Buying Hurghada Real Estate Remotely: Power of Attorney & Safe Steps
Buying an apartment in Hurghada while you’re abroad is possible. In fact, many buyers secure a home or property remotely every year. However, distance adds riskโespecially with paperwork, payments, and handover.
That’s why the safest remote strategy is simple:
- Use a qualified local lawyer (not only an agent).
- Use a limited Power of Attorney (POA) with clear boundaries.
- Follow a due diligence checklist before you transfer large sums of money.
This guide explains how Power of Attorney works for remote Hurghada real estate, plus the stepโbyโstep “safe steps” we recommend for buyers in 2026.
Important note (nonโlegal advice): This is general information for buyers. Always confirm your exact process with a licensed Egyptian lawyer and your local Egyptian consulate/embassy.
Quick summary: safest way to buy Hurghada real estate remotely
If you want the short version, follow this order:
- Choose the property + verify the seller/developer
- Sign a clear sales contract (bilingual if needed)
- Prepare a limited POA for your lawyer/representative
- Pay through traceable methods with documented receipts
- Complete notarization/registration steps correctly
- Do a remote snagging + handover checklist before final release
What is a Power of Attorney for Hurghada real estate?
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes someone (usually your lawyer) to act on your behalf. For remote real estate buying, a POA is commonly used to:
- Sign contracts and addenda
- Submit documents for registration
- Handle utility steps (when possible)
- Receive keys and sign handover forms
On the official Egyptian Real Estate Platform blog, the registration process explicitly notes that the buyer or a legal representative submits the registration application. So representation is part of the system.
Special POA vs General POA (what to choose)
For remote property buying, a special/limited POA is usually safer than a broad general POA.
Why? Because a special POA can be restricted to:
- One specific apartment/property
- One particular set of actions
- A defined time window
Some Egyptian consulates even provide separate templates for General and Special POA (for eligible applicants), which reflects the idea that POA scope matters.
Can the Egyptian consulate issue a POA for you?
This depends on your nationality and the consulate rules where you live.
If you are an Egyptian citizen abroad
Some Egyptian consulates offer notary/POA services only to Egyptian citizens, and they require inโperson signing. For example, the Egyptian Consulate in the UK states POA is “for Egyptian nationals only” and must be done in person.
Likewise, the Egyptian Consulate in Sydney states notary services are exclusively offered to Egyptian citizens who apply in person.
If you are not Egyptian
Consulate rules often differ. Using the UK as a clear example, the Egyptian Consulate says: for nonโEgyptians, the consulate does not issue a POAโit only legalises one prepared elsewhere (by a solicitor/notary), and you must follow the legalization steps.
Because of this, most nonโEgyptian remote buyers use a “local notarization + consular legalization” route.
How to legalize a POA for use in Egypt (remote buying)
The core idea is the same worldwide: Egypt commonly requires consular legalization rather than relying only on an Apostille.
The Hague Conference (HCCH) status table for the Apostille Convention (Hague Convention of 5 October 1961) lists contracting parties. It shows the “last update” as late 2025โEgypt is not listed among the contracting parties.
As a result, many document routes still involve consular legalization, not just Apostille.
Here are real consulate/embassy examples:
- UK route (example): The Egyptian Consulate in the UK explains that nonโEgyptians should prepare the POA with a solicitor or notary, then legalize it (including legalisation via the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) before following the consulate’s legalization procedures.
- Australia route (example): The Egyptian Consulate in Sydney outlines a fourโstep flow (execute before an Australian notary, authenticate via DFAT, then submit to the consulate).
- Germany route (example): The Egyptian Embassy in Berlin notes that private documents (such as a POA) must not be notarized and certified by the district court before legalization.
Practical tip: Always check your local Egyptian mission’s checklist first, because the stamps and steps vary by country.
What to include in a safe POA for buying Hurghada real estate remotely
Ask your lawyer to draft wording that is specific and limited. In most remote deals, include:
- Your full name + passport details
- Your representative’s full legal name + ID details
- The exact property identification (development, unit number, location, boundaries, if applicable)
- Powers allowed (examples):
- Sign the sale contract and any addenda
- Submit documents for registration procedures
- Pay government fees/registration fees (if needed)
- Receive keys and sign the handover minutes
- Powers not allowed (recommended limits):
- No right to take loans in your name
- No right to sell or transfer unless you explicitly want that
- A precise expiry date or a clear revocation plan
Also, keep a scanned and printed copy in a “property file” folder from day one.
Safe steps: remote Hurghada property purchase checklist
Step 1: Choose a property that is easy to verify remotely
First, focus on clarity, not hype.
Ask for:
- A live video tour (not only edited clips)
- Floor plan + unit number confirmation
- A full breakdown of the payment schedule and maintenance fees
- A written list of what is included (furniture, appliances, A/C units)
Step 2: Verify the seller/developer and the property documents
Next, do your due diligence before signing or paying hefty amounts.
Ask your lawyer to verify:
- Who legally owns the unit (seller identity and capacity)
- What the unit is being sold with (contract + annexes)
- Whether there are disputes, unpaid obligations, or restrictions
Step 3: Understand registration in Egypt (and choose the safer route)
This step is critical, and many overseas buyers skip it.
The Official Egyptian Real Estate Platform blog explains that there are two primary methods:
- Official Registration (Real Estate Publicity) โ grants full legal ownership and complete rights transfer.
- Notarized Contracts (Validation of Signature) โ less formal and does not confer full ownership rights, offering limited protection.
It also notes that for full legal recognition, properties must be registered with the Real Estate Publicity Department.
So, before you proceed, ask:
“What registration path is possible for this specific apartment in Hurghada?”
Step 4: Use a contract structure that protects you
Then, make the paperwork work for you.
A safer contract usually includes:
- Full unit details and specs
- Payment milestones tied to deliverables
- Handover date + penalties or remedies if delayed
- Defect/snagging process and timelines
- Clear refund terms if legal due diligence fails
Step 5: Issue the POA only after the contract is clear
After the contract is final, prepare the POA.
Why this order matters:
- If you issue a broad POA too early, you lose control.
- If you issue a limited POA after you agree to the terms, you stay protected.
Step 6: Pay in a traceable, documented way
Now protect your money.
Best practices:
- Use bank transfers when possible
- Require official receipts for each payment
- Avoid “cash only” arrangements unless your lawyer confirms the safest method
Step 7: Registration submission (your lawyer can do this)
If you go for official registration, the Egyptian Real Estate Platform blog states the buyer (or legal representative) submits an application to the Real Estate Publicity Department with items such as:
- Validated sale contract
- Identity documents
- Proof of payment
- Title deeds and survey documents
- Tax clearance and utility documents
It also describes common authorities involved, including:
- Real Estate Publicity Department (Shahr El Aqary)
- Survey Authority
- Notary Public
- Tax Authority
Step 8: Plan a remote snagging inspection before final handover
Before you release the last payment, do a snagging checklist via:
- Your lawyer
- A property manager
- A trusted thirdโparty inspector
Check:
- Water pressure + hot water
- Electric load + breakers
- A/C function
- Windows and locks
- Wall moisture (especially in bathrooms)
- Furniture and appliances match the inventory list
Step 9: Final handover + utility setup
Finally, confirm:
- Key handover and signed minutes
- Meter readings
- Building management contacts
- Service/maintenance fees schedule
- Any access cards and parking arrangements
Red flags when buying Hurghada real estate remotely
Be careful if you see any of these:
- “Don’t worry, no lawyer is needed.”
- “Pay 100% now, paperwork later.”
- Unclear unit number or changing floor plans
- No written inventory for furnished units
- A POA draft that is too broad or unlimited
- Refusal to provide receipts or documented payment trails
FAQs: Buying Hurghada real estate remotely
How long can registration take?
The Official Egyptian Real Estate Platform blog describes a typical range of 6 to 10 weeks, depending on documentation and office workload (delays can happen).
Do I need to travel to Hurghada to buy?
Not always. Many buyers complete purchases using a legal representative and a POA. However, you should still do strong verification and remote inspection steps.
Can I revoke a POA?
Rules depend on the type and wording. As one example, the Egyptian Consulate in the UK notes that, in some cases, revoking an existing POA may require the attendance of both parties and recommends sending documents for guidance.
Next step: request a “remote buying” shortlist + paperwork plan
If you want to buy Hurghada real estate remotely, Hurghadians Property Company can help you:
- Shortlist verified apartments that match your budget and goal
- Arrange live video viewings and unit confirmation
- Coordinate a lawyer-first process with safe POA boundaries
- Build a handover and snagging checklist for your home or investment property
