Views on Sahl and Hurghada
Peter will, I'm sure, just have to "have a go at me" (and everyone else that has anything bad to say about Sahl),but I think that this is a much less biased view than he would give.
Sahl is not, and never will be Egypt. It is not supposed to be Egypt so do't go there expecting any "culture" - it is a pure toruist resort, and it looks to me as thought it will be pretty good in that role. It has a really nice pedsterian sea front prom which you will not find in Hurghada (although the Arabia area of Hurghada may have something similar soon). EVERYTHING in Sahl is new and built to a high standard. Hurghada is a really mixed bag from absolutelty the worst of Egypt to some of the best hotels / apartments anywhere in the world.
The beach in Sahl will most likely be accessible by all since it is "open" rather than private, but that assumes that you actually "live" there so it is sort of private. The beach in Sahl will not be natural but I assume it will get covered with better quality sand. Beaches in Hurghada vary from really course sand to superb soft and golden.
The older parts of Hurghada, with the "culture", is not really somewhere that you would wish to live but is great for visiting and night life. Some of the hotels and apartments need re-furbs. The newer parts on the outskirts of Hurghada are much better, with some parts approaching the standards in Sahl.
There is already a new marina in Hurghada but it will never be as upmarket as the one planned for Sahl.
There is a golf course in El Gouna already but it may not be as good or extensive as those planned for Sahl, but maybe "non-Sahls" will be allowed entry anyway.
For a non-egyptian holiday in Egypt, Sahl has to be favourite. You will have the artificial new Egyptian stuff, hardly any Egyptians, lots of different nationals, great holiday facilities (eventually),a purpose build road layout, well organised everything. Hurghada will always be a mis-mash of the good and the bad (so choose carefully).
Value for money - it is impossible to give an objective view unless you pick two specific properties and a specific set of requirements that an owner is looking for.
There is no doubt that Sahl is MUCH more expensive because of all the infrastructure that has to be paid for, and the high selling costs that every buyer has to pay for - but once you've paid then in theory you have something that is increasing in value, assuming that you can re-sell it.
If you are looking for a first investment in Egypt then forget the EXPENSIVE options - try some of the cheaper locations in the newer parts of Hurghada. Forget anything in "Egyptian areas" unless you really know what to expect from your local neighbours.
If you do not feel that £80,000 upwards is a lot to pay for a 2 bed apartment (example) then I would opt for Sahl or El Gouna. If you are looking at between £15,000 and £50,000 the newer parts of Hurghada are acceptable if you do not need to be "insulated" from the real Egypt (NOT that Hurghada is real Egypt, it's just a few steps closer than Sahl and El Gouna).
If you simply compare one apartment in Sahl with the same size unit in one of the better parts of Hurghada, then only an idiot would pay two or three times the price, so you really need to decide whether or not the "infrastructure" and the insulation factor (keep all the locals and "value hungry" Brits out that means) is worth the hugh difference in cost.
You have NO OPTION - if you really have the money to spend you HAVE TO take a good long look at both options - NOT a quick look around - see if anyone is renting in Sahl and stay there for a week - maybe Peter can help with this - likewise for Hurghada or El Gouna.
Good Luck.
