Navigating the Egyptian Rental Market
The decision to rent an apartment hinges on many simple but essential factors, with proximity being the most important for Youssef Abdelrahman, 29, a software engineer who works and lives in Maadi.
Whether it is getting to work, connecting with family, or spending time with friends, the convenience of location is crucial to his search for a home to rent.
“My commute needs to be less than 30 minutes, ideally by car or public transport,” he says.
Abdelrahman has been married and renting for two years. While searching for an apartment, he saw around twelve apartments before settling on one. He sought guidance from his friends, who also rent, to look for the best fit.
“My friends warned me against getting an apartment on the last floor because Egypt’s summers can turn the apartment into an oven, and most probably, the painting on the ceiling might crack due to poor insulation,” Abdelrahman tells Egyptian Streets.
Most residential buildings in Egypt are built with conventional reinforced concrete structures and standard non-insulated brick walls, with thermal insulation typically only applied to roofs and little use elsewhere in the buildings.
“However, the first floor is no better, as it often feels like you’re living on the street,” he shares, noting that first-floor windows typically require metal bars for security against break-ins, so ultimately, middle floors are ideal for security and temperature.
To cut costs, Abdelrahman searches for an apartment with functioning plumbing that does not require repairs, reliable gas for his stove and heaters, and a traditional electric meter instead of a prepaid one, as electricity is costly.
As of October 2024, electricity prices for households have risen by different amounts, ranging from 14.5 percent to 50 percent, depending on usage.
Similar to Abdelrahaman, Ahmed Gamal, 41, a banker who lives in Giza and works in October City, also wants to limit his electricity consumption and spending by having gas access and a traditional electricity meter.
“Not to mention, having an adequate amount of sunlight through windows is important, as it makes the space cozy and well-lit for longer periods without the need to turn on the lights,” Gamal says.
Gamal has been married for 11 years and currently lives in his third rented apartment. With two kids, he often focuses on efficiency and stability for his family. He aims to sign a contract of no less than three years and pays attention to apartment size and the logistics of moving in and out of the apartment.
“Apartments with small elevators or narrow stairs are a nightmare for moving furniture, so I make sure the building can accommodate large items,” Gamal tells Egyptian Streets.
Another priority of his is practicality, Gamal tries to rent in a location near main roads for accessible and easier travel. He shares, “A smooth drive to work is crucial, even during peak hours.”