Guide to Buying Property in Marrakech: What Foreign Investors Need to Know

Introduction

Marrakech is one of Morocco’s most sought-after real-estate markets for foreign buyers — offering rich culture, robust tourism, and a growing demand for second homes and rental properties. If you’re a foreign investor looking at purchasing in Marrakech, this guide walks you through the what, how, and why of buying property here in 2025.

✅ Legal & Ownership Basics

• Foreigners can buy residential and commercial properties in Morocco, including Marrakech, with very few nationality-based restrictions. Kensington Morocco Luxury Properties+3orchidisland.immo+3Global Property Guide+3
• The main restriction: agricultural land is generally not available for direct foreign ownership unless re-classified. veles-club.com
• In Marrakech, many restored riads and villas already have full title deeds (“titre foncier”) so foreign buyers are increasingly buying in secure, modern legal frameworks. Chic Marrakech+1
• When you buy, you’ll need to open a convertible dirham bank account (or use a Moroccan bank) so that funds are traceable and repatriation in future is possible. housing.place+1

🛠 The Buying Process – Step by Step

Here’s how a purchase in Marrakech typically proceeds:

1. Choose a property: Decide what type (riad in the medina, villa in a new development, apartment in Gueliz/Hivernage) and engage with agents or local experts.
2. Due diligence: Verify title deed (titre foncier), construction permit, plans, authorisation for use. Chic Marrakech+1
3. Preliminary agreement: Sign a “compromis de vente” or similar preliminary contract and pay a deposit (often ~10%) to secure the property. marrakechsunset.com+1
4. Notary & legal checks: Appoint the notary (notaire) who drafts the final deed, checks registrations and ensures legal compliance. Chic Marrakech+1
5. Final sale and registration: Sign the “acte de vente définitif”, pay the remaining balance, fees and tax. The property is registered at the Land Registry (Conservation Foncière). marrakechsunset.com+1
6. Post-purchase: If you plan to rent, you’ll need to register your rental with tax authorities and manage utilities/maintenance.

💶 Typical Costs & Fees

When budgeting, besides the purchase price, you’ll need to factor in:

• Registration and transfer duties: In Marrakech the combined cost (notary, registration, land registry) is often ~6.7% including VAT. Chic Marrakech
• Other costs: Legal/agent fees, due-diligence, translation, surveys. Broader Morocco guides suggest 6-8% of purchase price in fees can be expected. BEWILDERED IN MOROCCO+1
• Mortgage / financing costs: If you use Moroccan bank financing, expect limitations (down payment often 30%+), higher interest rates. Chic Marrakech+1

📍 Where & What to Buy in Marrakech

A few typical property types and locations in Marrakech:

• Medina / old town riads: Traditional homes around courtyards, often restored. Great for tourism/rental, but narrow access if car is involved.
• Gueliz / Hivernage: More urban & modern apartments, good for long-term rental and expatriate living.
• Palmeraie, new developments outside city-centre: Larger villas, gardens, more modern infrastructure, good for families or long-stay investment.
• Example price ranges: Apartments in Gueliz/Hivernage could be between ~€100,000-€300,000; villas in Palmeraie from ~€500,000+. richlionproperties.com

📊 Investment Considerations & Risks

Advantages

• Strong tourism economy in Marrakech, which supports short-term rental demand.
• Foreigners have nearly equal rights to own property here.
• Relatively affordable compared to many Western European markets.

Risks / things to watch

• Some properties may have complex ownership histories or unclear registration, so due diligence is crucial.
• Rental regulations could shift; managing short-term rentals in historic districts may have extra rules.
• Liquidity: if market slows, resale may take longer in niche segments.
• Structure & maintenance: Especially with older riads, renovation/maintenance costs can be significant.

📝 Practical Tips for Foreign Buyers

• Engage a local lawyer and/or agent experienced with foreign buyers and Marrakech market.
• Visit the property in person, inspect location, access, tenure/title.
• Open a Moroccan bank account early in the process to facilitate payments and transfers.
• Ensure payment is via bank transfer to ensure traceability and compliance.
• Make sure the property has a clean title, registered at the Land Registry, and legitimate permits.
• Consider long-term costs: maintenance, taxes (e.g., annual property tax, municipal service tax) and rental management if you rent out.
• Think about your exit strategy: resale potential, repatriation of funds, currency risk.

🏁 Conclusion

Buying property in Marrakech as a foreign investor can be a highly rewarding endeavour — offering lifestyle benefits, investment potential, and a vibrant environment. However, success hinges on solid preparation, legal clarity, and working with trusted professionals. If you follow the steps above, and align your purchase with your goals (whether it’s a holiday home, long-term rental, or investment), you’ll be well-positioned for a smoother and more secure acquisition experience in 2025.