Morocco: They Paid for Their Home, but the Land Could Cause Problems

Complaints filed by citizens have prompted tighter inspections of property developers’ sales offices. The reports concern, in particular, stalled residential projects and homes that have not been delivered despite the payment of substantial sums.

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Governors have asked caïds, pashas and circle chiefs to inspect the documents submitted by developers. The checks will cover building permits, title deeds proving ownership of the land and the administrative documents governing the projects being marketed.

According to Hespress, some developments may have been put up for sale while land-regularization procedures were still incomplete. Others may be linked to land involved in disputes, raising concerns for the rights of people who have already paid an advance.

Sales offices under scrutiny

The inspections will begin in particular in the Casablanca-Settat and Rabat-Salé-Kénitra regions. They will also target advertising billboards, construction companies, design offices and engineering firms associated with the projects.

The authorities will also examine the tax situation of sales offices located on public property. Some may have continued occupying these sites for more than two years without paying the fees owed, or may be using areas larger than those authorized.

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The information collected should make it possible to create a database linking each property project to its land, administrative and tax status. The aim is to identify more quickly developments marketed before the completion of legal procedures and to protect buyers who have invested their savings.