Individuals' Disputes with Real Estate Developers

The Idea

The relationship between an individual buyer and a real estate developer is usually governed by a standard-form contract drafted by the developer, with terms that tend to favor it. Many buyers discover the problem only after years of paying installments: late delivery, specifications that differ from what was agreed, price increases, or a stalled project. Our role is to read the contract and documents carefully, explain your rights and options, and represent you before the competent forum.

Common Disputes We Handle

• Delay in delivering the unit beyond the agreed date.
• Delivery of a unit that deviates from the area, specifications or finishes stated in the contract or brochure.
• Price increases or additional charges (maintenance, owners' association, fees) not provided for in the contract.
• A stalled or distressed project.
• Rescission (termination) of the contract and restitution of the amounts paid (down payment and installments).
• Claims for damages for loss caused by breach of contract.
• Actions to declare the sale contract valid and enforceable and to register title to the unit in the buyer's name.
• Arbitration clauses found in some developers' contracts, and how to deal with them.

What We Do

• Review the contract, all receipts and correspondence, and assess your legal position.
• Serve a formal notice on the developer through a court bailiff, demanding performance or placing it in default, before going to court.
• Negotiate and settle amicably where that serves your interest.
• File the appropriate claim before the competent court, or represent you before the arbitral tribunal where the contract contains an arbitration clause.
• Engage an engineering expert to document defects in the unit or the project where needed (including through a court-appointed expert).
• Rely on the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law in cases where it applies.

For Clients Abroad

If you are buying or have bought a unit in Egypt while living outside it, we can represent you under a formal power of attorney executed abroad, follow the file, and send you written reports. Learn about powers of attorney from abroad · Buying and owning property in Egypt for foreigners and expatriates.

How We Work

Send us copies of the contract and documents. We review the file and give you an initial view of its strengths, weaknesses and the proposed route, followed by a written fee agreement defining the scope, then periodic reports. See the full working process.

Frequently Asked Questions

The developer is late delivering my unit — what can I do?

We review the contract, receipts and correspondence to establish your position, then may send a formal notice to the developer, negotiate a settlement, file the appropriate lawsuit, or represent you before an arbitral tribunal if the contract has an arbitration clause.

Can I rescind the contract and recover what I paid?

Rescission of the contract, recovery of the down payment and instalments, and claims for damages are among the disputes we handle; the right route is decided after reading the contract and documents.

What documents should I prepare for the first meeting?

The reservation or sale contract, payment receipts, any correspondence or messages with the developer, the brochure or advertisements you bought on, and the instalment schedule.

This content is general information and is not a substitute for legal advice on your specific situation, nor a promise of any outcome.