The Egyptian government has initiated the process to refund the reservation deposits for applicants on the Maskan website who were unlucky not to secure housing units or land plots during the recent lotteries. Sherif El-Sherbini, the Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, announced on March 6, 2025, this significant development aimed at addressing the concerns of thousands of applicants.
Dr. Hassan El-Shorbagy, the Deputy Head of the New Urban Communities Authority for Real Estate Affairs, elaborated on the details of this refund process. He explained, "We are committed to expediting the refund of all new housing installments to maintain their confidence in the authority," underscoring the government's commitment to transparency and support.
During the lottery, which concluded on February 26, 2025, the government allocated 8,521 land plots and 6,575 housing units. Following this, the refund process has commenced for those unfortunate enough not to be selected. According to El-Shorbagy, applicants who paid their reservations via cash or Visa will be able to reclaim their deposits swiftly. The refund for 21,500 transactions through Visa is already underway, and applicants can expect to receive their funds through the Fawry Dahab service.
The housing authority will continue processing these refunds for ten more days, ensuring applicants receive their allocations according to the previously established schedule. The ministry also plans to start refunding payments for eligible employees through bank transfers from Credit Agricole and EGBank beginning March 11, 2025, and continuing until the end of the week.
This step marks the government’s efforts to maintain the trust of its citizens and reinforce the engagement of the population with housing initiatives. The willingness to return funds to those not allocated units showcases the government’s aim to handle applicants' expectations responsibly and transparently.
With the completion of the current refund process, the Ministry of Housing encourages all applicants to stay vigilant for future opportunities to apply for housing units or land. The hope remains alive among the community for the upcoming lottery draw, with the expectation of offering even more housing solutions to address the demands of the populace.
Dr. El-Shorbagy expressed his wishes for successful future applications, noting the importance of creating wider access to housing for all citizens. The Ministry of Housing’s commitment to transparency and support is evident as they navigate through the substantial housing demands facing the nation. This initiative not only aims to fulfill housing needs but also to bolster the overall confidence of citizens as they engage with government programs.