Yes — foreigners can buy property in Marrakech outright, in their own name, with full freehold ownership. There is no nationality restriction, no residency requirement and no need to set up a Moroccan company for a standard home. The one rule that matters: buy only property that carries a Titre Foncier (registered land title), and run every purchase through a Moroccan notaire. This guide walks you through what you can buy, the step-by-step process, the real costs and taxes, how to move money in and out legally, where to buy, the rental returns to expect, and how ownership relates to residency.
Can foreigners legally own property here?
Foreigners have the same ownership rights as Moroccans on titled urban property — apartments, villas and riads — held freehold and indefinitely. The only meaningful restriction is on land classified as “agricultural vocation”, which needs a special derogation. Read the full rules on foreign ownership and the Titre Foncier →
How does the buying process work?
The path is: choose the property, confirm the title number, appoint a notaire, verify the title and liens, sign the compromis de vente (with a ~10% deposit held in escrow), transfer funds, sign the final acte de vente, pay taxes and register the sale. Expect two to four months end to end. See the step-by-step buying process →
What will it cost me?
Budget 6–8% of the price in closing costs (registration duty around 4%, notary fees, land-registry charges and stamps). Then there are annual property taxes, a 20% capital-gains tax on resale, and tax on rental income. Full breakdown of costs and taxes →
How do I finance it and get my money back out?
Non-residents can obtain a Moroccan mortgage (typically 50–60% loan-to-value). Crucially, transfer your funds through a Moroccan bank and declare the investment, so you keep the right to repatriate your capital — plus gains — when you sell. How mortgages, currency and repatriation work →
Where should I buy?
Riads in the Medina for authenticity and short-let income; villas in the Palmeraie, Hivernage and Guéliz for space, comfort and security; apartments in Guéliz for lock-up-and-leave simplicity. Compare the best areas: riads vs villas →
What rental returns are realistic?
Well-run short-lets in central Marrakech achieve gross yields of roughly 8–14%, highest in the Medina — but net returns sit lower once management, commissions and seasonality are accounted for. Realistic rental yields and Airbnb ROI →
Does buying give me residency?
No — ownership alone doesn’t grant residency, but it strengthens a retirement or long-stay application and provides proof of accommodation. Residency and retiring in Marrakech →
Talk to a local agency
Dar Koutoubia is a Marrakech-based agency guiding local and international buyers through titled purchases, from viewings to the notaire’s office. Contact us →