Moroccans abroad: making the most of property fairs and summer

Every year, property fairs aimed at Moroccans living abroad are held in several European cities and in Morocco, and summer, with the Marhaba operation that supports Moroccans’ return home, brings intense commercial activity. These moments let you see many developments in a short time. They also call for some distance so as not to sign under pressure.

What a fair offers

Meeting several developers and banks in one place, comparing developments in different cities, getting brochures, plans and sometimes commercial terms reserved for visitors. The banks present can review an initial loan application. It is an excellent shortlisting tool.

Questions to ask at a stand

How to make the most of it

Prepare your budget and criteria before going. Always ask for the description of works, the price including VAT, the payment schedule, the completion or refund guarantee, the building permit and the planned handover date. Get commercial terms in writing. Then compare calmly, and visit the site or neighbourhood during your stay in Morocco.

Not signing in a rush

An “offer valid today only” should not make you sign a contract or pay an advance without checks. For off-plan purchases, the reservation deposit is capped at 5% of the price and must be paid within a written framework. Have the contract reviewed by your notary before any commitment.

A worked example

At a fair abroad, Samira shortlists three developments in Tangier and obtains a “fair” discount. She asks for the descriptions, payment schedules and guarantees, then compares at home. In July, she visits the sites, chooses the most advanced development and signs at her notary’s, keeping the discount in writing.

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The steps

1. Set your budget and criteria before the fair.
2. Collect descriptions, prices and schedules.
3. Have commercial terms put in writing.
4. Compare calmly.
5. Visit on site before signing.

Your checklist

• Budget set.
• Documents collected.
• Terms in writing.
• Developments compared.
• Site visited.

Mistakes to avoid

• Signing on the same day.
• Comparing prices with and without VAT.
• Not visiting the project site.

Practical tip

Before any decision, write the figures of your project on a single page: price, costs, deposit, the instalment you can afford and how long you plan to keep the property. This simple summary makes it easier to compare offers and saves time with the lender or the notary. Always ask for the conditions in writing, compare at least two offers and keep every document and every transfer. If you have doubts about any point, ask before signing, not after: an ABRAJ advisor can help you gather the documents and see the full picture before you commit.

Further reading

To go further, read buying in summer and checking a developer, then the reservation contract. See also the completion guarantee and visiting a show apartment, as well as avoiding scams. For a specific project, describe it to an advisor.