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Real Estate in Morocco | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Real Estate in Morocco

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Feb 03, 2024

Summary: An expat looking to buy a home in Morocco should begin by researching the local real estate market. It is important to understand the local laws and regulations regarding foreign ownership of property in Morocco. Expats should also consider their budget and the type of amenities they are looking for in a home. Foreigners are allowed to purchase property in Morocco, but there are certain restrictions. For example, foreigners are not allowed to purchase property in certain areas, such as near military bases or in certain coastal areas. Additionally, foreigners are not allowed to purchase more than one property in Morocco. Homes in Morocco typically include amenities such as air conditioning, modern kitchens, and private gardens. Many homes also have access to swimming pools, tennis courts, and other recreational facilities. Expats should also consider the proximity of the home to local amenities such as schools, hospitals, and shopping centers.

How do I find a place to live in Morocco?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Morocco is to use online resources such as websites and social media. Websites such as Airbnb, Expat.com, and EasyRoommate are great for finding short-term and long-term rentals. Additionally, social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter can be used to search for rental postings from locals. Additionally, it is possible to find a place to live by asking around in the local community. Many people in Morocco are willing to help newcomers find a place to live, and asking around can be a great way to find a place to stay," explained one person living in Morocco.

"Very difficult and expensive to rent here if you want a pool and garden, we ended up buying a villa. We found our home on the internet and by asking local people about what was for sale in the area," said one expat in Marrakech.

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William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Morocco?

"Expat homes and apartments in Morocco typically feature modern amenities and furnishings, with many featuring air conditioning, high-speed internet, and satellite television. Expat homes and apartments are often located in secure, gated communities, with access to amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and tennis courts. Expat homes and apartments in Morocco often feature spacious balconies or terraces, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Many expat homes and apartments also feature traditional Moroccan decor, such as colorful tiles, intricate woodwork, and ornate rugs," explained one expat living in Morocco.

"A Villa, it is typical but you get a lot more villa for your money if you buy but not if you rent," said one person in Marrakech.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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What is the average cost of housing in Morocco?

If you are thinking about moving to Morocco, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"Housing costs are less but seem to be increasing all the time. A 4 bed villa with large garden and pool, 9k out of town will cost you about 355,ooo this price includes notaire fees but not estate agents which is another 2.5%," explained one expat living in Marrakech, Morocco.

"The cost of housing in Morocco varies depending on the location and type of accommodation. Generally, renting an apartment in a city center can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 per month, while renting a house in a rural area can cost around $100 to $200 per month. Prices for buying property in Morocco can range from $50,000 to $500,000 depending on the size and location," said one person in Morocco.

Should I buy or rent a home in Morocco?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Morocco, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"At this point, just renting. Not difficult. I have friends who helped me, so it was not a problem," said one person in Rabat.

"Buying a home in Morocco can be a great investment, as the country has a strong real estate market. However, it is important to consider the cost of living in Morocco, as well as the availability of financing, before making a decision. Renting a home in Morocco can be a great option for those who are not ready to commit to a long-term purchase, as it allows for more flexibility and can be more cost-effective in the short-term. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Morocco should be based on individual needs and preferences," said one expat who made the move to Morocco.

What do I need to know when buying property in Morocco?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Morocco, they said:

"1. It is important to research the local laws and regulations regarding property ownership in Morocco before making any purchase. 2. It is advisable to hire a local lawyer to assist with the purchase process and to ensure that all legal requirements are met. 3. It is important to be aware of the different types of property ownership available in Morocco, such as freehold, leasehold, and usufruct. 4. It is important to be aware of the taxes and fees associated with purchasing property in Morocco, such as registration fees, transfer taxes, and capital gains taxes. 5. It is important to be aware of the different types of mortgages available in Morocco, such as fixed-rate mortgages and variable-rate mortgages. 6. It is important to be aware of the different types of insurance available in Morocco, such as fire insurance, earthquake insurance, and flood insurance. 7. It is important to be aware of the different types of financing available in Morocco, such as bank loans, government loans, and private loans. 8. It is important to be aware of the different types of property rights available in Morocco, such as ownership rights, rental rights, and usufruct rights. 9. It is important to be aware of the different types of zoning regulations in Morocco, such as residential, commercial, and industrial zoning. 10. It is important to be aware of the different types of building regulations in Morocco, such as building codes, safety regulations, and environmental regulations," explained one expat in Morocco.

Are foreigners allowed to own property in Morocco?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Morocco, they said...

"A really important issue is that whilst it is relatively easy to buy a property & bring money into the country, it is extremely difficult to take this money out of the country if you decide to sell up & move on-especially if you intend to take the money out all at once. You will need very good legal advice before you even consider investing. Morocco is also not a place to expect to make a fast profit between buying & selling, as the market is simply not well enough developed for this to happen. My house is in Marrakech & there is no recognised way of establishing market value; estate agency is still very much in its infancy..," wrote one expat who made the move to Morocco.

"Foreigners are allowed to own property in Morocco, but there are certain restrictions in place. Non-Moroccans are not allowed to own land, but they can purchase apartments, villas, and other types of real estate. In order to purchase property, foreigners must obtain a permit from the Ministry of Interior, which can take up to six months to process. Additionally, foreigners are not allowed to own more than one property in Morocco," explained one foreigner living in Morocco.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Morocco what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"In Morocco, rental properties typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, and washing machine. Other common appliances may include a microwave, dishwasher, and air conditioning unit. Depending on the property, some landlords may also provide additional amenities such as a television, internet access, and furniture," explained one foreigner living in Morocco.

Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Morocco:

We asked foreigners in Morocco what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

"Expats can search for homes in Morocco by looking online for real estate listings, contacting local real estate agents, and networking with other expats who have already settled in the country. Additionally, expats can look for housing options in local newspapers and magazines, as well as on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, expats can attend local expat events and meet-ups to network and find out more about housing options in Morocco," explained one person living in Morocco.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Contribute to Morocco Network Contribute
Help others in Morocco by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Morocco.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

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