Buying Property in Morocco from Abroad: The MRE Guide 2026

Land title or Melk: the difference that protects your money

A registered property has a land title recorded in the land register kept by the ANCFCC. This title states the owner, the boundaries, and any charges such as mortgages or easements. It is the safest system. An untitled property, often called Melk, rests on adoular deeds. It can be perfectly valid, but it does not state the topographic boundaries or all charges in the same way, which raises the risk of dispute.

For an expatriate buying at a distance, the rule of caution is simple: favor a registered property with a land title. If you target a Melk property for its attractive price, do it only with a notary who verifies the chain of ownership and clearly explains the risks.

The ANCFCC ownership certificate: your first check

Before paying anything, request the property's ownership certificate from the ANCFCC. It is the only document that shows, at a given moment, who owns the property and what encumbers it: mortgages, seizures, easements, oppositions. It is requested online, costs about 100 DH, and is usually obtained within a few days. Check that the name on the certificate matches the seller's, and that no charge blocks the sale. You can review the procedures on the ANCFCC website.

For land, also request the non-alienation check, which confirms the land is free of any restriction preventing its sale.

The notary's role, and the fees to expect

In Morocco, the property purchase deed goes through a drafter, a notary or an adoul. The notary does not just draft: they verify the title, check the charges, collect and remit on your behalf the taxes and duties owed to the State and the land administration, and secure the transfer. Their own fees are only a part of the total. In 2026, the notary's fees are around 1 to 1.5 percent of the price, to which are added taxes, registration duties and disbursements. Plan for these fees from the start so you are not surprised.

For an expatriate who cannot be present, a notarized power of attorney lets a trusted person sign in your name. Draw it up carefully and do it with a notary, never privately.

What an expatriate is allowed to buy

Morocco allows non-residents, individuals and companies, to acquire built property: apartments, houses, villas, offices, shops, as well as land with an urban purpose. On the other hand, the acquisition of agricultural land by foreigners is restricted. If a property is presented as agricultural, check its status before you commit, because it determines your right to buy.

Common traps for a remote buyer

Several traps come up often. Never hand money directly to the seller before the signing at the notary, route the funds through official channels. Be wary of an abnormally low price, especially on an untitled property. Do not rely on a mere copy of the land title held by the seller, because proof of ownership is the land register at the conservation, not the paper in a drawer. Check the seller's identity and its match with the ownership certificate. And if the seller pushes to close or refuses to go through the notary, stop everything.

Where to look, and how to move forward safely

On Tawadoo, you browse real estate listings by city, type and budget, compare offers and contact the seller directly. Give priority to listings with photos and video and a verified seller. For a serious purchase, the decisive step remains the legal check: the ANCFCC ownership certificate and the support of a notary. Tawadoo helps you find the property and make contact, and the legal securing is then done with the notary and the land administration.

Conclusion

Buying in Morocco from abroad is entirely feasible, provided you follow the right order: verify the property's status, request the ownership certificate from the ANCFCC, go through a notary, plan for the fees, and be wary of what seems too good. A good property purchase is not the cheapest, it is the one whose title is clear and whose transfer is secured. Take the time to verify, it protects the investment of a lifetime.

Frequently asked questions

What is the first thing to check before buying a property in Morocco?

The legal status: is the property registered with a land title, or untitled of the Melk type? A property with a land title is the safest. For a Melk property, have a notary verify the chain of ownership.

What is the ANCFCC ownership certificate and what is it for?

It is the official document that shows, at a given moment, who owns a registered property and what encumbers it, such as mortgages or seizures. It is requested online, costs about 100 DH and is obtained within a few days.

How much are notary fees for a property purchase in Morocco in 2026?

The notary's fees are around 1 to 1.5 percent of the price, to which are added taxes, registration duties and disbursements. Plan for all of these fees from the start.

Can an expatriate or foreigner buy any property in Morocco?

A non-resident can acquire built property such as apartments, houses and villas, as well as urban land. The acquisition of agricultural land by foreigners is restricted, so always check the property's status.

How do I buy safely if I cannot be in Morocco?

Draw up a notarized power of attorney for a trusted person, route the funds through official channels, and entrust the title check and the signing to a notary. Never hand over money before the deed is signed.