Before purchasing property in Morocco, it’s essential to conduct thorough due diligence through a licensed “Notaire”. This includes obtaining property registration from the Agence Nationale de Consérvation Foncière et du Cadastre, known as a “Titre Foncière,” which verifies legitimate ownership. Additionally, securing a zoning report from the Agence Urbaine, called a “note de renseignements,” is crucial as it outlines the design regulations, such as size and height restrictions.
It is also important to ask for the authorization documents for any existing buildings on the property.
Once the property is acquired, you can hire an architect to create the design and permit plans. Depending on the project’s complexity, you might also need to engage engineers (bureau d’études). After the design is finalized, the architect will file for a building permit.
The approval process for building permits can vary, taking anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the project’s complexity. The city will review the project and may request modifications before granting approval.
Once approved, there are additional administrative steps to follow during the construction process, which will be covered in another article.