Investing in Morocco

Morocco has recently seen a surge in foreign investment when it comes to the real estate market. Not only is the Moroccan real estate market offering the investors with prices half the amount when compared to the cities in Europe, certain policies like tax free rentals etc are making Morocco a hot spot amongst investors.

The recent consensus has shown that the real estate market in Morocco is slowly but steadily expanding, while many schemes offered by the government are boosting the market further. This is correct time for all the investors interested in morocco real estate to invest in the properties. As the tourism industry grows in morocco, what with the open skies policy and Plan Azure Vision 2010, the prices and rates of the properties in morocco are bound to increase by manifold. Timely investment will ensure that investors reap huge benefits and profits from their investments in the Moroccan properties. The real estate market will grow over 15% per annum, while the earnings and yields are bound to touch the double figures in percentage.

While the properties are still ample and prices within reach, investing now will definitely be the smartest thing to do. Experts predict that the prices in the real estate of morocco will see a continuous rise for the next four to five years, before slowing down in growth. At present it is estimated that a two or three bedroom apartment would cost you around 150,000 EUR, while a three bedroom villa can be bagged for 245,000 EUR approximately. Meanwhile, for those seeking for buying apartments, a square meter of area can be had for as low as EUR800. Last one year has seen the prices rise by almost 75%.

Even though the world is facing a big slump in economy and real estate markets especially, morocco is not affected by it at all. While the economy still faces a steady rise, the real estate markets are also becoming stronger by the day. Further, for investors, the new schemes promoted and more liberalized tax systems have ensured the rising interest of foreign investors in morocco.

Rental income in morocco has been exempted from all taxes for 5 years, while the investor does not require paying for the capital gains by selling a property after 10 years of its buy. Besides, properties sold within 6 to 10 years of their purchase will have to pay for 10% profits, while properties sold within 5 years of purchase will be required to pay either 20% profits or 3% of the total sales price. Some of the best cities enjoying the attention from the real estate investors happen to be Casblanca, Rabat, Fes, Marrakech and Tangier. Besides, acquiring loans in morocco is extremely easy. The interest rates vary from 5.5% to 6.5%, while about 70% of the property cost can be had as a loan.

As the tourism industry expands, the real estate market becomes more promising by each passing day. Invest now for an assured investment! When are you investing?

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Morocco Tourism

Where the dessert sways away the feet of the land, where coasts romances plains beside the horizon, where the colossal minarets apparently whisper the tales of culture, tradition and history in the ears of sky, where the sojourners are pampered with the moments of sheer bliss and where arts and crafts mark the cultural phenomena of the place - such is the invigorating atmosphere of Morocco.

The multicultural ethnicity offers a very conducive environment to the visitors where on one hand they can indulge in the ecstasy of emerald water while on the other feel the warmth of love at white sand desert, where they can see lush valleys challenging the peaks of Atlas Mountains. No wonder Morocco enjoys the charm of being one of the most frequented destinations of Africa in the itineraries of the globe trotters.

Morocco has had a glorious past where the original inhabitants of it, the Berbers, had to see the invasions of Phoenicians, Carthiginians, Vandals, Byzantines etc. It was only in the 682 AD when the Arabs arrived here that it saw several dynasties established by the Arabs. The history of Morocco is marked with a conflict between the Berbers and the Arabs. The territorial disputes of Morocco also form a strong foundation of country's history.

The fabulous history renders an authentic culture to Morocco. Being a Muslim country, the forbidden lines are never crossed. Wearing of ostentatious outfits is not allowed to the women in the country. Even the visitors here should be aware of this fact so as to enjoy a hassle free tour here.

The religious sentiments are thoroughly revered to by the citizens and especially during the month of auspicious Ramadan. Homosexuality may be the buzz of the modern world, but here it is a criminal offence. The sexual relationships outside marriage are legally punishable. But the conservatism of Morocco doesn't mean that it lags behind in modernity. Morocco, in its own way, is a perfect blend of contemporary fads and traditional culture.

The visitors to Morocco have enormous opportunities to soak themselves in the rapture of fun activities. It is very hard to resist the temptations of adventure sports of Morocco including trekking and hiking, walking to the Atlas Mountains, golfing, horse riding offered at the clubs, water sports that are a real attraction of the sun kissed beaches, skiing, and the four wheeler motor drives. These activities are more than enough to keep the travelers busy.

Travelers to the country cannot afford to miss to the tourist attractions of Morocco also. These attractions have secured a permanent place in the itinerary of the travelers. Some of them include the Koutoubia Mosque (mosque of the booksellers), Djemaa el-Fna, Dar Si Saïd Museum, Saadian tomb, Oukaimeden in Marrakech; Karaouine Mosque, Tanneries, Fez City Gates, Zaouia Moulay Idriss II in Fez.

Rabat shelters some of the best attractions of Morocco like Kasbah des Oudaïas, Palaces, Archaeological Museums, gardens, the citadel of Chellah, Hasan Mosque, Madina, Casablanca, Temara and many more. The popular places of Morocco that are on hit list of travelers are Asilah, Fez, Marrakech, Imil Gorges, Rabat, Tangier, Tineher, Merzouga Dunes and Zagora.

To have an experience of a lifetime a trip to Morocco is a requisite. So what are you guys waiting for? Just pack your bags, get your bookings done and there you fly for Morocco to have a platter of culture, tradition, art and craft, adventure sports, fun filled activities, heart throbbing destinations and scintillating tourist attractions.

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Exciting Places to Visit in Morocco

Although Morocco is a country of Africa, in many ways it is a country apart. It is more related to the Mediterranean than to the rest of Africa. It is mainly because of the fact that it nestles on the northwestern of Africa and is separated from the rest of the continent by Atlas Mountains and the Sahara itself. Being situated with both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, mountainous interior, it stayed independent for centuries. However, the country have developed a rich culture blended from Arab, Berber, European and African influences. Morocco is an ethnically diverse country with a rich culture and civilization.

Tourism plays an important role for Morocco's economy. The mixture of the cultures that have come here through history has made Morocco an exciting place to visit. Beaches, museums, archaeological sites, historical places and monuments and art galleries are among attractions to visit. Being dominated by the mountains in the north, and by the desert in the South, Morocco makes sunning on the sandy beaches and trekking the high mountains available both.

Rabat is the capital city of Morocco. It has many historical monuments and some of Morocco's most important museums, due to its significant architectural heritage. The Doors of the Kasbah of Oudaïa, The Minaret of The Mosque Hassan (XIIe century) and the Necropolis of Chellah are among the best places to see in Rabat. Also Morocco's best archaeological museum, as well as the several ones , The Main Royal Palace and important learning institutions exist in the city. Rabat is a commercial and industrial city and play a major economic role for Morocco.

Casablanca has one of the largest artificial ports in the world. It is the major city in Morocco and the country's economic capital. It offers a lot of resorts and its many beaches attract surfers. As a landmark of Morocco, Mosque of Hassan II is the biggest and the most important mosque in North Africa. Its traditional Islamic and Arabic architecture is very important and is one of the most striking monuments. Also La Corniche, Quartiers des Habous, Palace Royal are places to see in Casablanca.

Marrakech is a commercial and touristic centre. It is a cultural destination. Djamaa El Fna - Square, El Badi Palace, Koutoubia Minaret & Koutoubia Gardens are charming places for tourists.

Essaouira has a beautiful beach and suitable place for windsurfing. Its festivals of Andalusian and Gnawa music, its medina, pleasant climate and the beaches attract tourists.

Ouarzazate, Tangier, Fez, Meknes are among major cities of Morocco.

Museums of Morocco such as the Dar Batha of Fez, the Oudaïa museum of Marrakech are appealing. They reflect the wealth of the Moroccan cultural heritage.

Markets of Morocco with carpets, statues in wood, and jewelry are charming. Morocco is described as a land of art and emotions. As a result, painters have always been interested in Morocco. Delacroix, Matisse, Torres, Miro, Francis Bacon and Edouard Degas are among these names who have been fascinated by charming local scenes.

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Morocco - Tourism the Top Priority?

The Moroccan tourism industry could soon benefit from a greater range of major attractions as the influx of large number of visitors has necessitated the need for infrastructure improvements, leisure facilities and recreational outlets. The government efforts to make the country's economy less dependent on the agricultural sector are paying dividends. Authorities in Morocco are keen to diversify and generate economic growth in a more long-term sustainable manner by boosting the tourism trade and aiming to boost annual visitor numbers to ten million by 2010.

Research by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) found that the number of holidaymakers in the country rose by 14 per cent last year. The North African country attracted 7.4 million foreign arrivals in 2007. Morocco is proving to be highly popular with European tourists as nearly three million hailed from France; 1.6 million visitors came from Spain and 419,000 British tourists last year. The tourism industry is now an important source of the growth of country's economy, and it has generated almost a tenth of its gross domestic product last year. The holiday industry generated income of £3.8 billion in 2007 which is 12 per cent more than during the previous year.

Morocco is considered as a good-value holiday destination. The "fabulous" weather, beautiful scenery, beaches and a relaxed pace of life has helped to make Morocco a hotspot for foreign leisure travelers and overseas property buyers. Furthermore, the statistics suggest that there is growing potential in the country's buy-to-let market, as increase in the number of foreign arrivals means that demand for holiday accommodation has gone up.

The main reason for the growing popularity of Morocco among holidaymakers and second home buyers is it is easily accessible with budget airlines while low living costs and ample areas of historical interest makes it an attractive proposition. The price of entering a holiday attraction in Morocco is 3 times lesser than that in Spain. Food and drink in Morocco costs lesser than that in European countries. Figures showed that on average, a pint of beer can be purchased for just 51p and in Spain it would cost £1.56 while a three-course meal is priced at just over £10 and in Spain it is £17.50.

This suggests that property purchase in Morocco could be a potentially lucrative move, as investors in rental accommodation could find themselves in line to benefit from good returns and potentially the proceeds of capital growth. The intensification of tourist-related construction in recent years has suggested that the country has become more and more popular.

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Investing in Morocco

Morocco has recently seen a surge in foreign investment when it comes to the real estate market. Not only is the Moroccan real estate market offering the investors with prices half the amount when compared to the cities in Europe, certain policies like tax free rentals etc are making Morocco a hot spot amongst investors.

The recent consensus has shown that the real estate market in Morocco is slowly but steadily expanding, while many schemes offered by the government are boosting the market further. This is correct time for all the investors interested in morocco real estate to invest in the properties. As the tourism industry grows in morocco, what with the open skies policy and Plan Azure Vision 2010, the prices and rates of the properties in morocco are bound to increase by manifold. Timely investment will ensure that investors reap huge benefits and profits from their investments in the Moroccan properties. The real estate market will grow over 15% per annum, while the earnings and yields are bound to touch the double figures in percentage.

While the properties are still ample and prices within reach, investing now will definitely be the smartest thing to do. Experts predict that the prices in the real estate of morocco will see a continuous rise for the next four to five years, before slowing down in growth. At present it is estimated that a two or three bedroom apartment would cost you around 150,000 EUR, while a three bedroom villa can be bagged for 245,000 EUR approximately. Meanwhile, for those seeking for buying apartments, a square meter of area can be had for as low as EUR800. Last one year has seen the prices rise by almost 75%.

Even though the world is facing a big slump in economy and real estate markets especially, morocco is not affected by it at all. While the economy still faces a steady rise, the real estate markets are also becoming stronger by the day. Further, for investors, the new schemes promoted and more liberalized tax systems have ensured the rising interest of foreign investors in morocco.

Rental income in morocco has been exempted from all taxes for 5 years, while the investor does not require paying for the capital gains by selling a property after 10 years of its buy. Besides, properties sold within 6 to 10 years of their purchase will have to pay for 10% profits, while properties sold within 5 years of purchase will be required to pay either 20% profits or 3% of the total sales price. Some of the best cities enjoying the attention from the real estate investors happen to be Casblanca, Rabat, Fes, Marrakech and Tangier. Besides, acquiring loans in morocco is extremely easy. The interest rates vary from 5.5% to 6.5%, while about 70% of the property cost can be had as a loan.

As the tourism industry expands, the real estate market becomes more promising by each passing day. Invest now for an assured investment! When are you investing?

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My Moroccan Adventure - How I Fell in Love in Morocco

My Moroccan adventure started out as a man in search of love. My friends and family have a hard time understanding the lengths to which I will go in my search for the ideal mate. It all started in May of 2006 when I broke up with my ex-wife. This was the second time we had split up in 2 years. However, this time was different and I just felt the need to move on so I began my search during this separation where else but the internet. And that is where I meet Hajar. In my first communication with hajar she did something that I really liked and appreciated, she gave me her phone number. I really like phone conversation and believe it or not I didn't even add text messaging to my phone until 2010.

I remember the first phone call and she said to me that she was in the car and could I call her later. At that moment I could not imagine her in the car or what type of car she was in etc. But after my first trip to Morocco I could imagine her in the car and I could remember clearly some of our very special moments together in the car.

I meet Hajar in the summer of 2006 and at that point in my marriage it looked as though we were definitely headed for a divorce. I spoke with Hajar quite often throughout that summer and got to know her very well. I don't remember exactly when but at some point in the fall of 2006 I made arrangements to visit Hajar for the first time right after the Christmas holidays. It was around this time that I decided that I needed to file for a divorce. I hold already told Hajar that I was still married and she was very understanding and still wanted me to come and meet her and her family.

So off I went and this is where my Moroccan adventure begins. I flew out of JFK with a small layover in Amsterdam. The cost of a coach flight from the New York Metro area ranges from $800.00-$1200.00 depending upon what time of year you travel so check the internet for the best prices from your area. Our services include an English speaking tour guide as well as food, lodging and transportation. Prices vary depending upon your taste. See our web page located below.

Now let's continue. I remember landing in Casa Blanca and just being overtaken by fear. My friends and family had told me that I was crazy for traveling oversees to meet a woman. After all couldn't I find a decent woman right here in the US. And what if they were right and then I really began to have doubts. I mean I didn't know Hajar or her family and I was about to get off the plane and enter a country that I was unfamiliar with and I couldn't even speak the language. But it was too late for all of that now so I de-boarded the plane and let my adventure begin.

Hajar was waiting there for me at the airport with her father. I didn't know what our plans were but I would soon find out. The airport at Casa Blanca has a train that links directly to it from the city so we purchased our tickets and boarded the train to head off to our destination. We were on our way to Mirit which at this point I was unaware of. Morocco is a Muslim country and I am Muslim. However, I am an American Muslim and I am not accustomed to the entire country shutting down for the EID. So as I would find out we were in a mad race to get back to Mirit which was 6 hours away.

The train ride from the airport at Casa Blanca to the city of Casa Blanca is about 45 minutes. From there we would catch a train to Meknes which is about 3 hrs away. The train ride was pleasant and we were both happy to finally meet. When we got off of the train in the city of Meknes we walked outside of the station which appeared to me to be dark and desolate. Her father stepped away leaving us alone for what seemed like an eternity and at that moment fear overtook me and I realized that if these people had malice in their hearts and some sort of sinister plan in mind then this would be their perfect opportunity. Upon her father's return she looked at me and translated these exact words-My father has found a car to take us to Mirit and he says that you look Moroccan so don't speak because if you do they'll know you're a foreigner and they'll want more money. All three of us entered the back seat of an older Mercedes Benz sedan diesel and Hajar was in the middle. A short time into the ride Hajar tapped her shoulder giving me a signal to rest my head on her shoulder which I gladly obliged and it was my first joyous ride in the car with Hajar.

Once we arrived at the house in Mirit I felt completely safe and was asked if I wanted to shower which of course I did since I had been traveling for more than 36 hours. After I changed we sat down for a meal, chicken taijin, oh how I can taste the food as I write these words. In Moroccan culture it is customary to eat a communal dish and for me it was a great experience. It was that night that I meet her brother Ashrof who spoke perfect English to my pleasant surprise. I spent the next 3 days enjoying the EID feast and I even had the opportunity to slaughter a lamb. My host family was very hospitable and I found the Moroccan people to be very hospitable in general. When I left Morocco after that first trip I couldn't wait to return.

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Real Estate Property Investment Series: Focus Morocco 2007

The Moroccan government realised that the way forward for their nation in terms of creating employment and boosting the economy significantly was to increase tourism and to create an environment so attractive for investors that they would come in their droves and buy up real estate stock.

To that end the government has been promoting Morocco around the world - there is a permanent stand at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida heralding the virtues of this North African nation that practically touches Europe across the Mediterranean Sea that divides it from mainland Spain for example, and now the skies over Morocco are open to cheap flight operators from across Europe and the UK. The nation has year round sunshine and is directly south and a short flying time from affluent Western Europe and all of these factors are starting to affect Morocco positively.

In 2006 in the first nine months alone tourism traffic was up almost 10% on the previous year with revenue generated from tourism up almost 30% which proves that the government are targeting the 'right' sort of tourist - i.e., the ones who come, stay, enjoy and spend money in Morocco! Looking to the longer term the Moroccan government has plans to increase tourism until 10 million visitors annually enter the nation by 2010. There are even plans afoot to build a tunnel under the sea to connect Morocco to Gibraltar in Europe...

'But why all this information about tourism' I hear you ask?

Because it is the tourism market that property investors in Morocco are targeting. On the one hand they are targeting those seeking villa and apartment rental and on the other hand they are aware that today's holiday maker is tomorrow's second, retirement or holiday home buyer. And investors really are in Morocco buying up and developing real estate stock. Already six brand new coastal resorts are in the planning and development stages, money is flooding in from Dubai and Qatar based development companies and European buyers are purchasing off plan knowing full well that their real estate assets are appreciating even before they are completed and handed over. Buyers in 2007 have a chance to buy in ahead of the continued predicted rise in tourism and before Morocco is established in many people's minds as a place to invest in real estate.

Consider buying off plan and flipping stock or better still, simply buying and renting to the tourism market on the Atlantic or Mediterranean coasts or in the mountainous ski resort of Oukaimeden. Rental income is earned tax free in Morocco for the first five years and those who hold property for ten years or more pay no capital gains tax when they resell, furthermore one is not subject to local inheritance tax in Morocco either. In conclusion - Morocco offers an investor a wealth of opportunity. Basically an investor needs to consider his preferred investment approach and his target market and then seek suitable real estate with room for growth or with prospects for returning good yields.

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