Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Egypt Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Cairo's property market is included in our pack
This guide covers everything about running an Airbnb in Cairo in 2026, from legal requirements to realistic profit expectations.
We break down actual nightly prices, occupancy rates, and monthly revenues based on current Cairo market data.
We update this article regularly to reflect the latest regulations and market conditions.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Cairo.
Insights
- Cairo Airbnb hosts can expect a median nightly rate of $55 (EGP 2,600), but listings in Zamalek or Garden City regularly achieve $90 to $140 per night.
- The Grand Egyptian Museum opening in late 2025 is driving sustained tourism demand into Cairo through early 2026, creating a booking tailwind near Giza.
- Egypt's new Holiday Home licensing requires hosts to register units in "touristic or distinguished residential areas," favoring Maadi, Heliopolis, and New Cairo.
- Top Cairo hosts achieve 60% to 70% occupancy, while average listings sit at 45% to 50%, a gap driven by cleanliness, fast responses, and accurate photos.
- Monthly operating expenses for a self-managed Cairo Airbnb run between EGP 12,000 and EGP 25,000 ($250 to $525), with cleaning and utilities being the biggest costs.
- The most crowded price segment is $35 to $60 per night for studios and one-bedrooms in Downtown and Nasr City.
- Egypt recorded 19 million tourists in 2025, a national record, and this momentum is spilling into Cairo's short-term rental demand in early 2026.
- New Cairo and Fifth Settlement have seen rapid Airbnb supply growth from new compounds, but business traveler demand helps absorb inventory.
- Cairo's high interest rate environment means cash buyers have a significant profitability edge over leveraged investors.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Cairo in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Cairo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting through Airbnb is allowed in Cairo, but you must comply with Egypt's Holiday Home licensing framework to operate legally.
The main legal framework is Ministerial Decree No. 209/2025 from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, creating a formal licensing pathway for apartments and villas.
The key condition is that your property must be in a touristic area or distinguished residential community, meaning not every Cairo neighborhood qualifies.
Hosts must complete an online notification, obtain a tourism suitability certificate, and pay licensing fees.
While penalties for unlicensed operation aren't widely publicized yet, operating outside the framework risks fines and listing closure as enforcement develops.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Egypt.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Egypt.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Cairo as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there is no minimum-stay requirement or maximum nights-per-year cap for Airbnb listings in Cairo under the Holiday Home framework.
These rules don't differ by property type or host residency status, and hosts aren't required to track or report rental nights to any government platform.
Many Cairo hosts set their own 2 to 3 night minimums during peak periods to reduce turnover costs, but this is a business decision rather than a legal requirement.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Cairo right now?
There is no residency requirement for operating an Airbnb in Cairo, meaning you don't need to live in the property or in Egypt to list it.
Owners of secondary homes and investment properties can legally operate short-term rentals, as the Holiday Home framework licenses the unit rather than requiring it to be your primary residence.
No additional permits are required for non-primary residence rentals beyond standard licensing, though verify your building or compound allows short-term rentals under their bylaws.
The main practical difference is operational: remote owners typically need a property manager or reliable local contact for check-ins and maintenance.
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Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Cairo right now?
Yes, you can operate multiple Airbnb listings under one name in Cairo, as the Holiday Home framework licenses individual units rather than limiting hosts to a single property.
There is no stated maximum number of properties one person or entity can list for short-term rental in Cairo.
Hosts with multiple listings should complete licensing separately for each unit and may face more scrutiny on operational standards as they scale.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Cairo as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, you should plan on obtaining a Holiday Home license through Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to operate a compliant Airbnb in Cairo.
The process involves submitting an online notification, obtaining a tourism suitability certificate, and paying required fees.
You'll need documentation proving ownership or legal right to rent, plus evidence your unit meets safety and quality standards.
As for business registration, individual owners may stay within personal income tax territory, but operating multiple units or hotel-like services requires more formal structuring since rental income is taxable regardless.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Cairo as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are no mapped municipal "no-go zones" banning Airbnb in Cairo, but properties must be in touristic areas or distinguished residential communities to qualify for licensing.
Neighborhoods that typically qualify include Zamalek, Garden City, parts of Downtown, Maadi, Heliopolis, and New Cairo's Fifth Settlement and Katameya compounds.
Properties in more modest or industrial neighborhoods may face licensing challenges because they don't meet the ministry's suitability criteria.
Beyond government rules, many gated communities and buildings have internal bylaws restricting short-term rentals, so always check with your building management.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Egypt compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Cairo in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Cairo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the median nightly price for an Airbnb in Cairo is around $55 (EGP 2,600 or €53), while the average is $70 (EGP 3,300 or €67) due to premium villas and luxury apartments pulling the number up.
The typical price range covering 80% of Cairo listings falls between $35 and $110 (EGP 1,650 to EGP 5,200, or €33 to €105).
The biggest factor affecting nightly pricing in Cairo is location, specifically whether your property is in a premium area like Zamalek versus a price-sensitive neighborhood like Nasr City.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Cairo.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Cairo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, nightly prices vary dramatically: Zamalek commands $90 to $140 (EGP 4,250 to EGP 6,600, or €86 to €134) while Nasr City averages $35 to $65 (EGP 1,650 to EGP 3,100, or €33 to €62).
The three highest-priced Cairo neighborhoods are Zamalek at $90 to $140, Garden City at $85 to $130 (EGP 4,000 to EGP 6,150), and Katameya compounds at $60 to $110 (EGP 2,850 to EGP 5,200).
The lowest-priced neighborhoods are Nasr City at $35 to $65, outer Downtown at $40 to $70 (EGP 1,900 to EGP 3,300), and parts of Heliopolis at $45 to $80 (EGP 2,150 to EGP 3,800), though guests still choose these areas for value and airport access.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Cairo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Cairo is around 50%, with the median closer to 45%.
The realistic range covering most listings falls between 35% and 65%, with well-run properties in Zamalek and New Cairo hitting 60% to 70%.
Cairo's occupancy benefits from Egypt's record 19 million tourist arrivals in 2025 and strong cultural tourism momentum.
The biggest factor for above-average occupancy is consistent operational quality: fast responses, spotless cleanliness, and listings that match their photos.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Cairo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, average monthly revenue for a Cairo Airbnb is approximately $1,050 (EGP 50,000 or €1,000), while the median is $740 (EGP 35,000 or €710).
The realistic range covering 80% of listings falls between $500 and $1,500 (EGP 24,000 to EGP 71,000, or €480 to €1,440).
Top-performing listings in Zamalek or Katameya villas can achieve $1,800 to $2,500 monthly (EGP 85,000 to EGP 118,000). A premium 2-bedroom in Zamalek at $120 per night with 60% occupancy generates around $2,160 monthly.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Cairo.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Cairo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Cairo hosts can expect low-season revenue of $600 to $850 (EGP 29,000 to EGP 40,000, or €575 to €815) versus high-season revenue of $1,200 to $1,800 (EGP 57,000 to EGP 85,000, or €1,150 to €1,730) for a typical 1 to 2 bedroom.
Low season runs June through August when heat reduces arrivals, while high season spans October through April, with extra demand from the Grand Egyptian Museum opening.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Cairo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, monthly operating expenses for a self-managed Cairo Airbnb range from EGP 12,000 to EGP 25,000 ($250 to $525, or €240 to €505), rising to EGP 20,000 to EGP 40,000 ($420 to $840) with a property manager.
Cleaning and laundry typically represent the largest expense, followed by utilities like air conditioning and internet.
Cairo hosts should expect to spend 30% to 45% of gross revenue on expenses if self-managing, or 45% to 60% with professional management.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Cairo.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Cairo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly net profit for an average Cairo Airbnb is around EGP 28,000 ($590, or €565), with net profit per available night of $14 to $19 (EGP 660 to EGP 900).
The realistic net profit range covering most listings is EGP 15,000 to EGP 45,000 ($315 to $945, or €300 to €910).
Cairo hosts typically achieve net margins of 30% to 40% with property management, or 50% to 55% when self-managing.
Break-even occupancy is around 25% to 30%, meaning you need roughly 8 to 10 booked nights monthly to cover operating costs.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Cairo, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Egypt versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Cairo as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Cairo as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are approximately 6,000 active Airbnb listings in Greater Cairo, mostly apartments with a smaller segment of villas and townhouses in gated compounds.
This number has grown steadily with Egypt's tourism recovery, with supply growth concentrated in New Cairo and Fifth Settlement where new developments are coming online.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Cairo as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods are Downtown (many small apartments competing for tourists), Zamalek (high demand but heavy professional hosting), and New Cairo/Fifth Settlement (rapid supply growth from new compounds).
These areas became saturated because they combine strong demand from tourists, business travelers, or expats with accessible housing stock easy to convert into rentals.
Undersaturated neighborhoods offering better opportunities include Maadi (for family-friendly 2 to 3 bedrooms with workspace), parts of Heliopolis near the airport, and emerging pockets of Garden City.
What local events spike demand in Cairo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, main demand drivers include the Grand Egyptian Museum post-opening surge, major trade exhibitions in New Cairo, Ramadan and Eid holidays, and the Cairo International Book Fair in late January to early February.
During peak events, hosts see booking increases of 30% to 50% and rate premiums of 20% to 40%.
Hosts should adjust pricing 4 to 6 weeks before major events, as savvy travelers book early.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Cairo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top-performing Cairo hosts achieve 60% to 70% occupancy.
Average hosts see 45% to 50%, meaning top performers capture 15 to 25 percentage points more bookings by executing basics better.
New hosts should expect 3 to 6 months building reviews before reaching top-performer levels, with the fastest path being consistent cleanliness, sub-1-hour responses, and accurate photos.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Cairo.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Cairo right now?
The most crowded price range is $35 to $60 per night (EGP 1,650 to EGP 2,850, or €33 to €57), where countless studios and one-bedrooms in Downtown and Nasr City compete fiercely.
White space exists at $90 to $140 (EGP 4,250 to EGP 6,600) for design-forward apartments in Zamalek or Garden City, and $55 to $95 (EGP 2,600 to EGP 4,500) for high-trust family homes in Maadi with workspaces.
To compete in underserved segments, focus on soundproofing, curated interiors, reliable AC throughout, and hotel-like operational polish.
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Cairo right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Cairo as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, one-bedroom and compact two-bedroom apartments get the most bookings in Cairo, hitting the sweet spot for couples, solo tourists, and business travelers.
Estimated booking breakdown: studios 15%, one-bedrooms 35%, two-bedrooms 30%, three-bedrooms or larger 20%.
These perform best because they align with Cairo's dominant guest mix of short-stay tourists visiting attractions and business travelers attending conferences in New Cairo.
What property type performs best in Cairo in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, well-renovated apartments in Zamalek and Garden City perform best, followed by modern compound apartments and townhouses in New Cairo attracting business travelers.
Occupancy by type: central apartments 50% to 65%, compound units 45% to 60%, standalone villas 35% to 50%.
Apartments outperform because they offer lower complexity, more consistent demand, and better alignment with typical 2 to 5 night stays, while villas carry higher maintenance costs and seasonal volatility.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Cairo, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used and how we used them.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities | Official government regulator setting short-term rental rules in Egypt. | We used it to identify the Holiday Home licensing framework and location requirements. |
| Official Gazette (Alamiria) | Egypt's official publication channel for binding legal texts. | We confirmed the legal definition of Holiday Home units and cross-referenced with ministry announcements. |
| Ahram Online | Major Egyptian news outlet with direct government source access. | We used it as secondary confirmation of licensing regulations and timelines. |
| Egyptian Tax Authority | Official government body for tax policy and compliance. | We confirmed rental income is taxable and referenced it for host tax obligations. |
| PwC Tax Summaries | Respected global firm publishing standardized tax references. | We translated tax law into practical host guidance, cross-referenced with official sources. |
| Real Estate Tax Authority | Government body administering property taxes in Egypt. | We flagged property tax exists separately from income tax for the full expense picture. |
| Central Bank of Egypt - Policy Rates | Egypt's official monetary authority for interest rate data. | We explained the financing environment and why cash buyers have a profitability edge. |
| Central Bank of Egypt - Inflation | Official source for macroeconomic statistics including inflation. | We framed cost volatility and factored inflation into expense estimates. |
| Central Bank of Egypt - Exchange Rates | Official publication for Egyptian pound exchange rates. | We converted USD benchmarks into EGP and triangulated rates for January 2026. |
| Wise Currency Converter | Widely used transparent foreign exchange tracker. | We pinned realistic January 2026 conversion ranges and cross-checked against CBE. |
| AirDNA | Leading short-term rental analytics provider with consistent global methodology. | We triangulated occupancy, ADR, and created localized Cairo estimates. |
| Knight Frank | Global real estate consultancy with rigorous market research. | We identified where Cairo's residential supply concentrates and grounded property analysis. |
| JLL | Major global real estate firm producing recurring market research. | We understood new supply deliveries and rental pressure in key districts. |
| UN Tourism (UNWTO) | United Nations specialized tourism agency with standardized reporting. | We benchmarked Egypt's demand growth against global trends. |
| Business Today Egypt | Mainstream Egyptian business outlet citing official ministry sources. | We grounded demand assumptions on Egypt's record 19 million 2025 arrivals. |
| AP News | Major international wire service with rigorous editorial standards. | We justified the Grand Egyptian Museum as a Cairo demand driver into 2026. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Egypt. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
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