Is it worth it buying property in Rabat-Salé in 2025?

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

Who is the author of this content?

SANDS OF WEALTH

A team specialized in real estate investing in MENA countries (Morocco, UAE, Egypt, etc.).

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Morocco. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At Sands of Wealth, we explore the Moroccan real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What types of properties can you find in Rabat-Salé right now?

Rabat-Salé offers four main property types as of June 2025.

Apartments dominate the market, available from studios to large multi-bedroom units across both cities. New developments are particularly active in well-connected neighborhoods like Hay Riad and Agdal.

Villas are most common in upscale areas including Souissi, Hay Riad, and Agdal, ranging from modern architectural styles to traditional Moroccan designs. These properties typically feature private gardens and multiple bedrooms.

Riads are less common in Rabat-Salé compared to cities like Marrakech, but some renovated or new-build riads are available, especially in the city center and older districts.

New developments represent a significant portion of the market, with numerous apartment and villa projects underway in Hay Riad, Agdal, and Sidi Bouknadel.

What are current property prices and how have they changed recently?

Property prices in Rabat-Salé vary significantly by location and property type as of mid-2025.

Property Type	Location	Price Range (MAD/m²)	Price Range (EUR/m²)
Apartments	Central Rabat	14,500 MAD/m²	€1,400/m²
Apartments	Premium areas (Hay Riad, Souissi)	23,000–25,000 MAD/m²	€2,200–€2,400/m²
Apartments	Salé (Aviation, Hay Salam)	6,000–8,000 MAD/m²	€580–€770/m²
Villas	Souissi standard areas	14,000–25,000 MAD/m²	€1,350–€2,400/m²
Villas	Souissi premium locations	Up to 36,000 MAD/m²	Up to €3,500/m²
Complete Villas	Premium districts	9.5–35 million MAD	€900K–€3.3M

Recent price trends show Rabat nominal prices increased by 0.2% in 2024, but fell by 0.7% in real terms when adjusted for inflation. Demand has softened with a 3.1% decline in transactions year-on-year.

Will property prices go up, down, or stay stable over the next 1-3 years?

Rabat-Salé property prices are expected to show moderate growth over the next 1-3 years.

Premium and well-connected neighborhoods like Souissi, Hay Riad, and Agdal are likely to see stable to slight price increases due to continued demand from expatriates and affluent locals.

Areas with ongoing infrastructure development and new projects will benefit from improved connectivity and modern amenities, supporting price appreciation.

However, older buildings in oversupplied areas, particularly in some parts of Salé, may experience price declines or stagnation as buyers prefer newer developments with better amenities.

Overall market conditions suggest prices will remain stable with selective growth in premium locations rather than across-the-board increases.

Is it smarter to buy or rent in Rabat-Salé, especially for expats?

The decision between buying and renting depends on your timeline and financial goals.

Buying advantages include long-term investment potential, rental income opportunities, and tax benefits for new constructions or properties in tourist zones. Property ownership also provides stability and the ability to customize your living space.

Buying disadvantages involve high upfront costs including notary fees, registration taxes, and agency fees, plus responsibility for maintenance and administrative complexity for foreigners.

Renting offers flexibility, lower initial costs, and no maintenance responsibility, making it ideal for expats unsure about their long-term plans.

For expats planning to stay long-term or seeking investment opportunities, buying becomes more attractive, especially given the potential for rental income of 6.68% average yields for apartments.

It's something we develop in our Morocco property pack.

How does Rabat-Salé's cost of living compare to other places?

Rabat-Salé offers significantly lower living costs compared to most Western cities.

The average cost of living in Rabat is $705 per month for one person and $1,992 for a family of four, including rent. This represents substantial savings compared to European or North American cities.

Compared to Saudi Arabia, living costs in Morocco are about 28-32% lower across all categories including housing, food, and transportation.

Within Morocco, Rabat is more expensive than smaller cities but generally less costly than Casablanca for property prices, though still offering better amenities and infrastructure than many regional alternatives.

The combination of lower costs and good infrastructure makes Rabat-Salé attractive for both retirees and working expatriates seeking quality of life at reasonable prices.

Which areas in Rabat-Salé are best for buying property?

The best areas for property investment depend on your budget and investment strategy.

Souissi represents the most prestigious option, featuring diplomatic residences and spacious properties with prices ranging from 14,000-36,000 MAD/m² for villas and 23,000-25,000 MAD/m² for apartments.

Hay Riad offers modern, dynamic living with business centers and contemporary developments, with apartment prices of 13,000-22,000 MAD/m² and villas ranging from 6-20 million MAD.

Agdal provides central, lively atmosphere near universities, making it attractive to students and young professionals with apartment prices of 12,000-18,000 MAD/m² and rapid appreciation potential.

For budget-conscious buyers, Yacoub El Mansour offers affordable options in an up-and-coming area with mixed residential and commercial development.

Aviation in Salé provides affordable entry points with future growth potential, while Hay Salam in Salé offers very affordable, family-friendly options close to the city center with improved infrastructure.

What's the actual process of buying property in Rabat-Salé?

The property buying process in Rabat-Salé follows a structured approach typically taking 2-4 months.

1. **Set your budget and criteria** - Determine property type, preferred location, and maximum budget including all fees2. **Open a Moroccan bank account** - Required for all transactions and potential mortgage payments 3. **Engage a notary** - Mandatory for all property transactions in Morocco4. **Search listings** - Use online portals like Properstar, Mubawab, and Agenz, or work with local agencies5. **View properties** - Arrange viewings through agents or directly with owners6. **Make an offer** - Once accepted, sign a preliminary contract and pay a deposit (typically 10%)7. **Legal checks** - Notary verifies title, conducts due diligence, and ensures clear ownership8. **Finalize purchase** - Sign final contract, pay remaining balance, and receive property keys

The timeline from accepted offer to completion typically ranges from 2-4 months, depending on financing and legal verification complexity.

Where can you find reliable listings and real estate agencies?

Several platforms and agencies serve the Rabat-Salé market effectively.

Online portals include Properstar, Mubawab, and Agenz, which offer comprehensive listings with detailed property information and photos.

Local agencies with strong reputations include Cobello in Agdal, Aykana in Hay Riad, and Immo Monte-Carlo, all offering professional services and market expertise.

Many agencies provide English-speaking support specifically for expatriate clients, understanding the unique needs and concerns of foreign buyers.

Working with established local agencies often provides access to off-market properties and insider knowledge about upcoming developments.

It's something we develop in our Morocco property pack.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Morocco versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

What can you actually buy with different budgets in Rabat-Salé?

Your budget determines both location options and property quality in Rabat-Salé.

Budget (EUR)	Neighborhood/Area	Property Type	What You Can Expect
€50,000	Salé (Aviation, Hay Salam)	Apartment	Small 1-2 bedroom apartment, older building, basic amenities
€100,000	Salé, some Rabat areas	Apartment	Modern 2-bedroom apartment or larger older property
€200,000	Rabat (Agdal, Yacoub El Mansour)	Apartment/Small Villa	3-bedroom apartment or small villa in up-and-coming area
€300,000+	Rabat (Hay Riad, Souissi)	Large Apartment/Villa	Large modern apartment or entry-level villa in premium area
€500,000+	Souissi, premium Hay Riad	Luxury Villa	Spacious villa with garden, modern amenities, prestigious location

Higher budgets unlock access to premium neighborhoods with better infrastructure, security, and amenities, while lower budgets still provide solid investment opportunities in developing areas.

What mistakes should you avoid when buying in Rabat-Salé?

Several common mistakes can cost buyers significantly in Rabat-Salé.

Skipping due diligence is the most costly error - always verify property ownership, legal status, and ensure clear title before proceeding with any transaction.

Underestimating total costs catches many buyers off-guard; budget for taxes, notary fees (typically 2-3%), agency fees (usually 2.5%), and ongoing maintenance expenses.

Ignoring local regulations can create legal problems - understand zoning restrictions, rental rules, and tax obligations before purchase.

Not hiring qualified professionals like reputable notaries and experienced real estate agents leaves buyers vulnerable to legal and financial issues.

Making emotional decisions rather than objective evaluations often leads to overpaying or choosing inappropriate locations for your needs and investment goals.

It's something we develop in our Morocco property pack.

How profitable are long-term and short-term rentals in Rabat-Salé?

Both rental strategies offer good returns in Rabat-Salé's current market.

Long-term rental demand remains strong in central Rabat, Agdal (attracting students and professionals), and Hay Riad (popular with expatriates and diplomats). Average rental yields for apartments reach 6.68% in Rabat.

Tenant profiles include university students, young professionals, expatriate workers, and diplomatic staff, providing diverse and stable rental demand.

Short-term rentals through Airbnb are legal with proper licensing and registration. Tourism recovery has driven occupancy rates to 58% by late 2024, with monthly earnings varying by location but proving lucrative in central areas.

Airbnb operators must obtain a tourist accommodation license, register their property, and comply with tax and safety regulations to operate legally.

Central locations near business districts, universities, and tourist attractions command the highest rental rates for both strategies.

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.

Sources

1. Agenz - New Real Estate Rabat
2. Sands of Wealth - Rabat-Salé Areas Guide
3. Aykana - Premium Neighborhoods Rabat 2025
4. Sands of Wealth - Real Estate Forecasts
5. Aykana - Souissi Villas Investment Guide
6. Global Property Guide - Morocco Price History
7. Les Villas de Myriam - Rent or Buy Morocco
8. Wise - Buying Property in Morocco
9. Orchid Island - Common Buying Mistakes Morocco
10. Living Cost - Rabat Cost of Living