Only weeks after launching a unique new residential sea apartment in Egypt development on Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera, where it is possible for investors to recover their investment in just over four years, the agents are reporting that more than half of the properties have been sold off-plan.

Since their pre-Christmas launch, Worldwide Destinations has sold 125 of the 226 properties which comprise Desert Pearl Beach Apartments, a gated development in the former fishing village of Hurghada.

“The mix of studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes taking shape around a courtyard garden with pools and a pool bar has attracted buyers from the Midlands, North of England and the South East,” reports marketing director Ian Proetta. He says Desert Pearl is the only development in a prime location in Hurghada currently available at prices lower than £18,000.

He reveals that around three-quarters of purchasers are investors keen to gain a foothold in the popular diving and leisure resort’s burgeoning property market. The rest are enthusiastic about owning a second home close to the heart of the town, just 200 metres from its spacious tree-lined boulevards and pearl white sandy beach.

The European-style gated development is unique in Hurghada where, traditionally, apartment buildings are regarded as ‘finished’ before windows, doors, kitchens and bathrooms have been installed.

“Desert Pearl is different,” says Ian. “It has been planned with the requirements of European purchasers in mind, so all the apartments come with glazing and doors in place, and polished ceramic floors. Main features include fitted wardrobes in bedrooms, tiled bathrooms with white porcelain fittings, and fitted kitchens with granite worktops.”

TV, telephone and internet connections are standard, and Worldwide Destinations is offering interior design and high quality furniture packages at competitive prices.

All apartments have sun terraces, many with sea views. Inward facing ground floor apartments have direct access to the pool and courtyard.

When the development is completed in the spring next year, Desert Pearl will have facilities which include an internet café, gymnasium, games room, laundry and storage for diving equipment.

Prices of the freehold apartments currently start as low as £17,600 for a 44 sq m (474 sq ft) studio, but a price hike is expected in the spring. Air-conditioning is available as an optional extra for £500.