Survey reveals 7 out of 10 retired Britons abroad likely to stay | Mail Online

An interesting article about retiring abroad, Egypt and Luxor don't get a specific mention but knowing the ex-pats here I know they would all agree. The quality of life in Luxor is much higher than the UK as costs are much lower. Food stuff is about 1/10 of the UK and of course there are no massive heating costs. A very modest pension will keep you living like a pharaoh :) It makes a terrific difference to your day to wake up to sunshine and friendly village life.

Survey reveals 7 out of 10 retired Britons abroad likely to stay | Mail Online: "'Retiring abroad is still very much a popular choice and expats are happy with their chosen life paths.

It's encouraging to see that the majority of expats believe they made the right decision in retiring abroad and are living their chosen dream. It is enlightening that 92 per cent of expats chose not to retire to a designated expat community.

- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Luxor Lodging: Read Reviews and Compare Prices - TripAdvisor

Flats in Luxor hits the number 1 spot on Trip AdvisorLuxor Lodging: Read Reviews and Compare Prices - TripAdvisor: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Flats in Luxor recommended by A Place in the Sun

A great article about buying property in Luxor, Egypt and we are the only owner developers selected to appear in it. What a recommendation from A Place in the Sun, a highly respected UK TV program and magazine which advises people about where to buy overseas property as well the pitfalls and advantages. It was just a few weeks ago that the photographer came and he took a number of excellent photos of our buildings. It was our Goubli building that was selected for the front cover and I am even quoted in the magazine. www.aplaceinthesun.com/magazine/August2010

We have over 20 properties for sale ranging from one bedroom flats and villas to three bedroom flats and four bedroom villas. Buying direct from the property owners saves you so much money as there is no commission payable to agent but obviously you want to be reassured that the seller is reliable. As I said in the article, ask for references, reputable property developers like ourselves can supply these easily.



With year round sunshine, no massive heating bills and food costing 1/10 of the UK prices this is an ideal retirement area. Live like a pharaoh on a very modest pension. Alternatively Egypt is the ideal year round holiday destination, with Easy Jet starting flights in Nov for £121 return. Use it just for yourself or friends and family. Alternatively we will find you holiday rentals under the Flats in Luxor banner. No need to worry about finding clients, we do the advertising, arrange deposits and bookings, meet and greet the guest and finally arrange tours of local sites the Valley of Kings and Karnak temple for them.

All out buildings are located centrally so you won’t get any complaints about being isolated. In fact all our West Bank properties are within site of the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, can’t be better located than that.

Featured Apartments in Luxor - Nubian Villas

Nubian Villas
Over on the West Bank we have developed a small village of traditional one bedroom villas. No roads on the West Bank have names which makes life a bit more fun. However once you have been there once finding your way is no problem and we always offer a complementary pick up to all our guests.



This satellite map shows the location next do to our larger Goubli property. The satellite picture was taken in June 2009 before we finished the properties but at least you can see the foundations.
These villas are for sale, long term rental or holiday rental. There is plenty of availability for Christmas. Please contact us at info@flatsinluxor.co.uk for more details.



Staff on the premises 24/7 and they maintain the communal areas, provide security and will run errands or help with translation. Built in 2009 these are our most recent project and aimed at those guests looking for a more ecologically friendly and green holiday property. Traditional architecture and building methods were used on this development. Each villa consists of a one bedroom studio with a separate kitchen and bathroom.

Goubli from a hot air balloon

A guest just sent me this great photo taken on their hot air balloon trip. You can see both Goubli and the Villas.

Sail the Nile for 160 Euros

Sail the Nile is pleased to offer a sailing cruise on a dahabeya for 160 Euros per person per night.....with no minimum passengers. In order to do this the cruises are on set days with set schedules. Saturday 4 night, Monday 4 nights, Wednesday 3 nights and Friday 3 nights.

Everything is included site visits, tickets, Egyptologists and all meals, please email info@sailthenile.com for more details

IPM/AUC - The Modern Neighbors of Tutankhamun : History, Life, and Work in the Villages of the Theban West Bank

I am so glad to see this being documented, they deserve to be recognised.IPM/AUC - The Modern Neighbors of Tutankhamun : History, Life, and Work in the Villages of the Theban West Bank: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Flats in Luxor - Al Gezera after refurbishment

After 7 years Al Gezera was looking a bit tired and needed a lick of paint. We had also found that having two bathrooms had proved very popular at Goubli. With the master bedroom being so big it was easy to put a shower room in. Mahmoud got the painters to make the outside of the building orange, after it had been cream and green for a long time. Everything looks really fresh and nice now.

So this is the lounge/dinning room and balcony.




Then the two twin bedrooms and the family bathroom.






Then the master bedroom and shower room


Lastly the kitchen

EasyJet to start Gatwick flight to Luxor - www.travelweekly.co.uk

What a combination for a cheap holiday Easyjet and Flats in Luxor. EasyJet to start Gatwick flight to Luxor - www.travelweekly.co.uk: "Services will depart Gatwick twice a week, on Monday and Wednesday, with passengers bound for the Valley of the Kings and Nile cruises.

At present, only charter carriers serve Luxor. Thomson, Thomas Cook and Monarch each fly once a week from Gatwick, while charters also operate from Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol.

EasyJet’s flights will raise capacity sharply.

Its pricing, leading in at £127.81 return including tax, is likely to take business from existing carriers on the route.

- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Featured Apartments in Luxor - Anubis and Seth

These one bedroom apartments are situated in Flats in Luxor East Bank building. This is located in the heart of tourist town. Seen here on the satellite map.



The street which is unnamed is off Khalid Bin Walled street which is the main street housing the Sonesta, Nile Place, St Joseph, Gaddis hotels. This side street is opposite the Isis Pyramisa and MobileNil is on one corner and BNP Paribas on the other.

The side street used to be a cul de sac but recently access was made to Medina street but it is still little frequented so an oasis of calm in the middle of busy Luxor. There are staff on the premises 24/7 and they maintain the communal areas, provide security and will run errands or help with translation.

This was the second apartment block we built and was complete in 2005. It comprises three apartments with three bedrooms and two apartments with one bedroom. The one bedroom apartments are on the ground floor making them ideal for the less mobile.



Luxor has a limited nightlife and for those wishing to enjoy it this location is ideal being within reach of western style restaurants, bars, hotels, discos and other night time attractions. Just across the Nile River you have all the cultural attractions of tombs and temples.

The flat itself consists of one separate bedroom, a shower room and an open plan kitchen and bathroom. This is the layout of Anubis and Seth is a mirror image. Ideal for a single person or a couple, we often have long term rentals in these apartments from people working or studying in the area. There is a roof terrace for the use of all the apartments in the building. Both these apartments are for sale, long term rental or holiday rental. Please contact us at info@flatsinluxor.co.uk for more details.

Excellent apartment and lovely host - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor

Excellent apartment and lovely host - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor: "“Excellent apartment and lovely host”

- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Nice to get a review on TS after a break of 5 weeks and from such a nice family as well

Location, Location, Location

How nice of Google Earth, they have just released up dated satellite pictures of Egypt. So at last you can see where all out buildings are. You might want to select the actual image to see it properly.


When selecting accommodation in Luxor you want to make sure where you are in relationship to central Luxor and the sites. You want to be in the centre of things not miles out like and needing a taxi when you want a loaf of bread, the bank or a visit to the sites. Egyptian Experience is a classic example of a poor location, over 9km from central Luxor.

The more popular hotels are in south Luxor, around the area of our East Bank building and this is where you will find a whole variety of restaurants and shops as well as banks. Central Luxor is situated around the railway station, our Al Gezera building is just across the Nile from there. The ferry goes from Luxor temple to Al Gezera village where our original flats are located. There are lots of Egyptian restaurants here; prices are much reduced from tourist town. All our other West Bank properties are with 1km of there and are within sight of the temple of Hatshepsut.

So here are close ups of all our buildings, first Al Gezera


This was the first building we built 7 years ago consisting of 4 three bedroom two bathroom flats and a penthouse. The pent house is sold and the owner is mostly resident but occasionally rents it. I live on the second floor and my spare bedroom is available for rent. The other 3 flats are available for sale or rent. We refurbished the entire building in June 2010, installing a second bathroom and painting it from top to toe. The flat names are Osirus, Isis, Horus and Ra is the penthouse. There is a swimming pool, pool table, garden and chef will deliver.


Next along the road is the Arabesque House; we bought this building and completely refurbished it. It has 2 two bedroom 1 three bedroom and a penthouse. Just along the road from Goubli residents can use the facilities there e.g. swimming pool, restaurant, Wi-Fi, library, washing machine. This building is decorated in an Arabic/Islamic style. The flat names are Nigma, Amar, Layla and Noor.



Next we have the villas, at the time of the satellite picture they were being built but you can at least see the foundations lol. They have their own special website http://www.nubian-eco-village.com the villa names are Manga, Limon, Tofa and Tine.
Next door is Goubli with 7 three bedroom two bathroom flats 2 have owners but only one is resident so 6 available for rent and 5 available for sale. This building has free Wi-Fi, restaurant, swimming pool, garden, library, washing machine and a resident’s lounge. The flat names are Maat, Mut, Hathor, Bast, Neith, Selket, and Sekhmet.


Lastly the East Bank building, that is in the heart of tourist town and great for those wanting more nightlife. This building consists of 3 three bedroom flats and 2 one bedroom. One flat is sold and the owner is in residence, another Shu, the owner keeps one bedroom locked so it is available as a two bedroom two bathroom. The other flats are Geb, Anubis and Seth.

Al Gezera Refurbishment Completed

If you have been following the photo diary on Facebook you will know that we have been refurbishing Al Gezera the flats we first built 7 years ago. They now have a second bathroom in the big main bedroom, the outside is terracotta and each room has a feature wall with a paint effect that looks like wall paper. The stairs have a paint marble affect. It all looks really smart, ready for the winter season.

It looks like we are going to have a busy winter as our forward bookings are good, Christmas is pretty full but we still have vacancies, especially at the villas.

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.

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.

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"

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.

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

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.

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

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"

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

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"

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 :))

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 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.

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.

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!)

Flats In Luxor (Nile River Valley) Condo - Reviews and Rates - TravelPod

Flats In Luxor (Nile River Valley) Condo - Reviews and Rates - TravelPod

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."