How to Select Your Real Estate Agent and Property in Hurghada to Avoid Scammers

Buying property in Hurghada can be one of the best investments you ever make — but only if you choose the right agent and the right property. Unfortunately, like in many developing markets, scammers and inexperienced agents exist, so knowing how to protect yourself is essential.

In this article, I will outline the most important steps to follow before committing to a purchase in Hurghada or anywhere along the Red Sea coast.

1. Don’t Trust Edited Photos — Always Request Real Videos

When browsing properties online, don’t be fooled by professionally edited images. Many listings use filters and effects that make properties look newer or better maintained than they are.
If you like a property, ask the agent for a real, unedited video showing the apartment, pool, landscape, and surrounding streets. This helps confirm that the property actually exists and matches what’s advertised.

2. Communicate Directly and Ask the Right Questions

Don’t hesitate to call the real estate agent directly. Ask as many questions as possible — and take notes.
If you repeat the same questions in a later call and receive different answers, that’s a red flag. Even one lie is enough reason to move on and find a more reliable agent.

3. Verify Experience and Local Knowledge

Ask how long the agent has been working in the Hurghada real estate market, and request proof.
Agents with less than 5–10 years of experience might not understand the regulations, developer reputation, or local land divisions.
Hurghada’s property history is complex — and only experienced agents can guide you safely.

4. Check Property Management and Maintenance

A beautiful photo or an attractive price doesn’t guarantee a good investment.
Always ask about property management and maintenance. Poor maintenance leads to declining property value and low rental income. A strict and professional management company ensures the long-term value of your Hurghada apartment or villa.

5. Hire an Independent, Honest Lawyer

Never skip the legal part.
Hire an independent lawyer — not one recommended by the developer or agent. Some lawyers are linked to agents and may overlook legal issues just to collect their fees.
Even if documents look good, a deeper investigation may reveal risks affecting your ownership.

6. Choose an Agent with Proven Local Network

I have been active in the Hurghada property market since 2008, and over the years, I have built a strong network of developers, projects, and legal experts.
This experience allows me to identify trustworthy projects, honest developers, and reliable lawyers — as well as those to avoid.

7. Understand the Area and Its Legal Divisions

Some zones in Hurghada are not suitable for foreign buyers.
That’s why your agent must have at least 10 years of experience in the local market to ensure your purchase is legally safe and located in an approved foreign ownership area.

8. Speak with the Agent — Don’t Rely Only on Text

Always speak to the agent on the phone.
If they can’t communicate clearly in English, that’s a warning sign — it often means they lack the education or experience to handle international clients.
Avoid agents who only use WhatsApp messages or translators. A short phone call reveals a lot.

9. Safe Payment and Commission Rules

• Never transfer money to a personal account. Payments must go to a registered company or directly to the developer.

• If you buy directly from a developer through an agent, you do not pay commission — the developer pays it.

• If you buy a resale property, a commission from the buyer and seller is normal and legitimate.

• There are no taxes when buying property in Hurghada.

10. Final Steps After Purchase

After completing your purchase:

• Change your apartment locks immediately.

• Pay all maintenance fees by bank transfer and keep your receipts.

• Ask your lawyer to apply for court validity, which usually takes 3–6 months for foreign buyers.

You will need to attend once in person to issue a Power of Attorney (POA) for your lawyer, and before to do it your passport must be stamped at Hurghada Immigration Office (free of charge) to allow you to do POA, otherwise the notary office will refuse to do this procedure.

Ensure the POA only covers legal representation, not property management or selling rights.

11. Stay Away from Unlicensed “Agents”

Only buy through registered real estate companies in Hurghada.
Ask for a copy of their commercial registration and verify its authenticity.
Never buy through taxi drivers, bazaar sellers, diving instructors, or friends you meet on vacation. These are common sources of property scams.

Final Advice

Be cautious, ask questions, and deal only with experienced, registered professionals who can prove their credibility.
Following these steps ensures a smooth and secure property purchase in Hurghada — protecting your money and peace of mind.

Next Article

In my next article, I will explain the difference between developments with normal contracts and those with green contracts, and how this affects your legal ownership.

By Ramy Kamel

Founder of PadsAbroad Ltd — established in 2015
Active in Hurghada and the Red Sea real estate market since 2008
Known for transparency, ethical practice, and exclusive collaborations with reputable developers across Egypt’s Red Sea region.

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