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Egypt Revives Law 119 to Boost Real Estate, Construction, and Urban Growth

Posted on October 4, 2024 |

The Ministry of Housing has introduced significant changes to Egypt’s building regulations, cancelling the restrictive measures introduced in 2021. In a move to revitalise urban growth, Law No. 119 of 2008 is being reinstated, marking a major shift in the country’s construction policies. This decision is part of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s broader initiative to simplify building processes and support the real estate sector.

Highlights of the New Building Regulations:

Simplified Permit Process

Building permit applications are now easier to process across all local units, thanks to the adjustments in the executive regulations of Law 119. Ministerial Decree No. 943, issued in early September, introduces key amendments to streamline the process for both citizens and businesses.

Flexible Building Rules

The reintroduction of Law 119 brings greater flexibility to building design. Height restrictions will adhere to approved local plans, while residential buildings on streets wider than 10 meters can now host commercial and administrative activities on their ground and first floors.

Economic Boost

By simplifying building procedures and lifting restrictive rules, these changes are expected to reduce costs and delays in construction, providing a much-needed boost to Egypt’s real estate market. This revival is also anticipated to have positive ripple effects on industries connected to construction, such as timber, electrical supplies, and more.

Increased Housing Availability

With faster and more flexible building procedures, the government expects to see a surge in housing construction, helping address Egypt’s housing shortage and meeting the growing demand for affordable housing units.

Key Figures Behind the Changes

Sherif El-Sherbiny, Minister of Housing, stated that the revised regulations are a direct response to the challenges faced under the previous rules. By making construction simpler, the government aims to drive more investment into urban development projects across the country.

Impact on Urban Development

The decision to relax the 2021 restrictions is expected to accelerate urban expansion and create safer, well-planned cities. This marks a pivotal step towards modernising Egypt’s infrastructure, aligning with global standards, and improving the quality of life for millions of citizens.

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