Egypt's housing authorities have recently embarked on the refund process for applicants who were unsuccessful in acquiring housing units through the "Sakan" platform. This initiative, announced by Minister of Housing Shereef El-Sherbiny, aims to restore trust with clients and facilitate their access to future housing opportunities.
The procedure to refund earnest money commenced on March 6, 2025, for those who paid via credit cards. This initiative has already resulted in the return of funds for approximately 21,500 applicants. According to Dr. Hassan El-Shourbagy, Deputy Head of the New Urban Communities Authority, this effort is part of the government's commitment to ensuring clients feel respected and valued.
Previously, the Housing and Building Research Center allocated 8,521 plots of land and 6,575 housing units during the last lottery held on February 26, 2025. This allocation was part of broader efforts to meet the rising demands for housing across Egypt.
To facilitate the refund process efficiently, the government has partnered with "Fawry Dahab," allowing clients to receive their funds back within ten days. Refunds for those who paid through bank transfers will also begin, starting from March 11, 2025, through the Housing Bank. This dual approach ensures all applicants, regardless of their payment method, have access to their refunds swiftly.
Authorities are optimistic and have publicly expressed their commitment to expedite the return of all earnest money. Dr. El-Shourbagy stated, "The authority is eager to expedite the return of all earnest money to clients to preserve their trust with the authority." This declaration emphasizes the significance of maintaining good relations with the citizens relying on government support for housing.
Looking forward, officials are hopeful for the applicants' success in securing housing during the next lottery. The upcoming initiatives demonstrate the government's responsiveness to public needs and the urgency of addressing housing shortages.
The "Sakan" platform aims to streamline the allocation process and increase transparency for citizens seeking housing opportunities. By integrating technology, the platform is expected to minimize errors and improve overall efficiency, providing users with timely updates and statuses pertaining to their applications.
The system has been successful so far, resulting in increased participation from applicants, who have shown interest and trust to engage with the housing process. With the promises of refunds and new housing opportunities, there is growing anticipation among hopeful applicants.
Through these measures, the Egyptian government not only seeks to alleviate the housing crisis but also aims to instill confidence within the populace. The latest announcements make it clear the government is taking significant steps to improve housing access, reflecting the importance of residential stability for the nation’s citizens.
Egypt's timeline of housing reforms, encompassing the refund of earnest money and allocation of new housing units, showcases the government’s commitment to social welfare and development. With the anticipation of future draws and possible allocations still underway, many applicants are left hopeful for more wins as the authorities work closely to facilitate the housing needs of all citizens.