Cost of Buying Property in Morocco: Taxes, Notary Fees and Hidden Costs (2026)
The price on the listing is not what you will pay. In Morocco, buyers should plan for around 6% to 7% of the price in purchase costs, plus possible bank and agency fees. Here is the full breakdown.
Purchase Costs Paid at the Notary
| Cost | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Registration duty (droits d’enregistrement) | Usually 4% of the price |
| Land registry (Conservation Foncière) | About 1.5% of the price, plus fixed fees |
| Notary fees | Often around 1% of the price |
| VAT on notary fees | 10% of the notary fees |
| Stamps, certificates, copies | A few thousand MAD |
Example for a 1,500,000 MAD Apartment
| Registration duty (4%) | 60,000 MAD |
| Land registry (1.5%) | 22,500 MAD |
| Notary fees (1%) | 15,000 MAD |
| VAT on notary fees | 1,500 MAD |
| Miscellaneous | about 2,000 MAD |
| Total | about 101,000 MAD (6.7%) |
Other Costs to Budget
- Agency fees: commonly a few percent of the price, often shared or negotiated.
- Bank fees: loan application fees, mortgage registration and borrower insurance.
- Valuation: some banks require an independent valuation.
- Moving in: utilities connection, furniture, renovations.
Yearly Costs of Owning
- Taxe d’habitation for the main home, based on the rental value (with an allowance for main residences).
- Taxe de services communaux for municipal services.
- Co-ownership (syndic) fees for apartments.
- Home insurance and maintenance.
When You Sell
Sellers pay tax on the real estate profit (taxe sur les profits immobiliers), generally 20% of the gain with a minimum contribution based on the sale price. Exemptions exist under conditions, for example for a main residence occupied for a sufficient period. Keep every purchase and renovation receipt to reduce the taxable gain.
Tips to Reduce Costs
- Negotiate agency fees before visiting.
- Compare borrower insurance offers.
- Check whether your purchase qualifies for state housing aid or reduced duties.
- Ask the notary for a written estimate of all fees in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays notary fees in Morocco, buyer or seller?
The buyer pays the purchase costs and notary fees, unless the contract says otherwise. The seller pays the tax on the profit.
Are purchase costs included in a mortgage?
Usually not. Banks expect the buyer to pay the fees from savings.
Do foreigners pay higher taxes when buying in Morocco?
No. Registration duty and land registry fees are the same for Moroccan and foreign buyers.
Read also: mortgage in Morocco for foreign buyers.
Buying, selling or renting in Casablanca? Contact Casablanca Estate to list your property or ask about a neighborhood.