local lawyer will identify the specific offices and records you must consult for your transaction.

Next Steps

Start by collecting available property documents - title deed, registry extract, seller identification, developer documents and any permits. Choose a local conveyancing lawyer with experience in New Cairo transactions and ask for a written engagement letter that states scope, fees and estimated timeline. Order a legal due diligence report that checks title, encumbrances, municipal status, developer approvals and outstanding charges. If you cannot attend in person, prepare a narrowly drafted power of attorney and have it notarized as required. Obtain a clear cost estimate covering taxes, registration, notary and legal fees. Arrange payment methods that provide protection and obtain receipts. Attend the final registration with your lawyer or authorize your lawyer to complete the registration on your behalf. Keep copies of all signed agreements, receipts and the registered title for your records. If anything is unclear at any stage, seek immediate legal advice rather than proceeding on assumptions.