Egypt: housing

How fast are rents rising in Egypt?

Rents in Egypt rose 11.6% in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the first quarter, when they rose 6.0%, according to the Central Bank of Egypt Monetary Policy Report for Q2 2026. The CBE says this likely reflects the continued spillover from adjustments to the Old Rent Law.

These are quarter-on-quarter changes in the rent component of the consumer price index, compiled by CAPMAS. The CBE's September 2026 policy statement also names housing rents, together with electricity tariffs, as items that pushed prices up in August 2026. Rents make up a large share of services inflation, which accounted for nearly half of annual headline inflation in the quarter.

Official sources: CBE: Monetary Policy Report Q2 2026 (PDF) · CBE: MPC press release, 24 September 2026

How many Egyptians live in cities?

42.9% of Egypt's population lived in urban areas in 2025, according to the World Bank World Development Indicators. The total population was about 118.4 million, up from 112.6 million in 2022, according to the World Bank.

The urban share is based on Egypt's own definition of urban areas and has barely changed in recent years. The population grew by about 1.8 million in 2025, which adds to demand for new homes. CAPMAS publishes population and housing census data on its website.

Official sources: World Bank: urban population share, Egypt · World Bank: population, Egypt

How much do foreigners invest in Egyptian property?

Non-residents' purchases of real estate in Egypt brought in a net US$2.8 billion in fiscal year 2025/26, up from US$1.9 billion the year before, according to the Central Bank of Egypt balance of payments press release. The figure is counted as part of foreign direct investment, which totalled US$18.0 billion.

The figure covers property bought by people and companies based outside Egypt. It does not show prices or the number of homes sold. No official house price index was found on the Central Bank's website on 15 October 2026, so there is no official measure of property prices to quote here.

Official sources: CBE: balance of payments press release, FY 2025/26 (PDF)

What share of Egypt is urban?

42.9%: that is the share of people living in urban areas in Egypt for 2025, according to the UN Population Division. Since 2005 it has ranged from 42.4% (2017) to 43.0% (2006). It is 19th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 78.4%. World rank, highest first: 145th of 193.

What share of Egypt's city dwellers live in slums?

In 2022, the share of city dwellers living in slums in Egypt was 3.8%, according to UN-Habitat. Since 2006 it has ranged from 0.9% (2016) to 25.7% (2006). It is 13th highest of 19 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 10.9%. World rank, highest first: 111th of 170.

What is the electricity access rate in Egypt?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2024, is 100.0%. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 100.0%, and Egypt placed 1st highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 1st of 193.

What share of people in Egypt have safe drinking water?

In 2024, the share of people using safely managed drinking water in Egypt was 78.9%, according to WHO and UNICEF. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 89.0%, and Egypt placed 11th highest of 17. Worldwide: 65th of 134.

What share of people in Egypt have safe sanitation?

According to WHO and UNICEF, the share of people using safely managed sanitation in Egypt was 57.3% in 2024. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 79.8%, and Egypt placed 11th highest of 17. Of 134 countries with 2024 data, 72nd highest.

What is access to clean cooking in Egypt?

According to the WHO, the share of people using clean cooking fuels in Egypt was 100.0% in 2024. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 1st highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 99.5%. World rank, highest first: 1st of 192.