Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Morocco Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Morocco Property Pack
Buying property in Casablanca as a foreigner is more straightforward than many people expect, with fewer restrictions than other North African markets.
Foreign investors can purchase most residential and commercial properties in Casablanca without citizenship requirements, though agricultural land remains restricted. The process involves standard legal procedures through notaries, with total costs typically ranging 8-12% of the property value including taxes, registration fees, and professional services.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Morocco, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Foreign property ownership in Casablanca is legally permitted for residential and commercial properties, with a straightforward notarial process similar to European markets.
The complete purchase process typically takes 2-3 months and costs 8-12% of property value in fees, taxes, and professional services.
| Aspect | Details | Cost/Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership Rights | Full freehold ownership for residential/commercial properties | No restrictions |
| Property Types Available | Apartments, houses, commercial spaces, vacation properties | All urban properties |
| Restricted Properties | Agricultural land, rural properties | Special authorization needed |
| Registration Tax | Government registration fee | ~4% of sale price |
| Notary Fees | Legal transaction processing | 0.5-1.0% of sale price |
| Total Process Time | From offer to final ownership | 2-3 months |
| Mortgage Availability | Available for foreigners through Moroccan banks | 5-6% APR typically |
Is it actually easy or complicated for a foreigner to buy property in Casablanca compared to western countries?
Buying property in Casablanca as a foreigner is surprisingly straightforward and often simpler than many European markets.
The Moroccan legal system allows foreign nationals to purchase residential and commercial properties with full ownership rights, similar to countries like Spain or Portugal. The process follows standard notarial procedures that protect both buyers and sellers through official registration.
Unlike markets such as Switzerland or Singapore, Morocco doesn't impose minimum investment thresholds, citizenship requirements, or lengthy approval processes for urban property purchases. The main complexity comes from language barriers and unfamiliarity with local procedures rather than legal restrictions.
As of September 2025, the entire process typically takes 2-3 months from initial offer to final ownership, which is comparable to most Western European markets.
What types of properties can foreigners buy and are there any restrictions on ownership?
Foreign buyers can purchase virtually all types of urban properties in Casablanca with full freehold ownership rights.
| Property Type | Ownership Status | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Apartments | Full ownership allowed | None |
| Houses and Villas | Full ownership allowed | None |
| Commercial Properties | Full ownership allowed | None |
| Vacation Properties | Full ownership allowed | None |
| Office Buildings | Full ownership allowed | None |
| Agricultural Land | Restricted ownership | Special authorization required |
| Rural Properties | Restricted ownership | Government approval needed |
What's the exact step-by-step process to purchase property in Casablanca from start to finish?
The Casablanca property purchase process follows eight distinct stages that typically span 2-3 months.
1. **Market Research and Property Selection** (1-4 weeks): Research neighborhoods, property types, and current market prices in your target areas of Casablanca.2. **Professional Team Assembly** (1 week): Hire a licensed local real estate agent and/or property lawyer to handle negotiations and legal verification.3. **Financing Arrangement** (2-4 weeks, if applicable): Secure mortgage pre-approval from Moroccan banks or arrange international fund transfers for cash purchases.4. **Preliminary Agreement Signing** (1 day): Sign the "Promesse de Vente" (sales agreement) and pay the deposit, typically 5-10% of the purchase price.5. **Due Diligence Period** (2-4 weeks): Conduct comprehensive title checks, property registration verification, and ensure no liens or legal encumbrances exist.6. **Final Contract Execution** (1 day): Sign the "Acte de Vente" before a notary public, who verifies the transaction's legality and processes the sale.7. **Payment Settlement** (1 day): Pay the remaining purchase balance plus all associated fees and taxes through the notary.8. **Property Registration** (1-2 weeks): Complete the official title transfer and receive your property ownership documents.It's something we develop in our Morocco property pack.
Which documents are mandatory and which ones are optional for the transaction?
Property purchases in Casablanca require specific mandatory documents while several optional ones can facilitate the process.
Mandatory Documents for All Buyers:
Valid passport and national identification, proof of funds through bank statements, signed preliminary sales agreement (Promesse de Vente), final sale contract (Acte de Vente), original property title deed, and cadastral property map showing exact boundaries.
Optional But Recommended Documents:
Professional due diligence report from your lawyer or agent, power of attorney documents for remote purchases, Moroccan bank account documentation if seeking local financing, property survey and inspection reports, and certified translations of all documents into your native language.
The notary will verify all mandatory documents during the final signing, and missing paperwork can delay or invalidate the transaction.
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Can you complete the purchase without physically being in Morocco, and if so, how?
Yes, you can complete a property purchase in Casablanca entirely remotely through proper legal representation.
The remote purchase process requires granting a power of attorney to a licensed Moroccan lawyer or real estate agent who can legally act on your behalf for all transaction stages. This includes property viewing via video calls, document signing, payment processing, and final notarial procedures.
Digital notarization services are increasingly available in Morocco, allowing electronic signature of contracts where supported by banks and notaries. All fund transfers can be handled through international wire transfers directly to the notary's escrow account.
Your appointed representative will handle the "Promesse de Vente" signing, due diligence verification, final "Acte de Vente" execution before the notary, and property registration on your behalf.
How reliable are real estate agents in Casablanca and what should you watch out for?
Real estate agent reliability in Casablanca varies significantly, ranging from highly professional to questionable practices.
Reputable agents typically hold proper licensing, maintain established offices, offer transparent fee structures, and provide verifiable client references. Many international real estate networks operate in Casablanca with standardized service levels.
Red flags to avoid include agents requesting upfront payments before property viewing, offering "exclusive off-market deals" without proper documentation, lacking proper licensing credentials, or pressuring immediate decisions without due diligence periods.
Always verify agent credentials through Morocco's real estate regulatory bodies, request client references, and never transfer funds directly to agents rather than through notarial escrow accounts.
Will the Moroccan legal system really protect a foreign buyer and how should you safeguard yourself?
Morocco's legal system provides strong protection for foreign property buyers when transactions follow proper notarial procedures.
The notarial system ensures legal compliance, property title verification, and official registration that creates enforceable ownership rights. Moroccan property law treats foreign and domestic buyers equally in terms of legal protection and dispute resolution.
Essential safeguards include using only licensed notaries for all transactions, conducting comprehensive title searches through legal counsel, verifying property registration and absence of liens or disputes, and ensuring proper insurance coverage for your investment.
Legal disputes are handled through Morocco's civil court system, which recognizes foreign ownership rights and provides standard legal remedies including property recovery, damage compensation, and contract enforcement.
What are the common mistakes foreigners make when buying property there and how can you avoid them?
Foreign buyers in Casablanca frequently make five critical mistakes that can jeopardize their investments.
1. **Skipping Professional Legal Representation**: Always retain a qualified Moroccan property lawyer and licensed real estate agent, even if costs seem high initially.2. **Falling for Informal Deals or Scams**: Only work with registered professionals and verify all claims through independent sources and official documentation.3. **Overlooking Title and Legal Issues**: Conduct thorough title searches, verify property registration, and ensure no existing liens, mortgages, or legal disputes affect the property.4. **Ignoring Local Property Laws**: Understand restrictions on agricultural and rural land purchases, and obtain required permits for any special property types.5. **Inadequate Financial Planning**: Budget for all costs including the 8-12% total transaction expenses beyond the purchase price, and secure financing before starting the search process.
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What taxes, notary fees, registration fees, and other costs should you expect, with a full breakdown?
Property purchase costs in Casablanca typically range from 8-12% of the total property value beyond the purchase price.
| Cost Component | Rate/Amount | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Tax | ~4% of sale price | Buyer |
| Notary Fees | 0.5-1.0% of sale price | Buyer |
| Land Registry Fee | ~1% of sale price | Buyer |
| Real Estate Agent Commission | 2.5-5% of sale price | Seller (sometimes split) |
| Legal Fees | 1-2% or flat rate | Buyer |
| VAT (New Properties) | 20% where applicable | Buyer |
| Administrative Costs | 500-2000 MAD total | Buyer |
Can you buy property in cash, and how is the process different from using financing?
Cash purchases in Casablanca are common and significantly streamline the buying process compared to mortgage financing.
Cash transactions eliminate the 2-4 week mortgage approval period, reduce documentation requirements, and often provide stronger negotiating positions with sellers. The process moves directly from property selection to preliminary agreement without financing contingencies.
Financed purchases require opening a Moroccan bank account, providing extensive income documentation, obtaining mortgage pre-approval, and meeting stricter eligibility criteria that can extend the process by 4-6 weeks.
Both cash and financed purchases follow identical legal procedures through notaries, but cash buyers avoid mortgage-related delays and additional banking fees typically ranging 1-2% of the loan amount.
Is mortgage financing available for foreigners, what are the typical rates and conditions, and what tips help get approval?
Moroccan banks do provide mortgage financing to foreign property buyers, though with stricter conditions than domestic borrowers.
Current mortgage rates for foreigners typically range 5-6% APR as of September 2025, compared to 4-5% for Moroccan residents. Loan-to-value ratios generally cap at 70-80% for foreign borrowers, requiring 20-30% down payments.
Essential approval requirements include proof of stable foreign income, Moroccan bank account establishment, clean credit history verification, and often local employment or long-term residence ties to Morocco.
Approval tips include preparing comprehensive financial documentation, consulting multiple banks for competitive terms, using local mortgage brokers familiar with foreign applications, and maintaining substantial cash reserves beyond the down payment.
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Does buying property in Casablanca provide any path to residency or citizenship, and if not, what alternatives exist?
Property ownership in Casablanca does not automatically grant Moroccan residency or citizenship rights.
However, property ownership can strengthen residency applications by demonstrating economic ties to Morocco and financial stability. The Moroccan government considers property ownership as supporting evidence for various visa and residency categories.
Alternative residency pathways include the business investment visa for entrepreneurs establishing companies in Morocco, employment-based residency for those securing local jobs, retirement residency for pensioners meeting income requirements, and family reunification for those with Moroccan spouses or relatives.
Long-term property owners may qualify for renewable residence permits that facilitate extended stays, though these don't constitute permanent residency status.
It's something we develop in our Morocco property pack.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Investing in Casablanca property offers foreigners straightforward ownership rights with fewer restrictions than many international markets.
Success requires proper professional guidance, thorough due diligence, and realistic budgeting for the 8-12% total transaction costs beyond the purchase price.
Sources
- Morocco Real Estate for Foreigners
- Can Foreigners Buy Property in Morocco - Ultimate Guide
- Foreign Property Purchase in Morocco
- Global Property Guide - Morocco Buying Guide
- Foreign Property Ownership Morocco
- Expat Focus Morocco Property Guide
- Wise - Buying Property in Morocco
- Real Estate Investment Northern Africa