The Egyptian government has announced a six-month extension for settling building violations and legalizing the status of unauthorized constructions. The decision, formalized under decree number 3528 of 2024, extends the previous deadline, which was set to expire on November 4, 2024. The new deadline allows individuals to submit settlement applications to the relevant administrative authorities until April 2025.
Building Violation Settlement Fees
The executive regulations for the Building Violations Settlement Law have outlined the fees for settlements, based on the area of the property, as follows:
- For areas up to 250 square meters:
- In cities: EGP 500 per square meter
- In villages and their surrounding areas: EGP 125 per square meter
- areas exceeding 250 square meters but not exceeding 500 square meters:
- In cities: EGP 1,000 per square meter
- In villages and their surrounding areas: EGP 250 per square meter
- For areas exceeding 500 square meters but not exceeding 1,000 square meters:
- In cities: EGP 2,000 per square meter
- In villages and their surrounding areas: EGP 1,000 per square meter
- For areas exceeding 1,000 square meters but not exceeding 2,000 square meters:
- In cities: EGP 3,000 per square meter
- In villages and their surrounding areas: EGP 2,000 per square meter
- For areas exceeding 2,000 square meters but not exceeding 4,000 square meters:
- In cities: EGP 4,000 per square meter
- In villages and their surrounding areas: EGP 3,500 per square meter
- For areas over 4,000 square meters:
- In cities and villages: EGP 5,000 per square meter
Determining Settlement Fees
The settlement fee for building violations is determined based on the price per square meter established by the relevant authority for the location of the property and the total area of the violation. The law specifies various percentages to be considered based on the type of violation, including:
- For violations involving encroachments on approved zoning lines, a settlement fee of 150% of the price per square meter applies.
- For violations involving buildings or structures with distinctive architectural styles, a settlement fee of 150% is also applicable, as stipulated in Law No. 144 of 2006 concerning the demolition of non-collapsing buildings and the preservation of architectural heritage.
- For properties within areas designated as having exceptional value, a fee of 150% of the price per square meter is applicable, as determined by decisions from the Supreme Council for Planning and Urban Development under Law No. 119 of 2008.
- For violations exceeding height restrictions as per civil aviation regulations or national defense requirements, the fee is also set at 150%.
This extension is expected to provide additional opportunities for property owners to regularize their constructions and avoid potential penalties, reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving building regulations and urban planning in Egypt.