Investing in real estate in Marrakech is an exciting decision, but it comes with costs to anticipate. Beyond the negotiated purchase price, notary fees represent a significant and mandatory expense. Understanding their composition and how they are calculated is essential for establishing an accurate budget and avoiding unpleasant surprises. In this article, we detail everything you need to know about notary fees for a purchase in Marrakech, guiding you towards a smooth transaction. To know the current value of a property in the ochre city, start with a free and immediate valuation.
What do "Notary Fees" in Marrakech include?
The term "notary fees" is commonly used, but in reality it covers several types of expenses. It mainly consists of registration and stamp duties, which are taxes collected by the state, and the notary's fees for their work. In Marrakech, as in all of Morocco, these fees are regulated. They include:
- Registration duties: This is the main tax on the transaction, the rate of which is set by law.
- Municipal Services Tax (TSC): a local tax that varies depending on the commune where the property is located.
- Land Registry fees: for registering the deed at the Land Registry (formerly the Property Registration Office).
- Notary's fees: remuneration for drafting the authentic deed, administrative procedures, and advice.
It is crucial to note that the vast majority of these amounts (registration duties, TSC) go to the state and local authorities, not to the notary themselves.
How are notary fees calculated for a purchase?
The calculation of notary fees in Marrakech is based on the value declared in the authentic deed of sale, which generally corresponds to the agreed purchase price. The different elements are applied according to progressive scales or fixed rates. Without providing invented figures, we can explain the logic:
- Registration duties are applied as a progressive percentage on the sale price. The higher the amount, the higher the rate applicable to the higher brackets may increase.
- The TSC is a fixed percentage applied on the same base amount.
- Notary's fees are also calculated on a regulated basis, with a regressive percentage depending on the property's value.
Important: These fees apply to the declared value of the property, not to personal funds or a loan amount. To anticipate this cost accurately based on your project, use our acquisition cost simulation tool which will give you a clear overview.
Factors influencing the amount in Marrakech
The total amount of notary fees is not uniform in Marrakech. It mainly depends on two factors:
1. The value of the property This is the determining factor. A luxury riad in the medina, a modern apartment in Guéliz, or a villa in a residential complex in the Palmeraie will have very different sale prices, and therefore proportionally different notary fees. The local market trend, which varies by neighborhood, directly impacts this calculation.
2. The precise location (the commune) The Municipal Services Tax (TSC) varies from one commune to another within the Marrakech prefecture. A property located in the urban commune of Marrakech-Médina will not be subject to the same rate as a property in an outlying commune. Your notary will automatically apply the rate in force at the exact address of the property.
Budget and practical advice for the buyer
How much to budget? It is imperative to include notary fees in your overall budget right from the start of your search. While we cannot provide an exact percentage, it is customary to say that these fees represent a significant amount that must be available in cash, as they generally cannot be financed by a bank loan. Once your project is targeted, ask your notary for a fee estimate or use a reliable simulator.
Our tips for an optimized transaction:
- Consult a notary as soon as the purchase offer is accepted: They can provide you with a detailed and personalized estimate of the fees and check the legal status of the property.
- Verify the declared value: It must reflect the real transaction price. Any under-declaration exposes you to legal and tax risks.
- Anticipate the necessary funds: Plan for the cash flow to pay these fees, in addition to your personal contribution and any agency fees.
- Have the property valued objectively: Before finalizing your offer, ensure the asking price is in line with the market. Evaluation.ma is the reference for a free valuation by comparables, giving you a solid basis for negotiation.
Conclusion: anticipate to purchase serenely in Marrakech
Notary fees are an unavoidable and standardized step in acquiring a property in Marrakech. By understanding their composition and anticipating them in your budget, you transform an administrative obligation into a simple formality. The key to a successful purchase lies in meticulous preparation, including a perfect understanding of the value of the desired property.
Do not let uncertainty about fees or the property's value hinder your project. Evaluation.ma, the reference for real estate valuation in Morocco, offers you the perfect tool to start on solid ground. Get a reliable and free valuation of your future purchase in Marrakech now and approach the notarial steps with complete peace of mind.