Morocco is home British people looking to immerse themselves in a colourful culture and exotic lifestyle – not to mention a cheaper cost of living and warmer climate. There’s also the bonus of the country offering some interesting and affordable property available. Whilst moving abroad is bound to be stressful at times, what if you are moving abroad to a non-complete or run-down property? And by this I mean one which is in need of a lot of attention!

Renovation projects and DIY has always been popular with British people in the UK, and that love for ‘do it yourself’ is now extending to foreign countries too. Many people snap up derelict and aging properties for a very cheap price, renovate them and bring them back to life and then either enjoy living in them, rent them out or sell them for a profit. Whichever case applies to you there is one thing that you definitely should bear in mind, and that is the law.

Morocco is a very different country to the UK and there will be different rules and laws that apply to changing the structure of a property so if you are unsure or can’t find something out then it is important that you employ a solicitor to clarify things before you. If you go ahead without proper planning permission you will be told to take your extension down, or tear down a wall you have built…

Renovating property in Morocco should be fun. Riads, traditional town homes built around a courtyard, typically in Marrakech and Fez, are particularly popular for this and bringing one back to life should give you a great sense of satisfaction once complete. However, just be sure to have all the necessary planning permission from the local authorities before you begin any work.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a little professional help if you find that part of the renovation work is a little more complex than you first imagined. Builder services and labour charges are going to cost a lot less than they would in the UK, but if you don’t speak Arabic (or French) then it may be best to go by word of mouth from an expat to find a good builder.

Start your hunt for a home in Morocco here…
If you’re searching for a Moroccan property, a good place to start is the Morocco Buying Guide’s new property search facility. To start your search now visit
http://www.moroccobuyingguide.com/content/morocco-properties