Buy an apartment in Morocco in 10 steps

The real estate purchasing process in Morocco involves several clear steps once the property has been identified. Here is an overview of the real estate buying process in Morocco:

Step 1 : Negotiating the Price and Conditions

Once the buyer has found a suitable real estate property within their budget (you can calculate your budget here), the first step is usually to negotiate the price and the conditions of sale with the seller or their real estate agent. This can include discussions about the purchase price, payment terms, or delivery times for a new project, possible repairs to be taken care of by the seller, etc.

Step 2 : Signing a Promise to Sell

Once the parties have agreed on the terms of the transaction, they can sign a "promise to sell" (or "sales agreement") called "the compromise". This document is usually signed at the notary's office. This official document commits the buyer and the seller to conclude the sale according to the agreed terms if all the suspensive conditions provided in the compromise are met. A common example of a suspensive condition is the buyer obtaining their mortgage loan.

Step 3 : Legal and Technical Verification

Before finalizing the transaction, it is common to have the property ownership verified by a notary, who will ensure that the property being sold belongs to the person claiming to sell it. This step also involves checks to ensure that the property is in good condition, or that the area of the property conforms to that stated on the cadastral plan, for example.

Step 4 : Real Estate Financing

If the buyer needs financing to purchase the real estate property, they must start the process of applying for a mortgage loan from a bank or financial institution. Loan approval is a crucial step.

Step 5 : Final Deed of Sale

Once all the conditions have been met, the parties can proceed to sign the final deed of sale at the notary's office. This deed is legally binding and officially transfers the ownership of the property from the former owner to the buyer.

Attention: Make sure that the property is free of any occupation at this stage, meaning that there is no ongoing rental lease or that it is not inhabited by a concierge or an employee of the seller, for example.

Step 6 : Payment of Associated Fees

In addition to the purchase price of the property, the buyer must also pay various fees, including notary fees, taxes, and transfer duties. These costs vary depending on the value of the property and its location.

Step 7 : Registration and Transcription

Once the deed of sale is signed, it must be registered with the local authorities and transcribed at the land registry office to formalize the transfer of ownership.

Step 8 : Handover of Keys and Possession

After completing all the formalities, the buyer can take possession of the real estate property. This often involves handing over the keys and checking the condition of the property.

Step 9 : Registration in the Land Registry

The buyer must ensure that their name is correctly registered in the land registry as the new owner.

Step 10 : Ongoing Expenses and Taxes

After the purchase, the buyer will need to cover the ongoing expenses related to the property, such as property taxes, condominium fees (if applicable), and maintenance fees.

It is essential to note that the real estate purchasing process in Morocco can vary depending on the region, the nature of the property (apartment, house, land, etc.), and other factors. It is strongly recommended to seek the assistance of a real estate professional or a lawyer specializing in real estate transactions to ensure that all legal steps are correctly followed and that the transaction is conducted safely.

In conclusion, the infographic methodically breaks down the phases of the real estate transaction in Morocco, highlighting the responsibilities and documents required for the parties involved, from the acceptance of the offer to the finalization of the sale. It illuminates the path taken by sellers and buyers, guided by the expertise of a notary, to successfully complete the transfer of a real estate property within the allotted time.

Salima Hamrini Editor and journalist specializing in real estate.

10 Oct 2023