Just the fact that you’re reading this page suggests you already know that Morocco is probably the single best place to invest in property at the moment.
As a lifestyle choice buying a property in Morocco may be the best move you’ll ever make. All those classic reasons for purchasing abroad still exist in Morocco – 300 days of sunshine each year, fabulous unspoiled beaches and a relaxed dreamy lifestyle all for a fraction of the cost of the usual destinations.
Here are some facts about Morocco:

• Morocco was a protectorate of France between 1912 and 1956
• Mohammed VI is Morocco’s young, progressive King
• The capital city is Rabat
• Other major cities are Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes and Tangier
• The official language is Arabic
• English, French & Spanish are widely spoken in northern coastal regions
• Morocco’s currency is the Dirham (MAD)

Interestingly enough, these customs are simply forms of politeness. It is not necessary to follow them and no offence will be caused if you don’t – but if you do, you may just be rewarded by a heartwarming smile

SHOPPING AND HAGGLING IN MOROCCO

Morocco is developing very quickly into a modern country which means that large Tesco style supermarkets are located in most major towns. If you like to nip in and pick up your weekly shop, it can be done very easily in such places. On the other hand, those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of the traditional Medinawill take delight in haggling over every last dirham for the best possible bargain on fresh fish, succulent fruit or vegetables, pottery, furniture, clothes or shoes. Everything is available at a good price – but remember to haggle for a bargain. It is customary for the vendor to ask for an inflated price when first discussing an article. It would be frowned upon to pay the first price asked of you. The joy of shopping in Morocco is the joy of bargaining, both for the vendor and for yourself. If you have the patience to play your part in the pantomime for 15 minutes you should reasonably expect to obtain the item for around 40% less than the original asking price.

THE KING OF MOROCCO

Since coming to power in 1999 King Mohammed VI has been a force for change in the country. Already his whirlwind reforms and ambitious plans have begun to take root, opening the doors to new prosperity only dreamed of 10 years ago. The King is hugely popular amongst the Moroccan people, he has galvanised the whole country to join in with his vision to an extent which would be unimaginable inEurope. There is a general buzz in the atmosphere of Morocco which is strangely contagious, everyone seems to be pulling together to make the King’s vision into a reality.

• 10 million tourists to be attracted annually by 2010
  [This is already becoming a reality – tourist figures have jumped from 4.2m to 7m]
• $10 Billion to be invested in infrastructure
  [Again, this is already underway with miles upon miles of new motorways and railways including high speed trains and airport improvements already completed]
• 6 New luxury coastal resorts
  [Construction is already in progress]
• “Open Skies” policy encouraging flights from all over Europe
  [Easyjet now fly daily to Marakech  and Tangier. Meanwhile Ryanair have signed a 5 year deal to open up 20 new routes]
• Facilitating foreign property investment to further boost the economy
  [Morocco’s tax advantages and superb lifestyle have already created a property boom, gathering pace as the months go by. Conservative reports of 15% increases in property values have emerged. The actual figure may be closer to 30%].