Cheapest locations per square metre include:

· Marrakech £1,265
· Muscat, Oman £1,670
· Sarasota, Florida £2,470
· St Nevis, Caribbean £2,575

Most expensive locations per square metre:
· Monaco £44,400
· Courchevel, France £17,765
· Paris £10,210
· Manhattan £9,720

Robert Shaw
Elite Morocco Properties
T: +44 (0) 208 529 3635
E: info@moroccoproperties.net
1: www.moroccoproperties.net
2: www.marrakech-property.net

Tourism is the biggest source of foreign currency for Morocco and despite the fact that global tourism contracted 4.3 percent last year and fell 6 percent in Europe (the origin of most of Morocco’s foreign visitors), Morocco has managed to keep visitor numbers growing by 6.5 percent.

“Achieving 94 percent of our (2010) goal, bearing in mind that we just went through one of the biggest global crises in a century, is a very satisfying result,” Tourism Minister Yassir Znagui told reporters late on Monday. Znagui said the number of visitors rebounded by 16 percent in the first three months of 2010 to 1.72 million, night stays grew by 7 percent to 3.7 million and tourism income grew by 12 percent to 10.2 billion Dirhams (about 900 million Euros).

In addition, he said, the strategy worked out by his department would no longer limit itself to traditional markets, particularly France and Spain, but it would target other countries from Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Znagui said despite the global downturn, Morocco “was the only country from the Mediterranean basin to see a 6% increase in 2009 arrivals. According to statistics from the Moroccan ministry of Tourism, the French are on top with 3.1 million tourists (+4%), followed by Spanish (1.8 millions, +10%), Belgians (469,000 tourists, +12%), Dutch (443,000 tourists, +12%), Germans (423,000 tourists, +1%), British (362,000 tourists, -7%) and Italians (318,000 tourists, +11%).

Morocco Central Bank Says Housing Market Not Stagnating

Morocco’s property market is likely to pick up in coming months, the central bank told Reuters, playing down fears of prolonged correction that could hold back economic growth in the north African country.

The price slowdown “has been quite brief and (the market) should very probably continue to resume its dynamism in the coming quarters,” the central bank, known as Bank Al Maghrib, said in emailed replies, received on Wednesday, to questions from Reuters.

It said prices have begun rising again and the sector should “continue to present important investment opportunities given that most analyses suggest that demand significantly exceeds supply, especially in social and mid-income housing.”

A Moroccan construction boom continued during the global economic downturn, helping prop up the economy even as local exporters faced slumping demand from recession-hit Europe. Most of the building activity is in real estate after banking reforms gave middle-income families easier access to mortgages and thousands of apartment blocks sprang up to replace slums in the kingdom’s teeming northern cities.

Housing growth has also underpinned the Casablanca stock market as local investors poured money into local real estate companies such as Addoha, which now accounts for over 10 percent of the bourse’s capitalisation, according to traders.

Property prices have corrected and sales have slowed since late 2008 however local analysts have voiced concern that Morocco may have been experiencing a property bubble. But the bank rejected that, saying that a 7 percent rise in property prices between the first quarter of 2006 and the third quarter of 2008 “is below that seen at the international level in the same period.” The rise over that period “in no way reflects an overheating of the property market,” the bank said. “It is explained, in our view, by a catch-up effect.”

CUT MORE BAD DEBT

Strong lending growth that has underpinned real estate projects in recent years continued in January, with mortgage lending still up 13 percent compared to a year earlier, according to central bank figures. More Moroccans have been encouraged to open bank accounts and borrow as the banking network grew to reach more of the 34 million population.

Banks have been able to lend at lower rates and remain profitable because their bad debts have tumbled to around 5.5 percent, from a high of 19 percent in 2004 that was a hangover from risky lending in the 1990s. Moroccan banks should continue to “further lower their levels of bad debts and reinforce their equity base,” the central bank said.

Analysts have suggested that Moroccan banks are still too weak to finance some major projects in the local economy. Asked if more mergers were needed among Moroccan lenders, the central bank said the sector was “characterised by a relatively high concentration of actors, the top three banks controlling 66 percent of the market”.

“This concentration and consolidation of financial resources allowed the reinforcement of banks’ capacity to finance the economy and the emergence of important financial groups that adopted strategies to deploy on the continent and in Europe.”

Robert Shaw
Elite Morocco Properties
T: +44 (0) 208 529 3635
E: info@moroccoproperties.net
1: www.moroccoproperties.net
2: www.marrakech-property.net

“Countries with diversified economies, such as Morocco, have better resisted (the global financial crisis) and could have a strong rate of growth,” Strauss-Kahn said in an interview published on Wednesday by the Egyptian newspaper Al Ahram Hebdo.

“Morocco is a very good example. This country has successfully overcome the crisis. It will have a strong growth,” he said.

Strauss-Kahn added that among the problems in some African countries and other parts of the world is “having an economy insufficiently diversified or completely energy-based.”

Here in Morocco, government officials are confident that their efforts to create a new means of economic progress with alternative energy has shown that the costs of doing show are well worth it.

According to Yussif Said, a technology advisor to the government in Rabat, “we are moving forward on a number of local reforms and have given attention to the IT sector because we understand that through the Internet and our citizens, success will be had.”

He pointed how the IT sector has thrown its weight behind the massive $9 billion solar energy project that could see half of the country’s energy come from solar power by 2025.

“The IT firms are behind this initiative and show that we don’t have to focus on one sector over another,” he added.

The IMF boss said that “overall, Africa has overcome the crisis better than expected. Now we notice in most countries a return to growth.”

Robert Shaw
Elite Morocco Properties
T: +44 (0) 208 529 3635
E: info@moroccoproperties.net
1: www.moroccoproperties.net
2: www.marrakech-property.net

It is the combination of the excellent weather and water from the Atlas Mountains that makes Marrakech such a fantastic location for golf. Despite its proximity to one of the largest deserts in the world (Sahara), the water table is high and Marrakech is surprisingly verdant, something that can surprise new visitors who often expect a dusty and dirty city. Nothing could be further from the truth; in fact Marrakech boasts an amazing number of beautiful gardens, parks, promenades and public spaces. Just taking the short 5-minute journey from the airport to the upmarket hotel district (Hivernage) will take you past the Menara Gardens (ancient Olive Groves with a stunning central water feature), along several wide boulevards (all with well tended verges and sidewalks) and past many gardens bursting with colour and life.

There are currently 5 golf courses playable in Marrakech with a further 7 having been granted licenses. This number was not plucked out of thin air but a detailed study was commissioned into the demand for such golfing facilities, their water consumption and the area’s ability to deal with this comfortably. 12 may seem high but not when you consider the Algarve alone has over 50 golf courses.

3 of the courses have been around for a while. Firstly the Royal Golf Club was built in the 1920s by the late Pasha of Marrakech and was a favourite of the late King Hassan II and Winston Churchill. It is based in a stunning forest of palm trees and has been maintained to the highest standards as you would expect for something with the royal seal of approval. It was recently rated as the 3rd best course in the whole of Morocco by Golf Digest Magazine and has 18 holes, is par 72 and 6,120m.

The Amelkis Golf Club is the next oldest course you should play when visiting Marrakech. It has 36 holes, both par 72 and around 6,500m and is located directly opposite the Royal Golf Club so you could easily play both in the same day. Amelkis was designed by Cabell Robinson and it boasts fabulous views of the snow-covered Atlas from some fairways and despite being an open course, the landscape is varied and there are plenty of hazards along the way. Recently rated in the top 10 Moroccan courses by Golf Digest Magazine it is considered to be the most challenging golf course in Marrakech and has welcomed the Morocco Open in 2000 and the Hugo Boss tournament in 2006.

Located in the centre of Amelkis golf course and built around an artificial lake, the Amenjena hotel is a true palace. The property echoes both the Berber villages of the High Atlas Mountains and the elegance of a Sultan’s palace. Often visited by celebrities and sports personalities it will leave you speechless.

The third well established course is the Palmeraie Golf Club (18 holes, par 72, 6,214m) that is about 15 minutes northeast from the centre of the city and 30 minutes from the airport. It is based in the Palmeraie Oasis and like all other courses here is stunning and beautifully maintained. It was built in 1992 and designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr so has an American style. It is based in a natural valley and boasts 7 lakes, 1,000 of palm trees and numerous sand hazards. The clubhouse is majestic and Golf Digest Magazine recently rated the course ninth in Morocco.

Beyond this is a new wave of designer courses now being delivered to meet demand. Top of the list and without doubt the most important new course in north Africa is the Samanah Country Club – a deluxe new leisure community with 5 star + facilities. The golf course here is complete (18 holes, par 72, 6,786m) has been designed by Jack Nicklaus and boasts impressive environmental credentials. Membership is only currently available to hotel guests and property owners (whose tenants will then be able to use the course at very preferential rates throughout the year).

With club membership completely private, buying here is a very sound investment. Phase 1 is now completing and is absolutely stunning – that includes most commercial services, an enormous and breathtaking clubhouse, the unique golf course, stunning market square, a deluxe hotel and around 300 villas. There will be 650 residents on 285 hectares (only 5% density) and phase 2 of the community is located discreetly away from the main areas. For your comfort there is a comprehensive range of fantastic services.

* Three luxury 5 star + hotels. Part of the Leading Hotels of the World Group
* Stunning market square & beautiful water features
* Top brand restaurants, spa, services & shops
* Optional rental management and services
* In house catering, chauffeurs & maid services
* Stunning year round views of the Atlas
* Private golf and tennis club
* 8 minutes to airport, 15 minutes to Medina
* 40 minutes to the ski resorts

Most properties on Samanah are fabulous deluxe villas (450 villas with prices from 500,000 – 2,500,000 EUR), but there are also some semi detached villas (from 395k EUR – only 10 left from 100 in April 2010) and a few villa apartments for sale (from 125 – 215k EUR). Apartments are large and designed so that the living room can be used as an extra bedroom (sofa bed) with a separate shower room and guest W/C. For more information contact an official agent like Elite Samanah Properties.

The property price includes 20% VAT, pool, comprehensive garden landscaping, garage/private parking, kitchen (not appliances), fixtures and fittings. A luxury furniture pack is an optional extra and can be provided by an award winning interior design company. Golf playing rights are also an optional extra (from 24 – 36k EUR for the life of the property). If buying off plan you can choose bespoke interior design packages where Samanah will change property layouts, add additional features (basements/lifts/larger pools) etc and mortgages are available through a leading Moroccan bank for up to 70%.

In addition to the Samanah Country Club, the following new golf and leisure communities will all be delivered in Marrakech over the next 1 – 5 years with several more in the planning stages. Golf property is available off plan around all of the courses and could make a sound investment if you are persuaded about the future of Marrakech as a golfing destination.

1. Al Maaden Golf
2. Atlas Golf
3. Marrakech Golf City
4. Domain Royal Ranches
5. Domain Royal Palm

Robert Shaw
Elite Morocco Properties
T: +44 (0) 208 529 3635
E: info@moroccoproperties.net
1: www.moroccoproperties.net
2: www.marrakech-property.net

News About Moroccan Property In Tangier. A project for an overhaul of the port in the city of Tangier is in the offing. The plan hopes to transform Tangier into a leading yachting marina in the Mediterranean. Many changes are expected to help return Tangier to a leading position among Mediterranean cities. “This major project, which will begin construction in 2011 will make the port of Tangier and its bay one of the first marinas and cruise destinations in the Mediterranean,” said President of the Tangier port development & conversion society, Abdelouafi Laftit.

Among other new developments, the new port will accommodate bigger cruise ships and pleasure boats. Mr. Laftit also said that additional space would be available for hotels and other tourism activities in an effort to promote new services in the port area. With the opening of the newer and larger Tanger-Med port, located twenty kilometres to the east there is an opportunity to transform not only the port but also the city of Tangier into a more leisurely, clean and cultured city that will be able to attract more visitors from Europe and elsewhere.

Robert Shaw
Elite Morocco Properties
T: +44 (0) 208 529 3635
E: info@moroccoproperties.net
1: www.moroccoproperties.net
2: www.marrakech-property.net

News About Property In Marrakech. In a boost to Morocco’s burgeoning tourism market, the owner of the Ramada hotel group has announced that it plans to construct eight properties in the North African country. At the opening of the new Ramada Fes, Fawaz Majid Al Badr, the CEO of hotel owner the Al-Tameer investment group, told reporters and guests that the Kuwaiti group would build a further seven properties in the country.

Al Badr is quoted by the ANSAmed news agency as giving the locations “in Marrakesh, Rabat, Casablanca and Agadir.” The support of Ramada will be a welcome boost to the Moroccan government’s program to increase tourism income, which has been reduced to 2007 levels by the global economic downturn. In 2001, Moroccan King Mohamed VI laid out plans to reach 10 million tourists per year by 2010, helped in part by the creation of six major tourism sites on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines and the creation of 15,000 rooms in Morocco’s major cities.

Whilst building work in six resorts of Mogador, Lixus, Mazagan, Saidia, Taghazout and the Plage Blanche is still underway, tourist arrivals, particularly from Europe, have boomed. According to official figures, tourist arrivals went from 4.3m in 2001 to 7.8 million in 2008, making the 10 million mark a real possibility (despite the downturn) by the end of the year. Inbound visitors from France make up the majority of arrivals – accounting for 1.7 million visitors in 2008.

Robert Shaw
Elite Morocco Properties
T: +44 (0) 208 529 3635
E: info@moroccoproperties.net
1: www.moroccoproperties.net
2: www.marrakech-property.net

Standard & Poor’s also raised its short-term foreign currency sovereign credit rating on Morocco to ‘A-3′ from ‘B’ and its short-term local currency sovereign credit rating to ‘A-2′ from A-3′. It has also raised its transfer and convertibility assessment for Morocco to ‘BBB+’ from ‘BBB’.

In a press release, the Moroccan finance ministry has described this move as a “quantum leap”, which is a result of the reforms undertaken by the kingdom and macro-economic stability of the country.

Posted by Robert Shaw
Elite Morocco Properties
T: +44 (0) 208 529 3635
E: info@moroccoproperties.net
1: www.moroccoproperties.net
2: www.marrakech-property.net

Marrakech Property For Sale. According to leading international agent Knight Frank, luxury and prime property in Morocco, particularly in the cosmopolitan city of Marrakech, is still in high demand from discerning professional investors and second home owners from around the globe, who are seeking a relatively lower-risk real estate investment in a country less affected by the recession than others like the UK and USA.

Morocco provides an exciting destination in which to invest in property, with buyers drawn to the country’s low property prices in comparison to Europe, the real estate appreciation prospects and the ease in which foreigners can own property. What is also attractive is the comparatively low cost of living, the extensive government investment in the tourism market, the creation of several tax advantages and the wealth of lifestyle benefits available.

The country has not been immune to the global economic downturn, but it has been far less heavily affected and has fared much better than other North African states. Following a visit to Morocco at the end of 2009, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued the property market a vote of confidence, highlighting that the country’s economic performance has remained solid.

Knight Frank’s international research department in London has found that the residential real estate market in Morocco performed well, with home prices rising by 35 to 40 per cent in the five years leading up to 2008. Since then, prices dropped by up to 20 per cent in the early half of 2009 but have now stabilised and are forecasted to grow again.

At the top end of the market, there continues to be a sustained demand for super-prime residences and resorts in quality worldwide destinations, for properties priced above €2million. In Marrakech, the country’s leading tourist location, there is heightened demand for luxury, high-quality real estate, which is currently not being met by supply.

CBRE , the world’s leading commercial real estate advisor reports that investors in prime Moroccan residential property in 2010 may double their money within 10 years. Residential experts, Aylesford International agrees with this forecast but are even more optimistic and believe that a prime property investment in Marrakech now, over a five year period, is likely to be extremely profitable.

The reason for this is widely due the Moroccan Government’s ambitious “Plan Azur”, a €2.2 billion masterplan to generate investment, high quality real estate and tourism to the Kingdom, which will in turn create a property boom in Morocco. The country is successfully evolving as an exciting investment market, positioned as a desirable cosmopolitan destination that will combine world-class holidays and resorts with cultural, fitness and eco-tourism.

Robert Shaw
Elite Morocco Properties
T: +44 (0) 208 529 3635
E: info@moroccoproperties.net
1: www.moroccoproperties.net
2: www.marrakech-property.net

Chami said he expected foreign direct investment to grow this year by a “double digit” rate versus the previous year. “We are clearly on a higher trend this year for the foreign investment. The increase would be at double digit,” he added. Chami gave no figure but the Trade Ministry’s latest figures showed that foreign investment was $2.3 billion in 2008 versus $2.8 billion in 2007. “Foreign investment in Morocco came mainly from the European Union and Gulf countries,” he said.

“The car parts industry saw its exports rising by 25 percent in the first two months this year compared to the same period last year,” he added. The European Union is Morocco’s main trade market, accounting for more than 80 percent of its exports. “The government also extended its incentives to the construction sector which is a significant factor of our growth. The higher investment spending by the government this year is another positive factor in growth,” he added.

Robert Shaw
Elite Morocco Properties
T: +44 (0) 208 529 3635
E: info@moroccoproperties.net
1: www.moroccoproperties.net
2: www.marrakech-property.net

Le Jardin de Fleur is a collection of prestigious property developments in the Moroccan coastal destination of Saidia, known locally as the Blue Pearl of Morocco. These properties are attached to a leaseback system, managed by world leading hotel brands. Below is an overview of 3 fantastic value added offers that now apply for a limited time only.

Option 1: Low entry & no cost for 3 years
* Valid for Radisson Blu Resort (RT-6) and Franklyn – Montigo Resort (VVT-9)
* Low entry point 10%, from less than 9,450 EUR
* Minimal monthly payment plan during construction 945 EUR a month
* Guaranteed mortgage on completion (60%)
* Pay nothing for 3 years after completion (mortgage and management fees paid)
* Capital appreciation in an emerging area
* Leaseback program with high-income returns (estimated 7-9% from year 4)
* 8 weeks personal use during the year
* Starting prices from 92,000 EUR

Option 2: Return on deposit during construction
* Valid for Radisson Blu Resort (RT-6) and Franklyn – Montigo Resort (VVT-9)
* Minimum 30% deposit required from 28,000 EUR
* 5% return per annum on deposit until completion
* Valid for all deposits above 30% of the purchase price
* Hotel-managed leaseback rental income (estimated 4-5% from year 1)
* Luxury fully furnished properties starting at 92,000 EUR

Option 3: Return on deposit & no cost for 3 years
* Valid for Best Western Premier Resort (RT-2) and Worldhotels (VVT-8)
* 50% deposit from 105,000 EUR
* 5% return on your deposit per annum until completion
* No cost after completion for 3 years (full mortgage and management fees paid)
* Leaseback program with high-income returns (calculated at 7-9% from year 4)
* Apartments from 210,000 EUR
* 3 bedroom villas with private pool from 292,000 EUR
* Offer ends 30th April 2010

FULLY MANAGED BY INTERNATIONAL HOTEL BRANDS

WORLDHOTELS: The largest market representation in Europe/Africa, exclusive collection of the most unique independent hotels and resorts

BEST WESTERN PREMIER: Best Western’s top-of-the-range brand and largest international hotel distribution network

FRANKLYN/MONTIGO RESORT: Worldwide boutique management company including the Royal Mansour in Marrakech

Take advantage of these flexible payment options adapted to the needs of today’s market and own a profitable investment with world-class beach, golf and marina facilities on Morocco’s exotic ‘Cote d’Azur.’

Robert Shaw
Elite Morocco Properties
T: +44 (0) 208 529 3635
E: info@moroccoproperties.net
1: www.moroccoproperties.net
2: www.marrakech-property.net