The Art of Renting in Cairo
Despite a hardwired tradition that requires every man to purchase their own home before they can even begin to dream of marriage the demand for rent in Cairo is surprisingly on the rise . With so many couples waiting for their new home in a gated community to be built , temporarily renting finds itself as the ideal solution .
When it comes to the most sought after neighborhoods , Maadi Serayat and Degla lead the pack due to their high foreigner occupancy . But for most Egyptians , New Cairo and the 6th of October are the ultimate destinations . The appeal of the latter two stems from the fact that they are both relatively new areas and thus house newer and better maintained properties . They also lie in close proximity to the largest two business districts on either side of the capital .
Seasonal renting especially during the summertime has also witnessed a major boom now that many vacationers are more willing to pay the excessive rates that can exceed LE 30,000 for a week ’ s stay versus the idea of owning . This scenario is proving to be a successful model for both landlords and tenants as property brokers race around the clock for three hectic months matching supply and demand .
And while the approach to renting in the city or off the coast is quite different there are a few tips that can come in handy when deciding on where to rent .
Work with companies not individuals
A lot of people assume that hiring a company instead of just finding the doorman or a middle man will cost them more in commissions . What they are not fully aware of however is the amount of time and effort saved that over compensates the difference in fees . Professional brokerage firms not only have a large network that ensures far more property listings but because you are dealing with a well known company , it is easy to dial a number and request a new broker if you are not happy with the level of service . You can also avoid irritating yet common tactics of individual brokers who simply disappear on you . properties , renting in Cairo is no easy task . “ Most of these wonderful apartments with great pictures aren ’ t even available . They promise you something and then you realize that their information is outdated and that these apartments are already rented out to other people .”
Hanan is among many who seek out the convenience of online shopping only to be disappointed by the lack of professionalism and transparency of the endless brokers who have taken her on a continuous loop of ill matching apartments . “ It ’ s sad because after so many let downs , I finally found a broker who was quite decent and dedicated but probably misses out on so many opportunities simply because they are hard to find .”
Moreover , when renting in Cairo it is easy to go check out the property for yourself because it ’ s within the city but particularly when renting in Sahel or Sokhna , when you don ’ t have the luxury of travel just for inspection , you have to rely solely on the word of your broker .
“ We have seen incidences where clients have shown up to their summer rental only to discover that they have been scammed . They were hand delivered a random key for a home that does not exist . Others have been surprised to find that there were no ACs which is essential during a summer vacation ” says Mohamed Gamil , Broker Owner of RE / MAX The Address . “ What we ensure our tenants and landlords is that both parties are properly taken care of . “ We reduce the element of surprise and ensure that the property is also maintained in the best condition .”
Don ’ t believe everything you read on the Internet
As discovered by a disgruntled soon-to-be bride , Hanan who spent countless days surfing the Internet for listed
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