Friday, 26 January 2007

The Moroccan Mortgage Market with Moroccan Mortgage Alliance

The Moroccan Mortgage Alliance was established in 2006 in association with The Spanish Mortgage Alliance formed in 2004 and currently operates from our offices in Marbella, Spain. The Moroccan Mortgage Alliance consists of a team of experienced multilingual professionals who between them have over 10 years experience in processing European Mortgages.

The company is dedicated to providing the highest quality of service and advice to clients wishing to purchase anywhere in Morocco. In order to achieve this we have thoroughly researched the Moroccan mortgage products available and have established strong links with a variety of lenders offering the best range of products available in the mortgage market today.

Our expertise covers the full spectrum of the property market. We have experience in arranging finance for properties ranging from apartments to villas, first time buyers to investors and for families relocating or purchasing their holiday home. Our aim is to provide top quality advice and the level of service you would expect from a company with our experience.

We recognise that purchasing a property is one of the most important decisions many of our clients will ever make. With this in mind we believe in going the extra mile to ensure that the purchase process is made as simple as possible. We explain the process, assess your financial situation, find the best mortgage available to meet your requirements and liaise with all parties involved.

Our customers are safe in the knowledge that we will do the shopping around for the right product for them.Our experienced multilingual administration team will update them at every stage of the process and take them through to completion.

Source http://www.moroccanmortgagealliance.com/index.html

Thursday, 25 January 2007

Morocco a shrewd investment

An exotic country, merely three hours away by plane, morocco has a unique decorative and vibrant culture and warm year-round climate. This increasing popularity is leaving the traditional travel and investment destinations in the shade.

Morocco shows all the signs of becoming a top investment destination for overseas buyers. Property prices are as little as half those of the Iberian Peninsula and, according to the Oxford Business Group, visitors are increasing (the government predicts that ten million tourists will visit the country each year by 2010).

in addition, the pro-Western government is encouraging overseas buyers. "Property prices have risen by around 50 per cent in the past two years and land prices have been rising even faster", says Alistair Emery of Hamptons.

An increase in Morocco property buyers has been encouraged by the very low cost in living, which is currently running at one third the cost of most European countries. This, coupled with the emergence of cheap flights from various European locations, means foreign buyers are buying a variety of Moroccan properties, including apartments, riads in the medinas and villas in the palmeraies.

With more and more property investors choosing Morocco, business practices are becoming more professional, which contributes to the overall stability of the property market. This leads to even greater confidence among the off-plan buying public.

The property market is booming, with realistic growth projections of 15% plus per annum.
Rental occupancy rates of 85 pre cent in peak season
Huge investment in infrastructure, with projected tourism increase from 2.2 million in 2005 to 10 million in 2010
Property prices are 50% less than the Costa del Sol, which at its closest point is only 9 miles away
The country enjoys a Mediterranean climate with 320 days sunshine per annum
Low cost of living
English, French and Spanish is widely spoken along with Arabic
Excellent travel links from the UK, with Ryanair scheduling 20 new flights to Morocco
Familiar investment regime, with notary supervised registration similar to France and Spain
Flexible mortgage packages available
Capital gains tax rate of just 20 per cent
Easy repatriation of investment proceeds

NORTH AFRICAN HOTSPOTS RISE IN POPULARITY

Reflecting growing interest from investors, Egypt and Morocco leapt up the rankings of TheMoveChannel.com’s Top of the Props Top Ten chart in December.

Based on interest from visitors to the site, Morocco rose seven positions to fifth place while Egypt rose 15 places to reach seventh place. The Top of the Props chart reflects each listed country’s share of the overall volume of enquiries the property website receives over the preceding month.

The top ten, with percentage of market share and position change, are as follows:

France: 11.28% (non-mover for last four months)
Spain: 9.99% (up one)
Italy: 8.07% (up one)
Bulgaria: 8.07% (down two)
Morocco: 3.85% (up seven)
Cyprus: 3.71% (up two)
Egypt: 3.58% (up15)
USA: 3.38% (up 7)
Portugal: 3.34% (down three)
India: 3.23% (down one)
Both of these North African countries have seen a rise in tourism and are investing substantial resource to increase numbers. Egypt saw a record 8.6 million visitors in 2005 (according to the Egyptian Tourism Authority) and hopes to double this by 2014. Morocco received 5.8 million tourists in the same year and has already launched a major initiative to double by 2010 (according to the Morocco Tourism Authority). Rising numbers are being driven, in part, by new cheap flights from Easyjet and Ryanair.

An increase in tourist numbers means more property investors, according to TheMoveChannel’s sister company E-Quity.com. “ Morocco offers European proximity and quality at emerging market prices,” said sales consultant Meredith Drynan. “With high occupancy rates and a King dedicated to increasing tourism even further to 10 million visitors per annum by 2010, Morocco’s improving infrastructure, Mediterranean climate and accessibility make this a smart investment and lifestyle choice.”

Commenting on Egypt, Chris Davidson, product manager at E-Quity.com, said: “An increasingly popular tourist destination, Egypt offers cultural attractions dating back to 3200BC, thousands of miles of glorious beachfront as well as world-beating dive spots. The Egyptian government is currently heavily promoting its tourist sector and is opening tourist offices around the world. A low tax environment is just one of the ways the Government is attracting international investors right now.”

An increase in foreign investment is also helping to drive up prices, as Dale Pilkington of Churchill Overseas explains: “Some land and property prices on the Red Sea coast have already increased by as much as 60% in the past 12 months and property professionals are forecasting further rises of around 15% in the next year. Additionally, the Egyptian government is competing with neighbouring Gulf States to attract foreign investment into real estate which is anticipated to stimulate further growth in the property market. With entry into the market still very competitive with properties available for less than £30,000, property investors are flocking to the Egyptian market.”

Themovechannel

Wednesday, 24 January 2007

Royal Resort Cap Malabata formally launched

Signaling the start of development of the first phase of the US$ 1.4 billion Gateway to Morocco project in the Kingdom of Morocco, H.E. Mizwar Salahuddin, Minister of Industry & Commerce, today formally inaugurated the Royal Resort Cap Malabata Client Relations Centre (CRC).

Mr. Jalloul Samsam, the Director of the Regional Investment Center of Tangier , H.E. Driss Khazani, the Wali of Tetuan, Mr. Mohammed Al Arif - Mayor of Fahs Anjara, Mr. Toufiq Hijaira, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister in charge of Housing and Urbanism, Mr. A.Rahman Al Jasmi, Deputy CEO of Gulf Finance House, H.E. Salahuddin Mizwar - Minister of Industry & Commerce, Mr. Esam Janahi, CEO & Board Member of Gulf Finance House, Mr. Hassan Barnousi - Director of International Investments for the Government of Morocco


Gulf Finance House: Successful transaction completion heralds international focus
Egypt an excellent and attractive investment option, says Gulf Finance House CEO
Gulf Finance House declared 'Bank of the Year'
Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort at Al Areen to formally open in Quarter 1 2007
Gulf Finance House confirms complete compliance with Stock Exchange disclosure rules
» more Gulf Finance House (GFH) news
A unique mixed-use tourism, commercial and residential destination in the city of Tangiers, the circa US$ 600 million Royal Resort Cap Malabata development is one of the two distinctive but complementary elements of the US$ 1.4 billion Gateway to Morocco project, the second element being Royal Ranches in Marrakech.

Royal Resort Cap Malabata was launched at a press conference followed by a high-profile function attended by Mr. Toufiq Hijaira, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister in charge of Housing and Urbanism, H.E. Driss Khazani, the Wali of Tetuan, Mr. Mohammed Al Arif, the Mayor of Fahs Anjara, Mr. Jalloul Samsam, the Director of the Regional Investment Center of Tangier and Mr. Hassan Barnousi, Director of International Investments for the Government of Morocco.

Other attendees included top government officials, an array of senior dignitaries, VIPs, Gulf Finance House (GFH) senior management, members of the Diplomatic Corps, investors, strategic partners, international tourism operators and hoteliers.

The event commenced with the inauguration of the CRC followed by a guided tour of the vicinity, a laser show and cultural programme, and ended with a grand reception.

Mr. Esam Janahi, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of GFH, a leading MENA region Islamic investment bank and promoter of the Gateway to Morocco project, said
"On behalf of the Board of Directors of GFH, I would like to thank His Majesty King Mohammed VI for his continuous support for the Gateway to Morocco project and his strong commitment in encouraging Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flow into the Kingdom of Morocco and developing the economy. I would also like to thank H.E. Mr. Driss Jetou, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco for all the support provided by the Moroccan government. We look forward to the continued encouragement of the Government towards foreign investment."

"The Moroccan economy has experienced excellent growth over the last few years. Additionally, Morocco is a farsighted real estate investment location offering all the right natural elements for a harmonious environment.

Tangiers with its beautiful beaches, and its close proximity to Europe, Mediterranean environment, language, accessibility, culture, amongst other striking features provided the ideal setting for the Royal Resort Cap Malabata project.

'Royal Resort Cap Malabata will positively contribute to the overall social and economic framework of Morocco by enhancing FDI flow, offering investors with a new attractive investment opportunity and by directly and indirectly creating a quantum of new jobs in the Kingdom,' Mr. Janahi added.

Designed as a one-of-a-kind mixed-use tourism, commercial and residential destination on the Mediterranean coast, Royal Resort Cap Malabata in the city of Tangiers, will cover a total area of 127 hectares. It will feature cafes, galleries, exclusive shopping areas, beach house, 9-hole golf course, equestrian club and convention centre. Royal Resort Cap Malabata will also provide the international business community with an exclusive destination for corporate meetings, conventions and exhibitions. The resort will also include a private school as well as a clinic equipped with the latest medical facilities.

The new on-site state-of-the-art CRC will serve as a fully integrated sales and support centre for developers, and also function as a hub for promoting and advertising the development. Moreover, the CRC will host guests, investors, events, press conferences, meetings and site tours.

Commenting on the Royal Resort Cap Malabata development, H.E. Mohammed Hassad, the Wali of Tangiers, said: 'We are extremely excited about the launch of the Royal Resort Cap Malabata project and look forward to its completion. This is indeed a significant development as it will position Tangiers as a unique and wholesome destination catering to a broad spectrum of tourists, businessmen and residents. Furthermore, the resort will generate important new business and corporate hospitality revenue by attracting regional and international tourists."

'Gateway to Morocco', estimated at US$ 1.4 billion, adds to GFH's existing investment and project portfolio in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the State of Qatar, Kuwait, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Arab Republic of Egypt, India, Germany, Spain and France.

Casablanca Stock Exchange experienced significant growth in 2006

Last year saw the Casablanca Stock Exchange listing more companies and increasing share prices. Financial analysts expect the growth to continue this year, reflecting increased confidence in the Moroccan economy.
By Mawassi Lahcen for Magharebia in Casablanca -- 05/01/07


[Mawassi Lahcen] The chairman of the Casablanca Stock Exchange rings the bell after the listing of a new company.

The Casablanca Stock Exchange experienced unprecedented activity in 2006, with the number of transactions on the retail market for Moroccan shares reaching 117.4 billion dirhams -- an increase of 212.9% from 2005.

Some 200,000 Moroccans trade shares on the stock exchange. In 2006, they traded 128.8 million shares, an increase of 64.13%. The share prices of 45 companies rose by high percentages, causing the Moroccan All Shares Index (MASI) to increase by 71.14%.

The exchange's year-end capitalisation was 417.09 billion dirhams, an increase of 65.32% from 2005. The volume of the capitalisation of the Moroccan stock market was equivalent to 83% of Morocco's gross national product.

The rise in the stock exchange's indices reflects the confidence in Moroccan economy, which is expected to have grown by 7.3% for 2006, Upline Securities Bank General Manager Rachid Alaoui said. The indices were also affected by better than expected half-year results of listed companies, which showed an increase in combined net profits of 35%.

Alaoui also attributed the rise in Moroccan share prices to a substantial increase in cash liquidity, resulting from privatisation revenues, an increase in remittances from workers abroad, tourism revenues, and the influx of foreign investment -- particularly from Europe and the Gulf states. The increase in liquidity caused a fall in interest rates to the lowest-ever level in the country, which made investors prefer to invest their funds in shares instead of bonds.

Alaoui says he does not expect any significant drop in share prices and says the upward trend should continue through this year, with many new companies joining the exchange. During 2006, 7.1 million new shares were listed on the stock exchange at a value of 7.2 billion dirhams.

Abdelaziz Lahlou, a senior financial analyst at the Attijariwafa Bank's brokerage subsidiary firm, told Magharebia that there will be a corrective fall in the prices of certain shares which increased in an exaggerated way over the past year. However, he does not expect there to be a major collapse in the market.

Casablanca Stock Exchange Organisation and Information Systems Director Omar Drissi Kaitouni said the developments in the Moroccan stock market reflect the new role that the stock exchange is playing in the national economy. He said the reform of the stock exchange, which has now entered its tenth year, has borne fruit, and is contributing in a more efficient way to mobilise savings, attract foreign investment and finance the national economy.

Moroccan authorities have been implementing a series of measures to modernise and reform the financial market. At the end of 2006, the Moroccan Parliament ratified new laws regulating the publication of information related to listed companies, ensuring market transparency, and protecting the rights of those dealing in the market. Preparations are under way to introduce futures transactions.

Free viewing trips to Morocco with Property Borders

The free viewing trip offer only applies to new reservations in Morocco.

You must be financially in a position to purchase.

If two people are needed to make the decision to purchase then both need to attend the appointment.

You must pay a holding deposit to be eligible for FREE WEEKEND VIEWING TRIPS. The deposit will be fully refunded, if you are not fully satisfied with your chosen Moroccan property. Holding deposits are requested to show commitment and reserve the best possible available property to avoid disappointment on arrival.

The offer applies to a maximum of two people for two nights, any two nights are ok. Accommodation in a specified hotel is subject to availability and entirely at the company’s discretion.

If clients are flying to Malaga accommodation shall be 1 night in Spain and 1 night in Morocco.

All viewing trips must be completed within 30 days of clients leaving a holding deposit.

Property Borders shall refund £100 per person (max 2 people) for flights to Malaga and £200 per person (max 2 people) for flights to Tangier. You must book and pay for your own flights initially. To claim the money for your visit you will need to produce the flight confirmation and provide personal bank account details (inc. IBAN code) to where the refund is to be made. We can only reimburse for flights in this way. If the appointment is not attended for any reason we will not reimburse flights.

If viewing Morocco and flying to Malaga, you will be collected from the airport and chauffeured to Algeciras or Tarifa for the ferry to Tangier, collected in Tangier and taken to your accommodation. (Ferry unavailable in July/Aug – direct flights recommended).

Inspection trips are an important part of the buying process. They are not solely about viewing the site or the property they also give clients a chance to experience Morocco and its unique culture.


Travel To…

Tangier
Direct or indirect flights are available throughout the UK. (direct flights are available with Ryl Air Maroc and GB airways). Alternatively take a budget flight, Easy Jet, Ryan Air or BMI, to Malaga, a coach/taxi to Tarifa or Algeciras then a ferry over to Tangier (this can take as little as 30 minutes). We can usually arrange collection at Malaga, car service to Tarifa or Algeciras and collection at the port in Tangier. (contact us for further details)
Saidia
Fly indirectly to Oujda, which is approx 50km from Saidia, there are plans for future direct flights.

Or fly to Malaga and catch a connecting flight to Melilla with airlines such as Iberia. Flights are frequent, cheap and take just 45 minutes. Melilla is then only an hour and a half from Saidia by car.


Marrakech
Direct flights from the UK leave Gatwick and Heathrow daily and from Luton on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Among airlines offering flights are BA, Ryl Air Maroc, and Atlas Blue and from July, Easyjet.

Fes
For a low cost alternative fly to Fes with Ryanair to access areas of Northern Morocco including Meknes, Tangier & Saidia. (please note further travel by car, coach or train will be required).

Some clients opt to purchase their properties without viewing especially if they are investment buyers or have traveled to Morocco in the past and know that they liked and enjoyed the country but for everyone else our English speaking representatives are available at all our advertised resorts to show clients a full range of properties. Once you have settled in at your hotel our local representative will take you to view your chosen property/site, give you a guided tour of the area and answer any questions you may have with no pressure.

Alternatively if you do not wish to leave a holding deposit we are happy to assist you in arranging accommodation and advise you on travel arrangements, just advise us of your chosen dates for travel BEFORE booking flights/accommodation and we will be pleased to arrange collection from the airport and transport you free of charge to your hotel. Your return to the airport at the end of your visit can also be arranged by us. There is no charge for the airport collection and delivery service.

Contact us for further information regarding viewing trips or advice on travel arrangements: 0208 508 9905 or enquiries@propertyborders.com

Source www.propertyborders.com

FAQ Morocco property by Property Borders

Why Should I Purchase Through Property Borders?
We have years of experience in the Moroccan property market and have built up a network of contacts. As we are a Moroccan owned agency we have a genuine interest in promoting the country.


Who Can Purchase Property In Morocco?
Anyone. Morocco is currently encouraging foreign investment and offering great tax incentives. This is especially good for UK and US citizens as there is a double tax treaty between these countries and Morocco


Will I Be Able To Rent My Property?
Yes. Most of our developments have rental offices associated with them. They offer a full rental/management service. Alternatively, you can arrange the rental of the property yourself. Rental occupancy is usually 85% during peak season and you can expect 80-100 euros per night. New owners have no rental tax to pay for the first 5 years


I Have Seen The Property I Want. What Next?
You will need to place a deposit, usually known as a holding deposit. Some developers will also request a small handling charge. Both of these will be refundable for a period of 30 days to give you a chance to view the property or the site.


What Are My Buying Costs?
You will need to budget for an extra 5% to cover notorial and property registration fees.


Are Mortgages Available?
Yes, Mortgages can be taken with Moroccan banks offering 70% of the purchase price. To apply for a mortgage you will need the following:
1. Attestation of employment
2. 6 months bank statements
3. Your last 3 wage slips

Are The Properties Freehold?
Yes. Property Borders only deals in properties that are 100% freehold.

How Quickly Are Property Prices Rising In Morocco?
Prices are rising between 15-30% annually.

Will I Need A Solicitor?
Yes. We have contacts with English speaking solicitors.


Do I need a Moroccan bank account?
Yes. To fully repatriate your funds overseas you will need to prove that the money for the property initially came from abroad. To do this you will need a Moroccan bank account which we will arrange for you.

What is the exchange rate?
The exchange rate is 15.8 MAD to £1 sterling (approximately)

Source www.propertyborders.com