Buying in Morocco when you live elsewhere.

New-build or resale: two paths

On the resale market, you buy an existing property from a private seller: everything rests on checking the land title (titre foncier) and the status of the property. For a new-build, you often buy off-plan from a developer, under the off-plan sale regime (vente en l'état futur d'achèvement, or VEFA) set out in Law 44-00 as amended by Law 107-12.

The VEFA framework governs the preliminary contract, the payment schedule linked to construction progress and the buyer's guarantees. I check with you that the project respects this framework.

Checks before signing

Before you commit, four points must be confirmed:

• The land title and the certificate of ownership issued by the Land Registry (ANCFCC)
• The absence of charges or entries that would restrict the sale
• For a new-build: the building permit and the VEFA framework of the contract
• Consistency between the listing, the plans and the actual property

Signing without travelling

The preliminary agreement (compromis de vente) and then the final deed are signed before a notary, or before adouls depending on the case. If you cannot travel, a power of attorney (procuration) drawn up by a notary or at the Moroccan consulate in your country allows a representative to sign on your behalf.

The notary then registers the deed, pays the duties and records your ownership at the Land Registry. You receive the title in your name. The duties and fees involved are detailed in my guide to Morocco property buying costs.

Financing and transferring the funds

You can pay from your own funds from abroad or finance part of the purchase with a mortgage. Several Moroccan banks offer products designed for Moroccans living abroad, subject to conditions.

Funds coming from abroad can go through a convertible dirham account. The exchange regulations of the Office des Changes provide, for an investment financed in foreign currency by a non-resident, for the proceeds of a resale to be transferred back abroad. Keep every proof of transfer.

My role

I select the projects, check the documents, coordinate with the notary and follow the construction for you, with photos and videos. You keep a single point of contact, in Darija, French or English. If you are also weighing a purchase in the UAE, read Dubai or Morocco: how to choose.