Property prices in Essaouira

If you are worried that you will not be able to pay for all the expenses for housing, utilities, food and laundry in Essaouira, you can try house sharing. I lived like this for a while when I was a student.

Hello,

I have lived in Essaouira since 1998, and the property market varies considerably depending on the neighbourhood, the condition of the property and its intended use.

For buyers or long-term tenants, the most suitable area depends mainly on lifestyle:

- The medina appeals to people looking for character, traditional houses and a central pedestrian lifestyle. Access, humidity, renovation requirements and the legal documentation of the property must be examined carefully.

- Borj, Azlef, Erraounak and the newer parts of town are generally more practical for year-round living, with easier access, shops and apartments in modern buildings.

- Ghazoua and Diabat are popular with people looking for houses or villas outside the centre, but transport, road access, water, electricity and the exact legal status of the property must be checked.

- Sidi Kaouki and the surrounding coastline attract buyers seeking a quieter environment, although prices, access and services vary greatly from one location to another.

It is difficult to give a meaningful “average price” for Essaouira. A renovated riad in the medina, an apartment in Azlef and a villa near Ghazoua are very different markets. Advertised prices are also not necessarily the final transaction prices.

As a broad indication only, long-term rents for ordinary apartments often begin at around MAD 3,500–4,000 per month and can exceed MAD 7,000–10,000 for furnished, larger or better-located properties. Prime properties and villas may be considerably more expensive. Anyone comparing rentals should confirm whether utilities, community charges and furniture are included.

Before purchasing, buyers should verify the ownership certificate, registered surface, boundaries, planning permissions, outstanding charges and the seller’s legal capacity to sell. Foreign buyers can purchase many types of property in Morocco, but agricultural or legally complex land requires particular care. A Moroccan notary and, where necessary, an independent legal or technical professional should review the documentation before any commitment or deposit.

Property and residence-related taxes depend on the nature and use of the property and on the owner’s circumstances. They should be calculated for the individual transaction rather than estimated from a forum post.

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I hope this gives newcomers a useful starting point. The best advice is to compare several areas in person and visit shortlisted properties at different times of day before making a decision.