If you have seen a new project advertised with “Collecting EOI” and wondered what that means — this guide is for you, from a developer that actually uses the system.
And if the stage itself is still unclear: what a pre-launch means, explained fully here.
What is an EOI?
EOI stands for Expression of Interest: a seriousness deposit paid before a project’s official launch that registers you on the early-interest list. It is neither the unit price nor its down payment — it is your early-entry ticket before the project opens to the public.
What does EOI mean outside real estate?
The acronym is the same everywhere: EOI = Expression of Interest. In tenders and procurement it is a short submission saying a company would like to bid; in universities and immigration programmes (for example skilled-migration systems) it is the first form you file before a full application; in jobs it is a note that you want to be considered. In all cases it is a non-binding signal of intent, which is exactly its role in real estate too: it registers your interest and priority before the formal step, without committing you to the purchase.
What does an EOI holder get?
- Selection priority: on launch day, EOI holders choose their units first. In limited villa communities, early choice genuinely matters for plot and view.
- Pre-launch terms: this phase usually carries the best conditions the project will ever offer.
- Start-of-curve pricing: pre-launch buyers enter at opening prices.
EOI vs down payment
| EOI | Down payment | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Before the official launch | At contract, on a specific unit |
| Tied to a unit? | No — general priority | Yes — a specific unit and price |
| Size | Relatively small seriousness amount | A percentage of the unit price (e.g. 10%) |
| Fate | Usually deducted from the unit price at contract — ask about refund terms | Part of the unit price |
3 questions to ask before paying any EOI
- Is it deducted from the unit, or refunded if I change my mind? Get it in writing.
- Who is the developer, and what is their record? An EOI with a developer that has delivered before is a different thing entirely.
- Is the project licensed? Serious developers license before selling.
A live example: Moon Hills 6
We are currently in the pre-launch phase of Moon Hills 6 — our newest project in Green October — officially launched with sales open, with the launch offer: 10% down, 10% discount and 10-year installments — or a 50% cash discount with 2-year installments. Villas only, licensed before sales like every project before it.
For Moon Hills 6 EOI details and terms: Hotline 15571 · WhatsApp +20 155 085 0877.
Paying an EOI while living abroad? See how to buy a villa in Egypt from abroad.
