Mclaren - Property Abroad

Buyers’ Guide - Morocco

Below is a general guide to the buying procedure for a Moroccan property purchase. The process is straightforward but the guide will make you aware of all you need to expect.

The most important factor is to work with an established agent, like ourselves, who can guide you through each step of the process and help help you avoid any pitfalls.

Using an Agent

A good agent is essential when you buy a property abroad. We offer a wide selection of carefully selected properties for sale from our database, while the majority are in the form of new developments. These generally offer the best value for money and are more in line with popular demand.

There are three stages to property purchase:

1. Making an Offer
   When you have decided on a property in Morocco you will need to make a verbal offer through the agent which will need to be accepted by the vendor. Once an agreement on price is achieved, sale negotiations will proceed.
   At this stage a lawyer should be appointed by you to formalise the agreement. With most properties being off-plan there is often little or no room for negotiation at this stage as the price is normally fixed, dependant upon the current phase of construction.
   
   
2. Appointing a Lawyer
   It is wise to appoint a lawyer who is fluent in your language so that you properly understand all the legalities and exactly what is happening. Our agents will gladly recommend you a good lawyer who will carry out all the necessary checks on the property and complete the legal requirements of the sale.
   
   
3. The Purchase
   The purchase is a standard procedure, similar to anywhere on the Continent. The buyer will open a Euro account with a bank in Morocco and transfer Sterling or Euros to this account. The Euros will then be converted into Dirhams when paying funds to the vendor.
   

For our off-plan property, the standard procedure is:

Reservation Fee - This is required immediately to reserve the unit(s) and freeze the price. The required reservation fee depends on the unit you choose, the developer and the development, but typically is around € 3,000.

Deposit - After 30 days, 30% of the cost of the property is due. This acts as a deposit and is all you are required to pay until completion of the property. 30% is common however various developers and developments require different deposit payment percentages. They may also require interim payments throughout the construction process. You will need to ensure you fully understand exactly what payment structure is in place before committing to a property purchase in Morocco.

Completion - Upon completion, the remaining 70% is payable. Some buyers will look to finance this sum with a mortgage. The balance of 70% may vary depending on the specific payment structure adopted for your development.

Additional Costs - Property buyers in Morocco should expect to pay around 6.5% of the property price. This amount is generated from lawyer fees, notary costs, registration etc. Land sales are subject to a charge of 1% to cover the notaries' fees

Mortgages

Mortgages are available in Morocco. Buyers can borrow up to 70% over 15 years with an interest rate (Feb 06) of around 5.5%.

Tax Liability

Understanding your Moroccan tax responsibilities is essential when looking to purchase a property in Morocco.