Monday, June 28, 2010

Buying Property in Luxor

When buying property, flats, apartments and villas, in Egypt it is important to buy from an owner with a proven track record who you have some kind of hold over. This gives you power in the business relationship and makes sure your investment is protected. With a strange legal system, in a language you cannot read or understand, you need this added protection. We are that owner. I have a public traceable record going back over 30 years, do have a look at my LinkedIn profile with recommendations for my business career going back to the 80’s, search on my name it is unique, well known and traceable, look at our business recommendations on Trip Advisor, Lonely Planet, Rough Guide and Responsible Travel, and finally read the articles about us in the Boston Globe, Sunday Times and Daily Telegraph. Our business Flats in Luxor Group is registered and licensed in Egypt. We are owners you can trust, with a proven business record and an established business which we want to protect. You can buy with confidence from Jane Akshar and Mahmoud Jahlan

PS applies to long term rentals as well

Price List
Currently I have 20 flats and 6 villas for sale so plenty of options. Prices range from $50,000 USD with the three bedroom places starting at $150,000 USD. The Desert and Ezba villas would be projects with the owner deciding on design and finish so aren’t priced.

• East Bank
o One bedroom ground floor
o Three bedroom 2 bathroom first floor
• West Bank
o Arabesque house (access to Goubli facilities)
 Two bedroom ground floor
 Three bedroom first floor
 One bedroom penthouse
o Goubli (with swimming pool and restaurant)
 Three bedroom 2 bathroom (g, 1, 2, 3 floors)
 One bedroom penthouse (planned)
o Al Gezera (with swimming pool)
 Three bedroom 2 bathroom (1, 2, 3 floor)
• Villas
o One bedroom domed villas (access to Goubli facilities)
o Ezba villa partially complete
o Desert Villa partially complete

If there isn’t something in that little lot that takes your fancy I will be surprised. All these properties have proper papers and we would arrange transfer. We would be prepared to manage any property sold for 15% of gross rentals. I would love to take you round and let you have a look.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Floor plans of Flats in Luxor buildings

I have just had great fun using this web tool that draws floor plans. Check out the pictures, the are not perfect or to scale and the furniture is nothing like that but they give the general layout.


This is the original flats in Luxor at Al Gezera, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Al Gezera has 4 flats like this and all are for rent or sale.


this is Goubli a block of 7 three bedroom two bathroom flats, 5 are for sale and 6 are for rent.


The East Bank flats are 5 flats, 3 three bedroom two bathroom. There are also two one bedroom flats on the ground floor. One three bedroom is for sale and both one bedroom flats. You can also rent these flats as well as a two bedroom. The middle bedroom is locked off with the owners personal stuff in it.

Lastly the Arabesque below is the layout for the three bedroom and above the layout for the two bedroom. In this block there are 1 three bedroom, 2 two bedroom and a penthouse. All are for rent and 3 of the 4 are for sale.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Why Should You Invest In An Overseas Property In Egypt? » PYXISM World Travel

Why Should You Invest In An Overseas Property In Egypt? » PYXISM World Travel: "The all year-round sunshine and also the current accessibility to low-cost flights had resulted in a major development boom within the region.

Traditionally, a location for culturally hungry tourists along with a standing location for winter season sun-seeking European holidaymakers, Luxor has become stirring the pursuits of Egyptian real estate purchasers. Even though a large-scale property development is fairly new at all to Luxor, the possibility for early investors is big. Luxor straddles the historical Nile River and is located in Egypt’s historical heartland.

Each year, thousands and thousands of tourist visit Luxor and where ever there are vacationers, there’s a need for quality rental property.

- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Friday, June 25, 2010

Flats in Luxor photographs


We were lucky enough to have a professional photographer, Bruce Hemming, come to Flats in Luxor to take photos for a magazine article. He them sent me a PDF and asked me to chose one, how on earth do you chose out of this stunning array of property photographs. He was doing a feature on property for sale in Luxor, we were talking and felt that investors were being more realistic and not looking for a quick buck but a holiday home or retirement property that they would have for years. Property bought and sold on that basis makes everyone happy.

We have four buildings with flats, villas in the Nubian Eco Village and the Upside Down Villa, which is a luxury villa. All these are for sale, prices range from $50,000 to $150,000 USD and all papers are in order.

• East Bank
o One bedroom ground floor
o Three bedroom 2 bathroom first floor
• West Bank
o Arabesque house (access to Goubli facilities)
 Two bedroom ground floor
 Three bedroom first floor
 One bedroom penthouse
o Goubli (with swimming pool and restaurant)
 Three bedroom 2 bathroom (g, 1, 2, 3 floors)
 One bedroom penthouse (planned)

o Al Gezera (with swimming pool)
 Three bedroom 2 bathroom (1, 2, 3 floor)
• Villas
o One bedroom domed villas (access to Goubli facilities)
o Ezba villa partially complete
o Desert Upside Down Villa partially complete

If there isn’t something in that little lot that takes your fancy I will be surprised. All these properties have proper papers and we would arrange transfer.


Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Flats in Luxor - Al Gezera Refurbishment


Al Gezera was the first block of flats we built in Luxor. We completed it in autumn 2003. We built 4 flats with three double bedrooms. Since then we built Goubli and that had three bedrooms and two bathrooms and that proved a much more popular layout. The biggest bedroom had enough room for a shower room so we decided to put that in and give the whole building a lick of paint. May/June is a very quiet time of year so ideal for this. I have been keeping a diary of the work on facebook, it is nearly finished so will be ready for summer guests.
Flats in Luxor - Al Gezera Refurbishment

Monday, June 07, 2010

Villas in Luxor - Nubian Eco Village & Upside down Villa

The Nubian Eco Village with its one bedroom villas are not our only villas, we are also building an upside down villa out by Malkata. It is a delightful location, very cool. Mahmoud reckons the Pharaohs knew what they were doing building out there. It seems to pick up every breath of wind. This was my idea for once but Mahmoud was very taken with it. Put the bedrooms on the ground floor, the coolest part of the building and have the lounge upstairs to get the views. This is going to be a deluxe building, 4 bedrooms all ensuite, pool and a huge lounge. Although we will rent it initially, the idea is to sell it. A great family house in a great location.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Egypt Properties-Buying Egypt Property for Sale is a Notion to Consider | Egypt Property

Egypt Properties-Buying Egypt Property for Sale is a Notion to Consider | Egypt Property: "Trading with reputed developers is of increased pertinence and judging the track record of the developer, before getting into any legal contracts, is also of considerable relevance."

Couldn't agree more and Flats in Luxor are happy to provide references

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

A Nubian "Green" Holiday Village in Luxor, Egypt

A Nubian "Green" Holiday Village in Luxor, Egypt: "A Nubian 'Green' Holiday Village in Luxor, Egypt

History, culture and nature. The beauty of Egypt -ancient and modern- is famous internationally. Now, visitors from all over the world can enjoy all these and even more in a new complex of ecologically friendly villas in Luxor.

(PRWEB) May 26, 2010 -- Villas in Luxor from Flats in Luxor, the perfect holiday escape experts.

Its creators aimed at constructing a Nubian village in the 21st century, respecting the local architecture and the natural environment.

Thus, the one bedroom villas are set amidst newly planted fruit trees and a thriving vegetable plot which supplies the complex's restaurant, and they were built by craftsman from Edfu with traditional domes and arches.

The accommodation consists of a large main room or studio with a double bed and dining area followed by a wet room with shower, toilet and wash hand basin and a small kitchen. Outside a shady veranda overlooks the Theban Hills. Stairs lead to the roof, perfect for bird watching and star gazing, just one mile away from the Nile!

Residents of the village have access to a swimming pool, children's pool, library, free Internet and restaurant.

As Jane Akshar, co-owner of the complex says 'Looking for that hassle free holiday, want to help the local economy, need a more adult environment then our villas could be perfect for you. A hotel room with a kitchen set in lush grounds, admist the local Egyptian village. Within view of historical sites like the temple of Hatshepsut. This is what Egypt is all about!'

A member of the Flats in Luxor Group

The new villas belong to the Flats in Luxor group, founded in 2003 by Jane Akshar and Mahmoud Jahlan. Since then, they have accommodated thousands of visitors, many of whom return to enjoy the Egyptian hospitality.

Today, 7 years after their creation Flats in Luxor Group, which is registered in Egypt, have 4 apartment blocks with 21 flats, the Nubian Eco Village and the Upside Down Villa. They featured in the Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph and Boston Globe and have entries in the Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, Responsible Travel, Tour Egypt, Trip Advisor and Virtual Tourist. The first business in Luxor to be officially recognised as 'green', the group uses local products and staff, low energy bulbs and green energy.

For more information please contact Jane Akshar. T. +20 103 564540 or visit the website: http://www.nubian-eco-village.com

- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Villas in Luxor from Flats in Luxor

The new website is up Nubian Eco Village, catch the Budding Egyptologist Guide I am quite proud of that

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Amar at Arabesque House - Luxor Villas - TripAdvisor

June bought the top flat at the Arabesque House from us and we are managing rentals until she can retire and move out here. If you have stayed there please do give her flat a review on Trip Advisor. She has her own listing there Amar at Arabesque House - Luxor Villas - TripAdvisor: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Monday, May 17, 2010

Egyptian Toilets

Warning this post is graphic lol
Travellers to Egypt find one aspect of using a toilet here confusing. The restriction on toilet paper being flushed down the toilet. Users are asked to put used toilet paper in a bin next to the toilet and to Western minds this is not pleasant. But Egyptians do not expect you to put dirty paper there, so how does this work?

Toilets in Egypt either have an outlet in the bowl of the toilet that shoots a jet of water right up your bum or a hose where you can direct the jet where you want. So the idea is that you wash yourself and only use toilet paper for drying yourself. I bet it all makes sense now. Actually if you think about it, it is more hygienic to use water to wash, definitely refreshing in hot weather and keeps your hands cleaner.

PS I am talking about toilets in tourist establishments, outside of those you take your life in your hands :))

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Amar at the Arabesque House

Amar at Arabesque House - Luxor Villas - TripAdvisor: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

June who owns this flat has put up her own listing on Trip Advisor, so please put your review here if you stay in this flat

Sunday, May 09, 2010

Sunday Times recommends Flats in Luxor for property sales

If you read the recent article in the Sunday Times http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/overseas/article7118440.ece you will know that we are recommended for people wanting to buy property in Luxor. We are neither an agent nor a huge multinational, we are local property developers and own the land and buildings personally. Our property is not miles out of town but right in the centre of things, in view of the monuments.
Currently we have for sale one, two and three bedroom properties, villas and flats, on both East and West Bank, some with swimming pools and comprehensive communal facilities. Prices range from $60,000 - $150,000 USD with no agents fees as you are buying direct from us and these are properties come with all their papers.

Monday, May 03, 2010

Al Gezera - Flats in Luxor

Back in 2003 we built the first flats in Luxor in Al Gezera village. I live in one and the other three were available for tourist rental. These were 3 bedroom and one bathroom and later we built the one bedroom penthouse flat for Michael on the roof. That is how it has been for 7 years so it was time for a lick of paint. With Goubli and its electricity problems we also had a shortage of flats with swimming pool, 2 bathrooms AND air conditioning so we decided to put another bathroom in every flat. So Al Gezera building is having a total face lift. They should be finished in a week - 10 days but this is a good time to do them as this time of year is very quiet.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Where the Egyptologists stay - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor

Lots of lovely reviews of Flats in Luxor on Trip AdvisorWhere the Egyptologists stay - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor

This is my favourite

I am an Egyptology ph.d. student and I stayed with Jane and Mahmoud for 6 months in 2008-2009 in one of their eastbank flats while I did research for my dissertation. I can not recommend them enough. Jane greeted me at the airport and I knew I had found the right people with which to stay. Their apartments are clean and comfortable but more important for me was the insight into the city which Jane could impart. I know of a number of Egyptologists who have stayed with Jane including full work teams when the season is on. I know I will certainly go back and stay with Jane for anymore work (and leisure let's face it) which I have to do. It's the whole experience of staying in one of the flats that makes me feel I have truly found a home away from home. So if you are contemplating visiting for a short time, then certainly go here, but also keep Flats in Luxor in mind for longer visits as well. (N.B. Their Quiet Tour, where you go to 3 different sites that are historically and artistically important but rarely visited by tourists, is a wonderful idea!)

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Egypt welcomes stranded tourists - World Blog - msnbc.com

It is not just Flats in Luxor that is extending help to stranded tourists as per my last post but all of Egypt. That is the sort of country it is, we look after our tourists, they are precious to us.Egypt welcomes stranded tourists - World Blog - msnbc.com: "But in Egypt’s airports, you won’t find hapless visitors trying to catch some sleep on makeshift bedrolls, or slumped in plastic chairs. Tour guides are under strict orders not to drop anyone off at the airport until they have confirmed their flights."

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Flight delays and cancelations due to volcano

Flats in Luxor wishes to reassure all its guests that no one will be thrown on the streets if their flight is delayed or canceled.

Thursday, April 01, 2010

BBC News - Cheap holidays 'prompted rise in skin cancer rates'

I often get enquires from people asking what is the best clothing to wear in Luxor or in Egypt generally. They are generally asking from the point of view of being respectful in a Muslim country. I tell them down to elbows and knees and up to neck. However I never understand why people don't cover up from a health point of view, especially children. Australains realise the dangers and their children have long sleeved swimsuits with sun protection.

BBC News - Cheap holidays 'prompted rise in skin cancer rates'

Thursday, March 18, 2010

The Villas



These are our one bedroom villas, perfect for couples. Like a big hotel room with a kitchen. There is a outside verenda that gives lovely views. $75 USD a night


Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Blog of the week: Advice for women traveling in Egypt | Bikya Masr

Blog of the week: Advice for women traveling in Egypt | Bikya MasrSome great advice for women traveling in Egypt

I would add that loose, floaty, natural fibres, down to elbows and kness; up to neck are not only modest but protect you from heat stroke and skin cancer.

Monday, March 01, 2010

View Guaranteed at Al Gezera


At our Al Gezera flats on the West Bank, Luxor we have a lovely view over farmland to the Theban Hills. This land does not belong to us so although it is agricultural land you are always a little nervous. However now we have some great news he is planting bananas 1) this means I shall never have to buy a banana again 2) my cats are going to be wild with delight about hunting possiblities and 3) being as the minimum contract when you are growing these is 10 years we know our view is safe.

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Flats in Luxor - Admin

I have had a hard disk crash and although I take a daily backup I did not find out until I tried to restore that this does not include my emails. For any clients that have booked the only thing I will have lost is what tours or special requirements you wanted. Dinner on arrival, a tour of the West Bank etc that sort of thing. Your actual booking, numbers in your party and arrival details are held on an external database so no need to worry. I have sent an email out to all outstanding bookings asking you to resend our correspondence.

I am on a borrowed computer and accessing and answering all emails on the web so please excuse spelling mistakes lol.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

One of the new villas

What is your opinion of Egypt as a tourist destination?

I am a member of LinkedIn which is a professional networking site. Most of my contacts are people from my past life as an IT consultant. Some are guests who have stayed here. I asked them for their opinions of Egypt as a tourist destination. It was very interesting to get the feedback. Interestingly the only ones concerned about safety were those that have never been here. Coming from Ealing, West London to my wonderful Luxor I have never felt so safe in all my life. Anyway these are people’s reactions.

“Egypt is magical, wonderful and amazing. Luxor Aswan and Abu Simbel will never bore you. Jane has a lovely setting with very, very nice apartments. My family and I enjoyed every minute there, especially with the nice breeze from the Nile. We took early day trips to the sites, and enjoyed calm evenings. In the afternoons we would shop; amazing artist there. The S3aedi (people of Upper Egypt) are so accommodating and we felt safe the entire time. Don’t expect New York City but do expect to experience a beautiful part of the most interesting history of the World”
“My perception of Egypt as a holiday destination? OK if you have friends there who you can rely on to show you the ropes (as I had).”
“As a holiday destination Egypt is definitely an excellent choice for value and friendliness.

Nothing is too much trouble for the Egyptian’s hospitable friendly and relaxing time is what you will get when you go to Egypt as well as lots of sunshine all year round.

Out of the whole of Egypt my most favourite place is definitely Luxor, this is what i studied in school the magic of the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens it was out of this world and as ever magical as I had thought it would be.

For me, a major concern about visiting Egypt would be hygiene and sanitation, so adding comments about the style and standard of toilet/bathing facilities in the apartments (better than a French hole-in-the-floor, I'd hope) and cleanliness might help allay fears for the first-time visitor to the Middle East.”

I like that one, yes we do have western style toilets in all tourist establishments

“Always sunny, rain free and interesting food. I was only thinking about doing something in Egypt this past weekend for the Christmas period or New Year.”

“I've been to Hurghada on the red sea & thought it was fabulous.

For me (even before I went) Egypt wa/is mysterious with lots to offer. There were 3 or 4 times on our private beach that we were the only ones there. The sea was crystal clear, the hotels spotless and the one excursion to the tombs was well planned & a great day out. I think it also offers value for money, hot weather, something different, not too far away which all adds up to something quite memorable.”

“Sun, desert and history!! Could do with some of that at the moment! Sounds like you have a lot of interesting activity on the go, from your FB posts.

You might want to pick up on concepts like peaceful, security, tranquillity etc if you're aiming at the affluent rather than hard-core adventurous.”

Actually Egypt has both, it depends on where you go felucca sailing boats and desert safaris for the adventurous and all the tourist destinations like Luxor for those wanting more less adventure

“I personally think Egypt has a great deal of mystery surrounding it (in a good way) and is an aspirational destination for many around the world. I know I myself have always wanted to take my family there. I think there are some hurdles of course and they are no to dissimilar from other international destinations. Air schedules into the country, access to information about how to get around and more importantly if you want an "Authentic" experience how to find a trustworthy accommodation source outside of franchise hotels.

There are a few outliers that in my opinion could certainly be show-stoppers for consumers going to that part of the world. The deluge of reports of violence in the area regardless if it’s in Egypt in the surrounding area. I know there is growing popularity of guided tours to the area which is one way to provide a better sense of security for travellers. I am not quite sure how to message the fact the Egypt itself is not a hotbed of trouble and that there is ample opportunity for a fulfilling, memorable holiday. I believe it may reside in getting significant feedback and testimonials from others that have taken a holiday there in the past and allowing potential holiday makers read those to get a better sense of real life experiences.”

Exactly!!, if you have been here you KNOW it is safe.

“I must need to confess to you that I never been outside India and hence I don’t have any idea about Egypt as a holiday destination. But I have lot of friends who been to Egypt and they say it been a great experience. Egypt is truly a great place to visit with and pyramids are your gateway to tourists. I would love to visit /Egypt one day but not sure cos financial limitations. I am also looking for a mortgage here and I am striving hard to get a loan to pay for it. I wish you all the best and luck in your venture.”

“I visit Sharm El Sheikh regularly and have an apartment there myself. Impression is, consistent warmth and sunshine, great if you love diving - it’s superb, good standard of accommodation, plenty of bars and restaurants at reasonable prices, friendly people, easy to get to.”

“Cheap, (not euro based) good all inclusive hols, sunny, downside potential terrorist attacks higher than normal.”

Now this is one from someone in the UK who has not been here. Actually the UK has had many more terrorist attacks that Egypt has.

“I might be a little biased since I've been fascinated with ancient Egyptian history as long as I can remember!

I perceive Egypt as an incredible opportunity to visit ancient historical sites. It has the air of a "trip of a lifetime" - most people react with interest if the topic comes up. Luxor was particularly wonderful in that it has a more calm and relaxed atmosphere, but has plenty to see.

I felt reasonably safe (but then again we've lived for a bit in Iraq and Sri Lanka), but feel it is important to have reliable & knowledgeable guide(s) - such as you and your network - to take you around.”

“I'd love to visit Egypt but am fearful of going there as a destination being a young (ok I lie!) lone female... Escorted holidays are I think my only option. However, after I have been once, am sure I'd be in touch to rent out one of your apartments!”

Another one that actually needs to visit, I have loads of single ladies coming here; they have a great time and never feel worried.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Some more Luxor photos

These wonderful photos of local life in Luxor were taken by a guest staying at our Arabesque House. This is the Egyptian experience we at Flats in Luxor try to give our guests, local life happening in front of your eyes.





And lastly a beautiful picture of a sailing boat, felucca, on the Nile

Flats in Luxor New Year Party

My own photos were pathetic of the Flats in Luxor New Year Eve party but I just received these wonderful photos from a guest. In fact she took such good ones I have asked her if I can use them all. See what you think.






She also took some great photos of some of the staff

Nasser the doorman at the Arabesque House with Greg

Mohammed Garden, mainly responsible for gardens but turns his hand to anything

Ahmed our mini bus driver

Little Ahmed general dogsbody and cheeky boy

Gamal our chef, best food on the West Bank with Mahmoud who helped out as a waiter that night

And the best photo of all, the boss, Mahmoud Jahlan with Judith