The Green Contract in Egypt

The Green Contract is a legally documented sales agreement registered with the Real Estate Registration Authority, featuring a unique notarization number and date. It can be retrieved from the relevant registration office where it was issued. The Green Contract serves as definitive proof of ownership of a property, making it indisputable. It is a critical document retained by the property seller and has distinct characteristics that verify its authenticity, such as the notarization number, date, and its green color.

What is the Green Contract?

Many people confuse the Green Contract, notarized by the Real Estate Registration Authority, with other types of contracts, such as preliminary or final sales contracts written on green-colored paper. This highlights the need to distinguish the Green Contract from other sales agreements and identify its unique features.

Issuing the Green Contract

The Green Contract is a specific document with a standardized format approved by the Real Estate Registration Authority, which is the sole issuer. It contains a notarization number and date, and it is valid only after being stamped with the authority’s unique lotus flower seal. Without these features, the contract holds no legal value.

Obtaining Multiple Copies of the Green Contract

The property owner can request multiple copies of the Green Contract from the Real Estate Registration Authority, provided they own the property mentioned in the contract, whether it is an apartment, car, or other asset. It represents the highest level of property ownership documentation, and no disputes can be made regarding the ownership of a unit with a registered Green Contract that includes a notarization number, date, and the lotus flower seal. It is a legally binding and definitive proof of ownership.

Advantages of Buying or Selling a Property with a Green Contract

When purchasing a property, it is essential to review all its legal documentation, including ownership contracts, utility receipts, and data consistency across these documents. Below are the key benefits of owning a property with a Green Contract:

1. Legal Assurance
   The Green Contract is the highest form of ownership documentation for properties.

2. Protection Against Disputes
   Ownership cannot be contested when the property is secured with a Green Contract.

3. Increased Property Value
   Properties with Green Contracts typically have higher market value and are easier to sell at premium prices.

4. Simplified Utility Adjustments
   Owners can make changes to utilities without needing further permissions.

5. Eligibility for Mortgage Financing
   Mortgage financing requires a Green Contract, making it a prerequisite for such transactions.

How to Obtain the Green Contract for Your Property

After implementing the law for regularizing violations on properties and preventing unauthorized construction, many property owners have moved to finalize settlement processes and comply with the ministerial decree requiring property registration with the Real Estate Registration Authority. Below are the required steps and documents:

1. Registering the Voluntary Sales Agreement
   This includes the seller’s notarized ownership deed and an official tax assessment report.

2. Filing a Validity and Enforceability Lawsuit
   The application must include certified copies or a justification for inability to provide them.

3. Registering a Court Judgment
   The lawsuit documents, judgment, and final decision must be submitted with prior documents.

4. Inheritance Declaration (if applicable)
   This involves providing the legal inheritance documentation and previously stated ownership documents.

5. Application for Registration
   Submit all required documents and follow up on the process until registration is complete.

Key Features of the Green Contract

The Green Contract outlines all details of the agreement, including the property’s address, boundaries, size, and price at the time of purchase. Its unique features include its green color, notarization number, date, and the distinctive lotus flower seal.

Registering Your Property with the Real Estate Authority

Property registration has become mandatory due to government efforts to regulate property ownership, issue necessary licenses, and ensure compliance with approved engineering standards.

Requirements for Property Registration

1. The land on which the property is built must be fully registered.
2. The property must have no violations.
3. All required documents and fees must be submitted and paid.

By following these steps, you can secure a legally binding Green Contract, ensuring your property rights are fully protected.