Buying property and generally investing in Morocco is becoming more and more popular as the country offers great value for money, in a stunning location and all within a relatively close proximity to the UK.

You will find many Moroccan estate agents have bi-lingual staff who are used to dealing with British investors. This is just as important as them being reputable as you will need to be able to communicate clearly and directly when it comes to the type of property you are looking for and the budget you are able to spend. The agents will be very knowledgeable about particular areas that you want to look at and will be able to answer any questions you may have.

Investing money into Moroccan property is a fantastic way to look after your savings as there is no tax on any income from property for the first 5 years – this means you could rent your property out and make money. There is also a reciprocal tax agreement between Morocco and the UK which means when the time comes and you do have to pay tax, it can be offset against the liability you have in the UK.

The whole process of buying property in Morocco is very similar to the one in France – the country works on a notary system. This doesn’t mean however, that you don’t need to employ a lawyer or solicitor. It is always advisable to have a lawyer/solicitor in addition to the notary and this will ensure that the process runs smoothly and correctly. Your estate agent will be able to recommend reputable solicitors for you that have a wealth of experience.

The current VAT on Moroccan property is 14%, however this is usually included within the sale price – a good reason to offer lower than the asking price! Your estate agent will be able to advise on the sort of offer that may get accepted, and also be able to tell you whether the seller is in a hurry to sell or if the property has been on the market for a long time, all factors which can mean the property sells at a lower price that what is being asked.

The role of the estate agent in Morocco is much the same as anywhere in the world, however there are lots of companies within the UK which have links to agents in Morocco and they will be happy to recommend and put you in touch with somebody who can help you find your dream home.