Before booking opens on a new project, there is usually an “expression of interest” stage. You’ll hear that you need to pay an amount, that it’s refundable, and that it gives you priority. But what does that actually mean? Here are the 8 questions buyers ask most, each with a short answer up front.
The two-line answer: an expression of interest means you pay a refundable amount to get priority in choosing your unit when booking opens. It isn’t a final booking or a contract. If you pick a unit, the amount is usually counted toward the down payment. If you don’t, it’s refunded under the developer’s terms.
1. What is an expression of interest?
In short: you reserve your turn to choose, not the unit itself.
On new launches, the developer opens a registration window before official sales begin. You submit your details and pay a refundable amount, and your name goes on the priority list. You may also hear it called a “priority booking” or a “good-faith deposit”.
2. Why does the developer ask for money at this stage?
In short: to see who is genuinely serious.
The amount separates buyers who intend to purchase from those who are only asking. It also gives the developer a picture of real demand before booking opens.
3. Does an expression of interest guarantee me a unit?
In short: no. It gives you priority, not a reserved unit.
If the units you want sell out before your turn, you can choose another available unit or get your amount back under the terms.
4. How is my priority decided?
In short: usually by when you registered.
In most launches, whoever registers first chooses first. Some developers use other criteria, so ask how it works before you pay.
5. What happens after you register?
Most launches follow four steps:
Register interest: you submit your details and pay the refundable amount.
Priority order: your turn to choose is set.
Booking opens: you choose your unit in priority order and pay the down payment.
Contract: you sign the contract and your installment schedule begins.
6. Is the amount deducted from the down payment?
In short: usually yes, if you pick a unit.
In most launches, the expression-of-interest amount counts as part of the down payment when you book, so it isn’t extra money on top of the unit price. Make sure this is written into the developer’s terms.
7. When do I get my money back?
In short: if you don’t pick a unit, it’s refunded under the refund terms.
Terms vary between developers: when you can request a refund, whether it’s refunded in full, how long it takes and how it’s paid. That’s why you should get these terms in writing before you pay.
8. How do I register my interest in TROPHY offices?
In short: with EGP 50,000, fully refundable before booking opens.
TROPHY offices are Nile Developments’ newest launch, on floor 49 of Tycoon Center in Nile Business City:
25% share: from EGP 3.8M, with an annual rental return starting at 12%.
Full unit: from EGP 15M, with an annual return starting at 14%.
Either way: a 4-year lease starts at handover.
Payment plans: up to 8 years.
Get the full details in TROPHY offices at Tycoon Center
Before you pay: 5 things to confirm
The refund terms in writing: when, how, and how long it takes.
The cheque or transfer is made out to the developer’s company, and you have an official receipt.
Whether the amount is deducted from the down payment.
The expected date booking opens.
How your priority will be decided.
Bottom line
An expression of interest reserves your turn to choose, not a specific unit. Your money either counts toward the down payment when you book, or comes back to you under the terms. If you’re interested in TROPHY offices, registration is open now with EGP 50,000, fully refundable before booking opens.
Register your interest in TROPHY offices
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