Notary Fees & Property Purchase Costs in Morocco (2026)
Capital Parc · 20 juin 2026 · 2 min read
Beyond the listed price, budget 6–8% in fees (excluding agency commission). Here is every item detailed, with a worked example on a 2,000,000 MAD property.
In 30 seconds: beyond the purchase price, budget around 6–8% in fees (excluding agency commission): registration duty (~4%), land registry (~1.5%), notary fees (~0.5–1% + VAT) and stamps. Agency commission (~2.5%) is on top, sometimes paid by the seller. All payments go through the notary.
Why the listed price is not the final cost
Buying property in Morocco involves acquisition costs on top of the sale price. They cover registering the transaction, recording it in the land registry, and the notary's legal safeguards. Anticipating them avoids a surprise at signing.
The cost breakdown (indicative, 2026)
| Item | Indicative amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Registration duty | ~4% of price (residential) | State |
| Land registry (transfer + ownership certificate) | ~1.5% | ANCFCC |
| Notary fees | ~0.5–1% + VAT (10% on fees) | Notary |
| Stamps & file fees | modest fixed amount | various |
| Agency commission | ~2.5% (negotiable, sometimes seller-side) | Agency |
Rates are indicative: they vary by property type (residential, land, new-build VEFA) and should be confirmed with your notary.
Worked example: an apartment at 2,000,000 MAD
- Registration duty (4%): 80,000 MAD
- Land registry (~1.5%): ~30,000 MAD
- Notary fees (~1% + VAT): ~22,000 MAD
- Stamps & file: ~a few thousand MAD
- Total fees (excl. commission): ~130,000 to 160,000 MAD, i.e. ~6.5 to 8%.
Add ~2.5% agency commission if it is on you. A comfortable total budget is therefore close to 8–10% on top of the price.
New-build (VEFA): sometimes lighter taxation
For new housing sold off-plan (VEFA), some schemes reduce or partially exempt the duties, and VAT may apply differently. Check the programme's eligibility with the developer and notary.
And on resale: capital gains
On resale, the profit is subject to the Real Estate Profits Tax (TPI), generally ~20% of the net profit, with a minimum based on the sale price. Exemptions exist, notably for a primary residence held several years. Keep all your renovation invoices: they reduce the taxable profit.
The notary's role
In Morocco, the notary (or the adoul for certain deeds) secures the transaction: verifies the land title, checks there is no mortgage, escrows the funds, drafts the deed and registers it in the buyer's name. Their fees are part of the costs above.
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Disclaimer: general information current as of 2026. Tax rates and rules change — have your notary produce a precise statement before signing.
FAQ
What are the property purchase costs in Morocco? Around 6–8% of the price excluding agency commission: registration duty (~4%), land registry (~1.5%), notary fees (~0.5–1% + VAT) and stamps.
Who pays the agency commission? It is about 2.5% and is negotiable; depending on the case it falls on the buyer, the seller, or is shared.
Is there a tax on resale? Yes, the Real Estate Profits Tax (TPI), generally ~20% of the net profit, with possible exemptions (primary residence held several years).
