Notary fees in Morocco: how much to budget for a property purchase?

When you buy in Morocco, the listed price is not the final cost. People talk about “notary fees”, but most of these costs are actually taxes paid to the state. In total, plan for about 6 to 7.5% of the price for a home bought from a developer.

Purchase costs in detail

• Registration duties: 4% of the price (reduced rates exist for some social housing or land).
• Land registry: 1.5% of the price, plus fixed fees (ownership certificate, stamps).
• Notary fees: about 1% of the price according to the scale, plus 10% VAT.
• Sundries: stamps, copies, certifications, often MAD 1,500 to 3,000.

Example for an apartment at MAD 1,200,000

• Registration duties: MAD 48,000
• Land registry: about MAD 18,200
• Notary (1% + VAT): about MAD 13,200
• Sundries: about MAD 1,500
• Total: about MAD 80,900, i.e. close to 6.7% of the price

Get this calculation automatically for any price in our mortgage calculator: it shows the cost breakdown next to your monthly payment.

Who pays the notary fees?

In Morocco, purchase costs are paid by the buyer unless agreed otherwise. The seller pays any capital gains tax. Some developers advertise “notary fees included” offers: check exactly what is covered.

Can the bank finance the fees?

Rarely. Banks generally finance the property price, and fees come from your deposit. That is why a deposit of at least 7 to 10% of the price is recommended. More in our Morocco mortgage guide.

The notary’s role

The notary checks the property’s legal status, drafts the deed, holds the funds, pays the taxes and registers the sale with the land registry. They are your main safeguard: never sign an important contract without one.

Preparing a purchase? Describe your project: we look for properties that fit your budget, fees included. For the full process, read how to buy an apartment in Morocco.