Getting a mortgage in Morocco as a UK buyer

The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or tax advice. Decisions related to tax should be made after thorough research, consultation and verification from a qualified financial and legal advisor.

Buying property in Morocco as a UK citizen is becoming an increasingly popular option. From the vibrant markets of Marrakech to the coastal resorts of Agadir, Morocco offers attractive property prices and strong rental demand.

However, there is one key area to understand, whether you're buying a holiday home, a retirement property or an investment asset - and that’s understanding how mortgages work in Morocco.

If you don’t plan to buy outright, securing a mortgage in Morocco as a foreign buyer is possible, but the process is very different from in the UK.

This guide explains everything UK buyers need to know about getting a mortgage in Morocco, including eligibility, deposit requirements, documents, fees, mortgage types, interest rates and expert tips to improve approval chances.

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on currency exchange when sending a deposit or mortgage fees to Morocco, check out the money services provider Wise.

You can send large transfers with Wise for low fees* and mid-market exchange rates - making it ideal if you’re sending a secure international transfer.

Can UK citizens get a mortgage in Morocco?

Yes, UK citizens can apply for a mortgage in Morocco, but the options tend to be more limited than for residents. What’s more, eligibility requirements tend to be stricter.

Most Moroccan lenders prefer applicants who:

• Have stable income
• Can provide clear financial documentation
• Can demonstrate affordability
• Have a local bank account
• Have a strong credit history.

Getting a mortgage in Morocco after Brexit

Since Brexit, UK buyers are classified as non-EU foreign nationals. This doesn’t really impact Moroccan lending rules, but banks may apply more rigorous checks on international income sources and tax residency.

Mortgage eligibility criteria for UK buyers in Morocco

While the lending criteria vary between banks, most Moroccan lenders have similar core requirements:

• A minimum deposit of 20 to 30% of the price of the property¹
• A stable income
• A loan term of up to 20 years.¹

While Moroccan banks don’t directly access UK credit agencies, they may request UK or international credit reports, bank references and proof of a clean banking history.

Is it easy to get a mortgage in Morocco?

Getting a mortgage in Morocco as a UK citizen is doable, but it does come with some challenges such as:

• Language barriers
• Slower processing times
• Extensive documentation
• Legal complexity
• Less digitised banking systems.

That said, many UK buyers successfully secure mortgages each year by working with English-speaking mortgage brokers and experienced bilingual lawyers.

You may improve your chances by approaching international banks, or established Moroccan banks familiar with working with international clients.

Read more: The best UK banks for sending money abroad

Step-by-step guide on how to get a mortgage in Morocco

To give you an idea of what to expect, here’s a step-by-step look at the process of applying for a Moroccan mortgage as a foreign national:

1. Calculate your budget

First, determine what you can afford by looking at the property price, deposit, taxes and legal fees and currency exchange costs. This will give you a realistic affordability range.

2. Obtain mortgage pre-approval

Pre-approval confirms what you can borrow and strengthens your offer during the negotiation process. Having this information early on in the process can reduce the risk of transaction delays.

3. Choose your property

When it comes to finding a property to buy in Morocco, it’s important to look for one with a clear legal title, registration in the land registry and full planning permission if required. You should avoid informal or unregistered properties.

4. Submit a full mortgage application

Once you’ve found a property and had an offer accepted, it’s time to submit your formal mortgage application - along with supporting documents.

Your bank will assess your income, credit profile, property valuation and legal compliance.

5. Legal checks and valuation

A lawyer then verifies ownership, zoning and contracts, while the bank conducts an independent valuation of the property.

6. Mortgage approval and signing

Once approved, contracts are signed before a notary and funds are released. Ownership is then registered and the property becomes yours.

Read more: How to make an international wire transfer: UK guide

Required documents for a Moroccan mortgage

UK applicants are normally required to provide the following documents to apply for a mortgage in Morocco:¹

• Valid passport
• Proof of UK address
• Proof of income (payslips or accounts)
• UK tax returns
• Bank statements (6 months)
• Credit report
• Property reservation contract
• Proof of deposit source.

Most documents must also be officially translated into French or Arabic, as well as notarised and legalised.

How long does a Moroccan mortgage take?

There are several factors that can affect the mortgage process timeline in Morocco.

As of 2026, it can take around 3.5 to 7 months from having your verbal offer accepted to completion.²

It’s important to factor in potential delays, most commonly caused by legal verification, translation requirements and bank processing times.

Fees and costs for getting a mortgage in Morocco from the UK

Buying property in Morocco involves a wide range of additional costs beyond the purchase price. While overall transaction fees are lower than in many European markets, foreign buyers do face higher legal and banking costs.

Most standard residential property purchases in Morocco in 2026 include around 6% to 7.5% of additional taxes and fees. When you include the likes of agent fees, this can rise to 8% to 11%.³

Registration and land registry fees

Registration fees usually amount to 4% of the property price. This step formally records your ownership and protects your legal title. Land registry fees amount to around 5.5% of the property price.³

Legal and notary fees

Legal and notary fees typically amount to 0.5% to 1% of the property price.³ Moroccan property law can be complex, especially for foreign buyers, which is why many buyers choose to seek professional legal advice. Hiring a bilingual lawyer can significantly reduce risks.

The notary prepares official sale contracts, authenticates signatures and submits documents for registration.

Additional fees

Depending on your lender, you may also have to pay:

• Mortgage arrangement fees
• Property valuation fees
• Mortgage registration tax

If you use a separate translator or interpreter you should expect to pay around 800 to 2,500 MAD at signing and then 200 to 800 MAD per document for certified translations.³

A tax advisor, while not mandatory, is also recommended for non-residents with typical costs ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 MAD for a one-off consultation.³

Currency exchange and international transfer fees

Then there’s currency exchange and transfer fees. If you’retransferring funds from the UK to Morocco for your deposit, fees or mortgage payments, traditional banks often apply:

• High exchange rate mark-ups
• International transfer charges
• Receiving fees.

This can all mount up, which is where Wise can help. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees*, which can help reduce the cost of sending large sums internationally.

Moroccan banks or lenders offering mortgages to foreigners

Some of the most popular lenders in Morocco include:

• Attijariwafa Bank
• Banque Populaire
• BMCE Bank of Africa
• Crédit du Maroc.

Mortgage rates in Morocco

Rates vary based on loan size, deposit, income profile and property type, but typical interest rates range from 3.75% to 6%. Non-residents typically pay higher rates than Moroccan residents.⁴

Can you get a UK mortgage to buy property in Morocco?

Some UK lenders will provide mortgages for Morocco, but the options are very limited. This is why most UK buyers will get a Moroccan mortgage, buy the Moroccan property in cash or remortgage their UK property to release equity.

You may find seeking professional financial advice is useful before leveraging UK assets.

Do banks offer buy-to-let mortgages in Morocco?

Yes, non-resident investors can apply for a buy-to-let mortgage in Morocco. However, you should expect higher deposits, lower LTV ratios and a requirement for evidence of strong rental income.

Refinancing a mortgage in Morocco

Refinancing is possible in Morocco, but limited. Homeowners commonly refinance to:

• Reduce interest
• Release equity
• Restructure repayments.

But, remember, early repayment penalties and legal costs should be carefully assessed before refinancing. You should also make sure you can afford the repayments.

Types of non-resident mortgages in Morocco

There are a few different types of mortgages available in Morocco and understanding their differences can help you make the right choice. Each one comes with its own risks, benefits and suitability.

Variable-rate mortgages

Variable-rate mortgages are the most common type in Morocco. With this product, the interest rate is tied to the bank’s benchmark lending rate plus a fixed margin. This means monthly payments can go up or down over time.

Typically, this type of mortgage comes with lower initial interest rates and is easier to get approval compared to some fixed-rate loans. But monthly repayments are unpredictable, which can make budgeting difficult.

Interest spikes are possible, which can increase the total loan cost, and while some banks do impose caps, not all do and borrowers can become exposed.

Fixed-rate mortgages

Fixed-rate mortgages lock the interest rate in for a defined period, typically 3 to 10 years in Morocco. This means you get predictable monthly payments, making budgeting easier.

One potential drawback is that initial rates are usually higher than variable-rate mortgages and early repayment can trigger penalties.

Islamic mortgages (Murabaha & Ijara financing)

Sharia-compliant mortgages are growing in popularity in Morocco. Unlike conventional mortgages, these avoid charging interest, and instead use profit-based or lease-to-own structures.

In terms of Murabaha, the bank buys the property and sells it to you at a higher agreed price. Payments are made in instalments over the loan term. Under Ijara, the bank leases the property to you, gradually transferring ownership until you fully own it at the end of the term.

Interest-only mortgages

Interest-only mortgages are rare in Morocco and usually restricted to high-net-worth individuals or investors. With this type of mortgage, you only pay the interest during the term, with the full principal due at the end.

Mixed mortgages

Mixed mortgages combine both fixed-rate and variable-rate loans. For example, the loan may start with a fixed rate for 5 years, then switch to a variable rate for the remainder of the term.

Mixed mortgages are useful if you anticipate earning foreign income or plan to remortgage after a few years, as they allow flexibility without locking you in.

Additional considerations for UK buyers

As well as the mortgage application process, and finding the right property, there are a few additional things you need to consider:

• Currency risk: Since most Moroccan mortgages are denominated in MAD, UK buyers need to factor in exchange rate fluctuations and transfer fees.
• Deposit size: Non-residents often face higher deposit requirements, which can limit borrowing flexibility.
• Legal and regulatory differences: Moroccan mortgages often involve notary registration, property registration fees and bank-specific terms that differ from the UK. This is why a bilingual lawyer is highly recommended.

Read more: What is an international bank account, and which UK banks offer it?

Manage overseas property costs with Wise

If you’re sending your deposit and mortgage fees to Morocco from the UK, you may incur hefty transfer and exchange fees when converting your British pounds to Moroccan Dirhams (MAD). This is where Wise and the Wise account can help you save money.

Open a Wise account online and you can start managing your money in 40+ currencies. It’s not a bank account and offers customers an alternative option to a conventional bank account, but has similar features.

Here’s an overview of the main benefits for using Wise:
Fast and easy setup with no physical paperwork Low, transparent fees* Mid-market exchange rate for currency conversions Fully trackable transfers Fast transfer times Advanced security features with two-factor authentication and real-time notifications Dedicated support for large transfers

Sign up with Wise today

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FAQs

Can I get a mortgage in Morocco as a UK citizen?

Yes. UK citizens can apply for mortgages in Morocco as non-residents, though you’re likely to face stricter lending criteria, higher deposits and higher rates.

Is it easy to get a mortgage in Morocco?

It can be challenging to get a mortgage in Morocco due to conservative lending and documentation requirements, but it is possible.

Are Islamic mortgages available?

Yes, Murabaha and Ijara financing are widely available in Morocco.

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Sources used:

1. Properties Morocco - Moroccan Mortgage Requirements
2. Celestia Invest - Morocco Mortgage Timelines
3. Sands of Wealth - Moroccan Mortgage Fees
4. Armonia Solutions - Morocco Mortgage Rates

Sources last checked on date: 24-Feb-2026