Minister of Housing Announces Procedures for Transferring Ownership of Housing Units on Small Residential Plots in New Cities

Engineer Sherif El-Sherbiny, Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, has outlined the procedures for handling ownership transfers of housing units built on small residential plots allocated to individuals in new cities through specific-purpose powers of attorney.

Procedures for Ownership Transfer

1. Transfer Based on Percentage of Shared Land:
   • If a citizen applies to transfer ownership of a unit through a specific-purpose power of attorney that specifies a percentage of the shared plot, the process is handled by the local real estate subcommittee. Ownership transfer is completed for the unit’s proportional share of the land.
2. Transfer Based on Specific Land Area:
   • If the power of attorney specifies a fixed land area as the unit’s share, the same procedure applies, ensuring accurate documentation and execution.
3. Unspecified Share of Land:
   • When no specific percentage or land area is mentioned, the city authority must:
     • Determine the number of units on the plot.
     • Allocate proportional land shares for each unit based on construction permits.
     • Coordinate with all authorized parties to finalize the transfer, as per clause (1) of Circular No. 26 from the General Research Department at the Ministry of Justice.

Cases Where Transfer Is Denied

Dr. Hassan El-Shourbagy, Deputy Head of the New Urban Communities Authority for Real Estate and Commercial Affairs, emphasized that transfers cannot proceed if:

• The power of attorney does not specify the unit’s land share, or
• Coordination among authorized parties is lacking.
  Such cases require adherence to the committee’s ruling, which prohibits transfers that do not comply with the real estate regulations.

Conditions for Approval

For a transfer to be approved:

• Financial, legal, and property status must be in order.
• All financial dues must be settled by the application date.
• The unit must be free of violations or disputes.

The Ministry of Housing ensures these guidelines enhance transparency and maintain compliance with legal and financial regulations while addressing citizen needs in new urban developments.