Buying New Property in Morocco: 10 Checks Before Reservation and Signing
VEFA / off-plan purchase in Morocco: reservation contract, withdrawal rights, completion and refund guarantees, deadlines, payments, Article 95 tax certificate, delivery. The 10 essential checks before signing.
Why Is Buying Off-Plan in Morocco Risky?
Buying a new property off-plan (VEFA - Vente en l'Etat Futur d'Achèvement) in Morocco is attractive: competitive prices, modern construction, personalization possibilities. But it requires particular vigilance, as you are committing to a property that does not yet exist. Here are the 10 essential checks to protect yourself.
Check 1: The Developer's Legal Status
Before any commitment, verify that the developer is properly registered with the Professional Chamber of Real Estate Promoters and has a valid registration number. Request their latest annual balance sheet and check for any ongoing legal proceedings.
Check 2: Building Permit and Land Ownership
Insist on seeing the valid building permit issued by the municipality and the title deed (title) or long-term lease for the land. Without these documents, the project is illegal.
Check 3: The Reservation Contract
The reservation contract must specify: exact area (habitable and total), floor, orientation, parking included, price and payment schedule, delivery date and penalties for delay.
Check 4: Your Right of Withdrawal
Moroccan law grants you a right of withdrawal period to reconsider. Verify this period in your contract and be sure you understand the conditions for exercising it.
Check 5: The Completion Guarantee
Ask a qualified professional to check the guarantees required for your specific contract, who provides them, their scope and how to invoke them. Do not assume that a reference to a guarantee covers every risk.
Check 6: The Refund Guarantee
In case of project abandonment, the refund guarantee allows you to recover all sums paid. This guarantee is separate from the completion guarantee.
Check 7: Payment Schedule
Payments must be tied to construction progress, not arbitrary dates. A typical schedule: 5% at reservation, 10% at foundation, 15% at structural work, etc. Never pay more than construction progress justifies.
Check 8: Article 95 Tax Certificate
Article 95 of the General Tax Code requires that new property sellers obtain a tax attestation before signing the final deed. This attestation certifies that the developer has no unpaid tax debts. It is mandatory.
Check 9: Delivery Conditions
The delivery protocol must detail: the snag list procedure, time limits for corrective work, and performance guarantees. Be present at delivery and sign nothing under pressure.
Check 10: Notarized Final Deed
The final deed must be signed before a notary. Never accept a simple private contract as final title. The notarized deed is the only legal proof of ownership in Morocco.
Conclusion
Buying off-plan in Morocco offers great opportunities but requires rigorous verification. DARWEB connects you with certified professionals who guide you through each step of your purchase.