Raphaël Masson

March 3, 2025

Buying a villa in Marrakech: A complete guide in 5 steps to make your project a reality

Why invest in buying a villa in Marrakech?

An attractive and growing real estate market

Buying a beautiful villa in Marrakech is attracting more and more national and international investors. The Red City is now a leading destination for luxury real estate, with a growing demand for exceptional properties offering a unique living environment.

The market remains dynamic thanks to several factors: Stable economic growth, real estate regulations favorable to foreign investors and prices that are still competitive compared to major international cities

Prices of villas in Marrakech vary according to location and services. For example: A prestigious villa in the Palmeraie of Marrakech can reach 30,000 MAD/m² while a contemporary villa with pool on the road to Ouarzazate is traded at around 20,000 MAD/m².

An exceptional living environment between luxury and tradition

Marrakesh offers an exceptional living environment, combining luxury and authenticity. Whether for a main residence, a vacation home or a rental investment, the city seduces thanks to several criteria:

  • A sunny climate all year round
  • A diversified real estate offer between contemporary villas with pools and traditional luxury homes
  • Refined gastronomy and high-end infrastructures

Recently in Marrakesh, I visited a magnificent villa of 400 m² with large pool and private garden just 20 minutes from Marrakech. The combination of modern design and traditional Moroccan materials convinced me that the city is an ideal destination for investing in luxury real estate.

The most popular districts of Marrakech: Palmeraie, Amelkis, Guéliz and more

The choice of neighborhood is a determining criterion in buying a villa or a house in Marrakech. Here are the most sought after areas in Marrakech:

  • Marrakech palm grove : Known for its sumptuous villas, it offers peace and greenery just 20 minutes from downtown Marrakech.
  • Amelkis : High-standing secure domain, ideal for a luxury villa with golf and breathtaking views of the Atlas.
  • Guéliz and the center of Marrakech : Modern neighborhoods, perfect for a main residence or a rental investment.
  • Fez road, Ouarzazate road, Amizmiz road, Casablanca road : These expanding areas offer beautiful properties or houses with large pools and an exceptional living environment.

Example: Recently, a buyer hesitated between a prestigious 320 m² villa on the road to Fez and a 400 m² property on the road to Casablanca. After analysis, we opted for the road to Fez, offering a better compromise between calm and accessibility.

Step 1 — Define your criteria for a luxury villa in Marrakech

Surface and type of property: 150 m², 250 m², 250 m², 320 m², 530 m² and more

Before buying, it is essential to determine the ideal surface area of your future villa:

  • 150 m² - 250 m²: Perfect for a first real estate investment or a second home.
  • 320 m² - 530 m²: Offers more space for a family, with several rooms and a pool.
  • 1000 m² and more: Ideal for a luxury property with park, tennis court and stable.

The ideal location for a beautiful villa: Fez Road, Ouarzazate Road, Amizmiz Road, Casablanca Road

The choice of the neighborhood is strategic to ensure good profitability and a pleasant living environment. Each district offers different services and types of villas:

  • Road to Fez : Ideal for a contemporary villa with pool in a secure residence.
  • Ouarzazate road : Quiet neighborhood with beautiful properties and green surroundings.
  • Amizmiz road : Popular for its luxury villas with golf and panoramic views.
  • Casablanca road : Excellent compromise between proximity to the city center and a prestigious residential area.

High-end services: Large pool, luxurious bathroom, tennis and private park

Services influence the value of a luxury villa in Marrakech. Among the equipment sought:

  • Heated pool with pool house.
  • Luxurious bathroom with jacuzzi and Italian shower.
  • Private park with tennis court and landscaped garden.

Villa sales with these benefits can go very quickly because the demand is high. It is therefore necessary to be able to position yourself quickly.

Example : In a recent transaction, a buyer was able to negotiate a 7% discount on a villa thanks to the absence of a centralized air conditioning system. Remember to check these details during visits.

Step 2 — Find the perfect villa in Marrakech

Where to find Specialized ads, agencies and networks

Online ads

Online platforms like Avito, Mubawab or Logic-Immo are a good starting point to get an overview of the sales market in Marrakech. They allow you to:

  • Compare prices by neighborhood in Marrakech.
  • See trends in properties for sale via online ads.
  • Identify opportunities before contacting an agency.

Tip : Some ads may be out of date or not very detailed. It is recommended to check the credibility of the sellers and to ask for site visits.

Specialized real estate agency

If you are looking for a high-end villa with exclusive services, going through a specialized real estate agency is often the best solution.

  • Access to off-market villa sales not published on the platforms.
  • Legal support and market expertise.
  • Negotiation facilitated thanks to a professional in the sector.

Tip : Working with a reputable agency allows you to avoid unpleasant surprises and to access exclusive properties in popular neighborhoods such as Amelkis, La Palmeraie or Guéliz.

Private networks and recommendations

Finally, one of the best ways to find a luxury villa in Marrakech is word of mouth. Some of the best investments are made through private sales, where villa sales are offered directly to potential buyers without being published.

  • Notaries and lawyers specializing in real estate can refer you to properties for sale.
  • Expatriates and local entrepreneurs can share reliable contacts.
  • Private events and clubs are also places where exclusive properties are offered.

Luxury villas in residence or in a private domain?

Whether you opt for a luxury villa in residence or in a private domain, each has different advantages.

One exceptional villa in Marrakech in residence will offer you a secure space, a swimming pool in the residence and high-end services. This type of villa is highly sought after by foreigners looking for a second home.

One Villa in private domain will offer you more space, more privacy. You will enjoy a magnificent and peaceful setting with exclusive services.

Contemporary villas with pools and traditional luxury homes?

In terms of style, you will have the choice between modern villas and traditional villas.

Les modern villas in Marrakech represent a significant portion of sales in the region. They offer a refined design, large surfaces with several rooms. In the majority of cases, these villas will allow you to enjoy a magnificent swimming pool. The materials offered are top-of-the-range.

In the traditional villas you will find a Moroccan character that will immerse you in the culture of the country. You can find in this type of house magnificent patios that make up the Moroccan charm and materials such as handmade zelliges.

Step 3 — Evaluate the property before buying

Analysis of the living environment and amenities

Before buying a villa in Marrakech, it is essential to assess your environment and its amenities. A pleasant living environment not only influences the quality of life, but also the future value of the property.

  • Safety and accessibility : Verify the presence of secure residences, guards and surveillance cameras.
  • Proximity to amenities : Supermarkets, international schools, clinics, and shopping centers should be easily accessible.
  • Neighborhood quality : A quiet and well-maintained neighborhood ensures a better valuation of your property.

Example : A buyer was hesitating between a villa in the Palmeraie and another on the road to Fez. After analysis, the first option offered more amenities nearby, a decisive advantage in her choice.

Compare the areas and services: 220 m², 300 m², 300 m², 400 m², 8000 m²...

The surface area of a villa influences its price and its development potential.

  • 220 m² - 300 m² : Ideal for a second home or a rental investment.
  • 400 m² - 800 m² : offers superior comfort, often with a large pool and a private garden.
  • 8000 m² and more : Exceptional property with tennis court, wooded park and space for stables.

Tip : Always compare several villas similar in terms of m² with swimming pool, services and location to ensure a good quality/price ratio.

Villas in the city center and villas outside Marrakech: what are the advantages?

The choice between a villa in the city center and a property on the outskirts depends on your lifestyle:

🏙 Downtown (Guéliz, Hivernage, Semlalia) ✔ Immediate proximity to shops, restaurants and schools. ✔ Strong rental demand and excellent profitability. ❌ Less outdoor space and higher prices.

🌿 Periphery (Palmeraie, Amizmiz road, Ouarzazate road) ✔ Larger areas, quiet and luxurious surroundings. ✔ Possibility of having a large garden, swimming pool and private park. ❌ Need for a vehicle to access amenities. Allow about 20 minutes to reach the center of Marrakech.

Example : An investor looking for a villa to rent on Airbnb preferred a 300 m² luxury villa in the city center, guaranteeing a better rental return.

Step 4 — Negotiate and finance the purchase of your villa

How to estimate the fair price of a property in Marrakech?

Before making an offer, it is crucial to analyze the local real estate market:

  • Compare prices per m² in the targeted neighborhoods.
  • Assess the condition of the property and the possible work to be done.
  • Check recent sales of similar villas.

Tip : A buyer managed to negotiate a 10% discount on a beautiful villa with pool after highlighting the necessary renovation work.

The role of luxury real estate agencies and experts

Working with a agency specialized in luxury real estate offers several advantages. These agencies know the field by heart. They can allow you to access goods that are not yet for sale on sites for example. They will also allow you to save precious time because you will only visit what meets your criteria. In addition, the agencies will help you with legal and notarial procedures as well as in the negotiation of the property. This will allow you to pay for your property at the right price.

Tip : A real estate agent recently helped a client get a discount of 500,000 MAD by arguing on the development potential of the property.

Financing: banking options and alternative solutions

If you are financing your purchase with a mortgage, here are some details to know:

  • Moroccan banks require a contribution of 20 to 30% of the price of the property.
  • Interest rates vary between 4% and 6% depending on the buyer's profile.
  • A mortgage is possible if you own another property.

Alternative : Some buyers prefer to go through a private investor or finance in several installments.

Example : A French investor secured a mortgage in euros, which allowed him to obtain a more advantageous rate than in Morocco.

Step 5 — Finalize the purchase and move into your luxury villa

Administrative and notary formalities in Marrakech

Buying a villa in Marrakech requires several important legal steps:

  • Land title check : Make sure the property is free of any encumbrances.
  • Signature of the sales agreement with security deposit (generally 10% of the price of the property).
  • Going to the notary for the final bill of sale and the payment of registration fees.

Tip : Always ensure that the villa has a valid building permit to avoid any future disputes.

Works and installations: optimizing space and services

Many buyers prefer to buy a property with construction work, which allows them to negotiate the purchase price. They can then arrange this property to their liking. This also allows your villa to improve and gain in prestige, which will allow you to sell more if you ever have to resell.

You can also carry out work to increase the comfort of your villa in Marrakech. Here are some ideas for services:

  • Add a heated pool or spa area.
  • Create a landscape space with a Moroccan inspired pergola and garden.
  • Install a home automation system for intelligent villa management.

Example : A buyer increased the value of his property by 20% by completely renovating the bathroom and kitchen with high-end materials.

Integrate into local life: shops, schools and services

Once installed at Marrakesh you will finally be able to discover the best addresses and local infrastructures:

  • International schools: American School of Marrakech, Victor Hugo High School.
  • Shopping centers: Menara Mall, Eden Square.
  • Restaurants and activities: Rooftops, spas, prestigious golf courses.

These addresses and infrastructures will allow you to appreciate the charm of life in Marrakech and to feel integrated into this magnificent city.

Example : A recently settled expatriate joined a private golf club to meet other local investors and entrepreneurs.

Conclusion: Why buy a villa in Marrakech?

By following these steps and tips, you are now ready to make your purchase of a villa in Marrakech a reality and to take full advantage of your new property. Whether you are looking for a prestigious villa to live in or a high-end rental investment, Marrakesh offers exceptional potential in terms of profitability and quality of life.

Why invest now?

  • A rapidly expanding market, with a strong demand for luxury villas.
  • An incomparable living environment between luxury, sun and Moroccan culture.
  • A popular destination for vacation rentals and second homes.

Congratulations! You now have all the keys in hand to succeed in buying real estate in Marrakech. All you have to do is take the plunge and enjoy your new dream villa!