Moroccan Real Estate Glossary - Complete Guide to Terms and Expressions
Understanding the vocabulary of real estate in Morocco before buying or investing
Investing in property in Marrakech and other Moroccan cities requires a thorough understanding of the specific terms used in the local market. Whether it's for buy a flat, sell a villa, or get a property valuationKnowing these concepts is essential for avoiding mistakes, negotiating the best deal and securing your property investment. This glossary contains definitions of the most common expressions, as well as terms specific to Moroccan land law and real estate practices.
A
Deed of sale
A legal document that formalises the property transaction between the seller and the buyer. In Morocco, this deed must be notarised.
Use of the asset
The intended use of a property (residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural).
Anah
Agence nationale de l'habitat, involved in certain urban renewal programmes.
Planning permission
Permit issued by the local authority allowing the construction or renovation of a property.
B
Lease
Contract between a landlord and a tenant defining the terms of the tenancy (duration, rent, obligations of the parties, etc.).
Property
Term used to describe any property, whether built (flat, house, villa) or unbuilt (land).
C
Land registry
Official register listing the land and property in a given area, specifying its surface area and its owner.
Deposit
A sum of money paid by a tenant to cover any outstanding payments or damage to the rented property.
Certificate of ownership
Official document proving ownership of a property registered with the Agence Nationale de la Conservation Foncière.
D
Dahir
Royal Decree with the force of law, which governs certain rules relating to property ownership.
Right of pre-emption
Priority right of purchase granted to certain persons or entities (State, municipality, co-owners, tenants) before a property is put up for sale.
F
Land
All matters relating to land and property.
Notary fees
All the taxes and fees payable to the notary for authenticating the deed of sale. In Morocco, these fees vary between 5 and 8 % of the purchase price.
H
Habous (Waqf)
Inalienable property, often used for religious or social purposes, administered by a public body.
I
Property market index
Assessment of property price trends in a given region or city.
L
Law 18-00
Legislation governing co-ownership in Morocco, defining the management rules for apartment blocks.
Law 25-90
Planning Act defining zoning and land-use planning rules.
M
Melkia (Vena Melk)
Traditional Moroccan land title, often not registered with the Land Registry, certifying ownership of a property according to customary practices.
Land transfer
Change of ownership of a property, requiring official registration.
N
Information note
Document issued by the Land Registry providing information on the legal status of a property, in particular existing mortgages or easements.
P
Development plan
Document defining the planning rules for a given area (zoning, type of construction permitted, green spaces, etc.).
Urban perimeter
Area delimited by the local authorities defining the limits of urban development.
R
Land requisition
Procedure whereby the State or a local authority reclaims a property for a project of public interest.
Closed residence
A secure building complex with shared services, widely used in Marrakech, Casablanca and Rabat.
S
Easement
Right granted to a person or entity over another person's property (right of way, drain, view, etc.).
Soukna
Authorisation to use a property, sometimes temporary, granted in accordance with Moroccan Islamic or legal rules.
T
Mortgage rate
Interest rate applied to property loans granted by Moroccan banks.
Land title
Official document proving legal ownership of a property, registered with the Land Registry.
U
Town planning
Set of rules and laws governing the planning and development of towns and rural areas.
V
Market value
Price at which a property could be sold on the market depending on its condition and demand.
Sale before completion (VEFA)
A system of buying property off-plan, common in Morocco, enabling you to acquire a property before it is built.
Non-agricultural use (VNA)
Administrative procedure for converting agricultural land into building land, essential for any property development in rural areas.
Mastering real estate vocabulary for successful investment in Morocco
Understanding these terms is essential for buy, sell or rent a property in Marrakech and other Moroccan cities. Proper use of this glossary will enable you toavoid legal and administrative pitfalls, optimise investments and negotiate transactions more effectively. If you wish to appraise a property, obtain property financing or simply find out about the opportunities on the Moroccan marketContact our experts to benefit from personalised support and make your property project a success with complete peace of mind.
