Among the respondents in the survey, 61% identified residential real estate as their top investment choice (Photo: Knight Frank Egypt report)
Egypt is emerging as one of MENA’s most dynamic real estate markets, attracting US$1.4 billion in global private capital, according to Knight Frank’s Destination Egypt 2025 report released Sept 30.
The report draws on a survey of 264 high-net-worth individuals from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Germany, the UK, and the US, each with an average net worth of US$9.7 million. The results show that this capital is targeting Egypt’s residential real estate sector. The survey was conducted in partnership with YouGov.
Emirati investors lead in intended investments at US$709 million, followed by Saudi nationals (US$403 million) and German HNWIs (US$263 million).
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While the UAE and Saudi Arabia lead in investment volumes, German investors report the highest average budget per investor at US$17.7 million, surpassing the UAE's US$16.2 million and Saudi Arabia's US$9.4 million.
By contrast, UK investors indicated an average budget of US$5 million, while US investors reported a much lower average budget of US$400,000, says Faisal Durrani, Knight Frank’s partner and head of research, MENA.
Among the respondents, 61% identified residential real estate as their top investment choice. Offices followed at 49%, and branded residences at 45%. Wealthier GCC investors with a net worth of above US$10 million showed a strong preference for branded residences (60%).
Those in the US$500,000 to US$5 million wealth brackets preferred mainstream residential assets.
Knight Frank notes that 244,000 homes are currently on the market across 155 projects. There are 30,830 new units slated for delivery in 2025—a 29% rise from 2024’s 24,000 completions (Knight Frank Egypt report)
Greater Cairo’s residential market has seen strong growth. This is underpinned by developer confidence and buyer-friendly financing schemes. The average down payment in Cairo is just 7.2%. Instalment periods have extended to 8.5 years, up from 7.7 years in 1Q2025.
Knight Frank notes that 244,000 homes are currently on the market across 155 projects. There are 30,830 new units slated for delivery in 2025—a 29% rise from 2024’s 24,000 completions.
“The capital value growth story has been compelling in Egypt, with home values in Cairo’s El Sheikh Zayed climbing 24.7% to US$1,964 psm since January 2024,” says Zeinab Adel, Knight Frank’s partner and head of Egypt.
As of 2Q2025, New Zayed and New Cairo command the highest prices at around EGP102,000 psm (US$2,100 psm) and EGP85,150 psm (US$1,750 psm), respectively. Villas in New Cairo now average EGP159,000 psm (US$3,270 psm), while luxury apartments at Vye Sodic in New Zayed are selling at EGP107,000 psm (US$2,205 psm).
Egypt’s residential pipeline is set for a surge. There are 104 projects due for completion in 2028 and 2029, compared to just eight annually in 2026 and 2027. Adel notes: "This suggests near-term supply constraints could push prices higher over the medium term."
Egypt’s giga projects are especially attractive to GCC investors. Among HNWI respondents, 99% express intent to invest in one. The New Administrative Capital (NAC) is the prime target. It was cited by 56% of Saudi and 34% of Emirati HNWIs, attracted by its role as the country’s new capital. Nearly half (47%) of ultra-wealthy investors with net worths above US$10 million also identified the NAC as their top choice.
Beyond the NAC, the North Coast (28%) and Central Cairo (26%) were the next most popular destinations. Coastal properties are a particular draw, with 51% of respondents planning to use acquisitions as second homes or for holidays. This figure rises to 53% among HNWIs with more than US$10 million and to 60% for those in the US$1–2 million wealth bracket, Durrani adds.
According to Statista, by the end of 2025, the holiday homes market in Egypt is expected to generate US$1.09 billion in revenue and is poised to grow by 7.02% per year through to 2030, by which time almost 27 million people will have stayed in one of Egypt’s holiday homes.