Top Maadi Rental Apartments For Expats in Egypt
Renting an Apartment|5.8 MIN READ|Updated on: 20 September 2025|Written by: Hossam Younes
Top Maadi Apartments For Expats in Egypt
Your 2025 guide to the best Maadi neighborhoods, buildings, amenities, and rental strategies—crafted for embassy staff, multinationals, remote workers, and families.
*Commute varies with traffic and route selection.
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Why Maadi Is the Top Choice for Expats
Maadi—an historic, garden suburb south of central Cairo—combines leafy streets, international schools, embassies, and highly walkable pockets with a diverse housing stock. For expats, the neighborhood’s character, convenient amenities, and mature rental ecosystem make it an easy first choice. You’ll find apartments ranging from stylish, modern one-bedrooms in Degla to classic, high-ceiling residences in Sarayat Maadi, plus mid-range options in Old Maadi near the popular Street 9 retail spine and newer builds across Zahraa El Maadi.
Helpful context: Learn about Maadi’s history, how Cairo Metro connects the district, and general Cairo background from Wikipedia. For visa/residency information, refer to the official Egyptian portal visa2egypt.gov.eg.
Best Neighborhoods for Expat Apartments in Maadi
Sarayat Maadi (El Sarayat)
Sarayat Maadi features tree-lined streets, embassy residences, and low-density buildings. Expect larger floor plans, balconies, and premium details. It’s ideal for diplomats, executives, and families who value space and quiet prestige.
- Pros: Spacious units, quiet streets, proximity to embassies and clubs.
- Consider: Higher rents; limited availability at peak seasons.
Degla
Degla is a walkable grid of mid-rise buildings dotted with cafes, gyms, pet-friendly parks, and boutique grocers—hugely popular with young professionals and families wanting a “village” feel.
- Pros: Excellent walkability; modernized apartments; vibrant food/fitness scene.
- Consider: Street parking can be tight; prime streets rent fast.
Old Maadi & Street 9
Old Maadi around Street 9 delivers convenience: metro access, supermarkets, banks, and everyday services. Buildings range from classic to renovated, with a sweet spot for mid-range budgets.
- Pros: Transit and retail access; broad choice across budgets.
- Consider: Livelier streets; some older buildings without elevators.
Zahraa El Maadi
Across Autostrad, Zahraa offers newer developments and better value per square meter. It’s a strong pick for expats wanting modern layouts and parking while optimizing cost.
- Pros: Newer builds; competitive pricing; parking often included.
- Consider: Longer commutes into Old Maadi; fewer mature tree-lined streets.
Apartment Types & What Expats Usually Choose
Whether you’re a solo professional or relocating with a family, Maadi’s apartment mix covers the spectrum. Below is a quick orientation to typical configurations, finishes, and the expat fit.
| Type | Typical Size | Best For | Common Features | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1BR | 45–85 m² | Solo professionals, short-term projects | Modern finishes, efficient layouts, serviced options | Look in Degla and near Street 9 for convenience. |
| 2BR | 90–140 m² | Couples or small families | Balcony, elevator, upgraded kitchens | Balanced value across Old Maadi and Degla. |
| 3BR | 140–220 m² | Families and diplomats | Multiple bathrooms, storage, sometimes maid’s room | Prime stock in Sarayat Maadi. |
| Penthouse / Duplex | 200–350+ m² | Executives, larger families | Roof terrace, private outdoor areas, premium views | Limited supply; act quickly when available. |
Tip: If you’ll host regular visitors or work from home, prioritize floor plans with a separate study or flexible third bedroom. Ask for noise and internet speed checks at different times of day.
Budgeting for Maadi Rentals
Rental prices shift with building age, location, elevator and generator availability, parking, furnishings, and the landlord’s flexibility. As a rule of thumb: Sarayat and prime Degla command higher rents; Old Maadi balances cost with convenience; Zahraa stretches your space and amenities per EGP.
Cost Drivers to Track
- Building age and recent renovations
- Floor level, elevator access, and balcony size
- Generator/backup power and water pressure
- Furnishing quality (fully furnished vs. semi/empty)
- Parking availability and street congestion
- Proximity to schools, clubs, and Street 9
Monthly Cost Checklist
- Base rent + security deposit
- Utilities (electricity, water, gas)
- Internet and mobile
- Building maintenance / elevator fees (if any)
- Club or gym membership (optional)
Negotiation Pointers
- Ask for minor upgrades (lighting, paint, AC tune-up).
- Offer multi-month payments for better rates.
- Seek renewal options with fixed increases.
Commuting & Connectivity
From Maadi, you can reach central Cairo, New Maadi business areas, and New Cairo via major arteries or the Metro. Many expats choose apartments near stations for consistency.
- Metro: Maadi, Sakanat El Maadi, and Hadayek El Maadi stations on Line 1. See Cairo Metro.
- Roads: Corniche El Nile, Autostrad, and Ring Road connect Maadi with downtown and east Cairo.
- Ride-hailing: Abundant coverage; consider parking constraints before bringing a car into Degla/Old Maadi.
Schools, Embassies & Daily Living
Maadi’s expat infrastructure is a prime draw: international schools, embassy residences, language centers, sports clubs, and a dense cluster of supermarkets, clinics, cafes, and pet services.
What to Look For Near Your Building
- Reliable grocery and pharmacy within 10 minutes
- Quiet street vs. proximity to Street 9 bustle
- Rubbish collection and building caretaker responsiveness
- Noise at night (cafes, weddings, deliveries)
Documentation & Residency
For visa/residency info, check the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg. Your employer or embassy typically provides guidance on permits and contract clauses relevant to housing.
Shortlist: Top Picks by Renter Profile
Solo Professional
- Degla 1BR near gyms and co-working
- Old Maadi near Street 9 for metro access
- Serviced studios for flexible stays
Couple
- Degla 2BR with balcony and elevator
- Old Maadi renovated 2BR, quiet side street
Family
- Sarayat 3BR with storage and parking
- Degla 3BR near schools and parks
Value Seeker
- Zahraa El Maadi newer 2–3BR with parking
- Old Maadi mid-rise with elevator
How to Choose the Right Apartment (Step-by-Step)
- Define your non-negotiables: commute, school proximity, pet policy, balcony, elevator.
- Set a realistic budget including utilities and internet.
- Pick target blocks in Sarayat, Degla, or Old Maadi near needed services.
- Inspect at different times of day for noise, traffic, and lighting.
- Test water pressure, AC performance, and internet speed.
- Clarify contract length, deposit, renewal terms, and minor upgrade requests.
- Secure a move-in checklist and photo condition report.
Explore live listings and tailored shortlists here: View Apartments in Maadi
Popular Searches & Internal Resources
Use these pages to dive deeper and find exactly what you need:
People Also Ask — FAQ
Is Maadi safe for expats?
Yes—Maadi is widely considered one of Cairo’s safest and most expat-friendly areas, with active community groups and embassy presence. As always, use standard urban safety common sense.
Do most apartments come furnished?
Many do, especially in Degla and Old Maadi. In Sarayat, you’ll find both furnished and unfurnished options. Ask for an inventory list and photograph everything at handover.
Can I pay rent in foreign currency?
Some landlords prefer EGP, others accept foreign currency. Clarify currency, payment schedule, and any conversion clauses before signing.
What’s a fair notice period?
One to two months is common. For shorter stays, consider serviced apartments or flexible corporate leases.
Are pets allowed?
Policies vary by building and landlord. Pet-friendly options are common in Degla; request written approval in your contract.
Internal Resources for Orientation
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*This article is intended as general guidance for expats and long-stay visitors evaluating Maadi’s rental market. For live availability and tailored options, visit /rent or speak with our team.
