El Mahary vs. Magawish: Ultimate Comparison for Living & Investing in Hurghada

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Investing in Hurghada.. El Mahary vs. Magawish, Hurghada’s real estate market offers diverse living options, with El Mahary and Magawish standing out as top residential areas. This comprehensive 2,000+ word guide compares these neighborhoods across three critical factors:

  1. Quality of Life (amenities, convenience, atmosphere)
  2. Investment Potential (property prices, rental yields)
  3. Long-Term Outlook (development projects, appreciation)

Perfect for investors, expats, and families considering Hurghada property, this analysis provides data-driven insights to inform your decision.


Quality of Life Face-Off

El Mahary (Schools District) – Urban Convenience

Location: Central Hurghada, near Sheraton Road and Marina

Key Advantages:

  • Education Hub: Home to top international schools (British School of Hurghada, German School)
  • Medical Facilities: SEGA Hospital (500m), Cleopatra Medical Center
  • Shopping & Dining: Senzo Mall (1km), Marina Boulevard (2km)
  • Transport Links: 15 minutes to Hurghada International Airport
  • Community: Mix of Egyptian families and European expats

Drawbacks:

  • Higher population density
  • Traffic congestion during peak seasons
  • Limited beach access (nearest public beach 3km)

Magawish – Coastal Serenity

Location: Northern Hurghada coastline, near Sahl Hasheesh

Key Advantages:

  • Beachfront Living: Private beach access for residents
  • Resort-Style Amenities: 5-star hotels (Steigenberger, Baron Palace)
  • Marine Activities: Premier diving/snorkeling spots (Giftun Islands 30min by boat)
  • Tranquility: Lower noise levels, spacious properties
  • Exclusive Community: Higher percentage of European/Russian residents

Drawbacks:

  • Limited schools/medical facilities (requires trips to central Hurghada)
  • Fewer shopping options (nearest mall 20min drive)
  • Dependence on private transportation

Lifestyle Verdict:

  • Choose El Mahary for urban convenience and family-friendly infrastructure
  • Opt for Magawish for resort-style living and premium beach access

Investment Potential Breakdown

El Mahary Market Analysis

Property Prices (2024):

Property TypePrice Range (EGP)Price Range (USD)
1-Bed Apartment1.2M – 2.5M$40K – $85K
3-Bed Apartment3M – 5M$100K – $170K
Villa8M – 20M+$270K – $670K+

Rental Performance:

  • Long-Term Rentals:
    • 1-bed: EGP 8K-15K/month ($270-$500)
    • 3-bed: EGP 15K-30K/month ($500-$1,000)
  • Short-Term Rentals: Limited due to residential zoning

Occupancy Rates: 85-90% year-round

Target Tenants: Expat families, school teachers, medical professionals

Magawish Market Analysis

Property Prices (2024):

Property TypePrice Range (EGP)Price Range (USD)
1-Bed Apartment2M – 4M$67K – $135K
3-Bed Apartment5M – 10M$170K – $335K
Villa12M – 40M+$400K – $1.3M+

Rental Performance:

  • Long-Term Premium:
    • 1-bed: EGP 12K-25K/month ($400-$835)
    • 3-bed: EGP 25K-60K/month ($835-$2,000)
  • Short-Term Potential: EGP 80K-200K/month in peak season

Occupancy Rates: 70% (year-round), 95% (December-April)

Target Tenants: Seasonal tourists, remote workers, luxury seekers

Investment Verdict:

  • El Mahary offers stable 6-8% annual ROI with lower risk
  • Magawish delivers 10-15% potential returns but higher volatility

Future Growth Projections

El Mahary Development Pipeline

  • 2025 Road Expansion Project: EGP 500M investment to ease congestion
  • New International School Campus: Opening 2026 (German curriculum)
  • Mixed-Use Complex: Planned near Senzo Mall (retail/residential)

Appreciation Potential: 5-7% annually (conservative estimate)

Magawish Development Pipeline

  • Sahl Hasheesh Extension: $300M marina development
  • New Luxury Resort: 120-villa project by DAMAC Properties
  • Beachfront Promenade: 3km walking/cycling path

Appreciation Potential: 8-12% annually (higher risk/reward)

Growth Verdict:

  • El Mahary: Steady, reliable appreciation
  • Magawish: Higher upside but dependent on tourism recovery

Infrastructure & Transportation: Connectivity Compared

El Mahary (Schools District)

Road Networks:

  • Direct access to Sheraton Road (Hurghada’s main artery)
  • Well-maintained internal roads with regular municipal upkeep
  • Currently undergoing EGP 300M widening project (completion Q2 2025)

Public Transport:

  • Microbus routes every 10-15 minutes to:
    • Downtown (5-10 mins)
    • Airport (15 mins)
    • Marina (8 mins)
  • Average taxi fare: EGP 30-50 within district

Utilities:

  • 100% electricity coverage (upgraded substations in 2023)
  • Fiber optic internet available (Vodafone/Orange)
  • Scheduled water delivery (tankers supplement pipeline system)

Magawish

Road Networks:

  • Coastal Road access (scenic but single-lane sections)
  • Private community roads maintained by developers
  • Planned tunnel under Sahl Hasheesh Road (2026)

Public Transport:

  • Limited microbuses (30-45 min intervals)
  • Reliance on:
    • Hotel shuttles
    • Private taxis (average EGP 80-120 to downtown)
    • Ride-hailing (Uber/Careem available)

Utilities:

  • Solar energy integration in upscale compounds
  • Seawater desalination plants serving gated communities
  • Satellite internet preferred (Starlink adoption rising)

Key Differences Table:

Infrastructure AspectEl MaharyMagawish
Road Quality8/106/10
Public Transport9/104/10
Utility Reliability7/108/10
Future ProjectsRoad expansionsMarine access improvements

Pro Tip: Investors should note that Magawish’s infrastructure costs are typically 15-20% higher due to:

Desalination plant contributions


Conclusion: Which Neighborhood Wins?

Beachfront maintenance fees

Private security requirements

FactorEl MaharyMagawish
Lifestyle9/10 (Urban)8/10 (Resort)
Rental Income7/10 (Stable)9/10 (Premium)
Price Growth7/10 (5-7%)9/10 (8-12%)
Liquidity8/10 (Quick sale)6/10 (Niche market)

Final Recommendations:

  • Best for Families: El Mahary (schools, healthcare, stability)
  • Best for Investors: Magawish (higher yields, luxury market)
  • Best Hybrid Option: Properties near the border of both areas

Ready to invest in Hurghada? contact Forsa For Real Estate Survices for personalized property recommendations in both neighborhoods.

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