The New Urban Communities Authority, affiliated with the Egyptian Ministry of Housing, has imposed new fees on real estate projects located along several main roads west of Cairo, under the heading of "improvement," referring to road improvements, according to a document seen by Asharq and three informed sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The improvement fees range from 1,500 Egyptian pounds per square meter for land located up to one kilometer from either side of the road, to 750 pounds per square meter up to three kilometers, and 500 pounds per square meter for land located between three and seven kilometers from the road.

Fees are applied on both sides of the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road and the Sheikh Zayed Axis, while 50% of the prescribed value is collected on lands located on both sides of the Wadi El Natroun-El Alamein Road.

According to the document, the payment mechanism for the Egyptian Ministry of Housing fees is as follows: 20% of the fee value is paid as a down payment, with the remaining amount to be paid in installments over 5 years at an annual interest rate of 10%. The installment period is extended to 6 years for areas exceeding 400 acres.

Owners of real estate units sold before January 29, 2024, are responsible for paying the fees, while real estate developers bear the responsibility for land currently being sold or developed.