Can foreigners get a mortgage in Morocco?
Investing in Marrakech is an exciting journey, but navigating the local financing landscape requires knowledge. Mortgages are accessible through various commercial banks in Morocco, though the lending environment remains conservative. You do not need to be a resident of Morocco to apply, and all nationalities are eligible. For Moroccan citizens living abroad (MREs), financing is significantly more accessible with dedicated banking packages.
Here is what you need to know to secure a mortgage in Morocco today.
Core Eligibility & Property Types
- Freehold Only: Banks will only consider financing properties with a Freehold Title Deed (Titre Foncier). Properties held under Melkia (traditional deeds) or those in the process of being titled (Requisition) are generally ineligible for bank finance.
- Residential Focus: Financing is primarily available for private residential properties. Most banks will not provide mortgages for purely commercial concerns like hotels, restaurants, or active guesthouses (Maisons d’Hôtes). However, it is often possible to convert a residential property into a commercial business after the purchase is complete.
- Riad Specifics: Some banks, such as Bank of Africa, now offer specialized products (e.g., “Immo Plus Riad”) specifically tailored for non-residents looking to purchase traditional homes in the Medina.
The Financing Process
- Bank valuation: Banks determine loan amounts based on an independent surveyor’s valuation, not the agreed purchase price. Because these official appraisals are often more conservative than current market rates, you must be prepared to cover any difference between the bank’s evaluation and the actual sale price with your own funds.
- Promise of Sale: The bank will require a notarized Promise of Sale (Compromis de Vente) to lead the process.
- Timeline: From your initial application to the final transfer of funds to the Notary, you can expect a timeline between 8 and 12 weeks. It is vital to inform your real estate agent during negotiations that you are seeking finance, as this timeline is longer than a cash purchase and less attractive for sellers.
- Physical Presence: You must physically attend the lending bank’s offices in Morocco to sign the final mortgage agreement.
Realistic Lending Expectations
While it’s possible to find “up to 50%” advertised, for a foreign non-resident, the lending environment in 2026 is conservative.
- Loan-to-Value: A realistic expectation for a mortgage is 30% to 40% of the bank’s estimated value. Successful investors should plan to bring at least 60% to 70% of the purchase price in cash, plus an additional 7-8% to cover notary fees, registration duties, and taxes.
- Foreign Income: You must prove a stable income in a “hard currency” (EUR, USD, GBP, etc.). Repayments are made via a convertible Dirham account.
- Life Insurance: Most Moroccan lenders require you to take out their specific life insurance policy for the duration of the loan.
- Current Rates: As of mid-2026, interest rates for non-residents hover between 4.5% and 5.5% per annum.
Expert Recommendations
Navigating Moroccan banking can be complex. We recommend consulting with a specialized mortgage broker who can often negotiate better rates and faster processing times than a direct walk-in. Please note that mortgage brokers typically charge an additional percentage of the granted loan amount, which becomes payable upon the client’s signing of the loan offer.
Bosworth Property Marrakech is happy to introduce you to reliable and experienced brokers to ensure your purchase is as smooth as possible. Send as an email at contact@bosworthpropertymarrakech.com if you have any more questions!