With its enchanting landscapes, timeless architecture, and booming tourism industry, Morocco has become one of the most attractive real estate destinations in North Africa. From Marrakech’s bustling medina to Casablanca’s modern skyline, opportunities for property ownership are growing. For foreigners, the good news is that Morocco’s laws are welcoming, allowing international buyers to purchase most property types without restrictions.
Still, navigating a new market requires knowledge. In this guide, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process of buying property in Morocco as a foreigner — from choosing the right city to finalizing ownership.
Step 1: Research the Market
Every Moroccan city offers something unique:
- Marrakech – Known for luxury villas and stunning riads; popular among investors running boutique hotels or Airbnb.
- Casablanca – The financial hub; modern apartments in high demand for business professionals.
- Rabat – The administrative capital; stable market, favored by diplomats and expats.
- Tangier – A rapidly growing city with global interest thanks to its port and proximity to Spain.
- Agadir – A coastal gem, perfect for vacation rentals.
Take time to visit neighborhoods, understand average pricing, and analyze demand for rentals or resale value.
Step 2: Understand Ownership Rules for Foreigners
Morocco is unique in that foreigners can buy almost any property — apartments, houses, commercial spaces, and land for construction. The only exception is agricultural land, which requires special authorization if you want to build.
This policy makes Morocco one of the most open and transparent property markets in the region.
Step 3: Hire a Notary (“Notaire”)
Unlike in many countries where lawyers handle real estate transactions, in Morocco, the process is overseen by a notary public. Their responsibilities include:
- Confirming the seller has legal ownership.
- Checking for outstanding debts, mortgages, or disputes.
- Registering the property under your name.
- Collecting taxes and fees on behalf of the government.
Without a notary, your purchase is not legally valid — so this step is essential.
Step 4: Open a Moroccan Bank Account
Foreign buyers must open a Moroccan bank account to complete property transactions. This account is used for:
- Transferring purchase funds.
- Declaring the origin of money (to comply with anti-money laundering rules).
- Handling payments of fees and taxes.
Step 5: Preliminary Contract
Once you and the seller agree on terms, the notary drafts a preliminary contract (Compromis de Vente). This includes:
- Property description.
- Agreed price.
- Payment terms.
- Deposit amount (often 10%).
This document legally binds both parties until the final deed.
Step 6: Final Contract & Registration
After payments are made, the notary drafts the final deed (Acte de Vente). Then, the property is registered at the Land Registry Office in your name.
At this stage, you are the official legal owner.
Step 7: Costs to Expect
Foreign buyers should budget for additional costs on top of the purchase price:
- Registration fees: ~4% of property value.
- Notary fees: 1–2%.
- Legal & admin costs: ~1%.
Example: On a $200,000 property, expect around $12,000 in fees.
Step 8: Consider Long-Term Use
Decide whether your property will be:
- A vacation home.
- A long-term rental for expats and professionals.
- A short-term rental (Airbnb, riad hotel).
Each option has different tax and income implications. Morocco’s tourism industry makes short-term rentals particularly profitable in hotspots like Marrakech and Tangier.
Conclusion
Buying property in Morocco as a foreigner is not only possible — it’s often easier than in other countries in the region. With careful planning, a trustworthy notary, and awareness of fees, you can secure a beautiful property that combines investment potential with Morocco’s legendary lifestyle.
Whether it’s a traditional riad in Marrakech or a modern apartment in Casablanca, your Moroccan property can be the start of both a smart investment and a lifelong connection to this magical country.
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