Apartments for Sale in Alexandria, Egypt's Mediterranean City

Smouha is a planned, upscale area; Sidi Bishr, Stanley and San Stefano sit on the corniche with sea views; Montaza and Gleem are older seaside neighbourhoods; Miami and Mandara are busy residential and shopping zones. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the tram and the Citadel of Qaitbay give the city character. Summer brings many domestic visitors, and flooding or building quality varies by district. Apartment blocks can be old, so check lifts, structure and legal status.

Compare Cairo, Giza, the North Coast and Suez.

The Egyptian pound has lost much of its value in recent years, so international buyers should compare prices with the current exchange rate and avoid assuming past values. Foreigners can generally buy a limited number of properties after approvals. Make sure the property is registered at the real estate registry and not just under a preliminary contract, and use an independent lawyer. See the Egypt guide, consultation and financing.

Insist on seeing the title chain and whether the apartment is registered in the real estate registry or sold on a preliminary contract only. For new blocks, check that the building has a permit and that the developer has completed similar projects. Payment in Egyptian pounds or foreign currency, and how a bank transfer is documented, affects your ability to prove the purchase. Hire a lawyer who is independent of the seller and obtains written confirmation of utilities and fees.