The Atlas Golf Resort - Morocco Property

The Marrakech Rental Market
The arrival of the low cost air carriers to Marrakech has heralded a new era for the tourism industry in the city.
With over 100 flights a week between the UK and Marrakech alone the numbers of travellers enchanted by
this mystical city has grown exponentially. Indeed visitor numbers increased by 11% over the first half of 2007.
(Magreb Arab Press) Overall Marrakech accounts for roughly 54% of the tourism numbers for the entire country
and has recorded a rise in numbers for every quarter over the previous seven years. Recently the Moroccan low
cost carrier Atlas Blue announced flights from London for only £39 one way, which is sure to increase visitor
numbers and make Marrakech one of the most popular winter sun and weekend break destinations.
One of the most important factors for a potential buy-to-let investment strategy is the tax situation in Morocco.
The good news is that there is an exemption of taxes on turnover profits for export during the first 5 years (50%
for the following 5 years), meaning that you don’t pay taxes on income declared from rental for the first five years
of ownership and after that only half the rate is due.
Other indicators suggest that the attraction of Marrakech will continue for some time to come. Lastminute.com
recorded the fastest increase in enquiries for any destination over the first half of 2007 and every day seems to
bring news of a new opening of a fashionable nightclub, restaurant or boutique hotel chain. Hotel occupancy in
the city, according to the Moroccan Tourism Board, currently stands at an impressive 76%.
From Richard Branson to Rocco Forte and from the Puro Lounge to Pacha the city attracts an incredibly wide
spectrum of new businesses to entertain the visitor. An likewise, much of the attraction of Marrakech is the
diversity of the visitors, from elderly archaeologists to young thrill seekers looking for the latest outward bound
holiday.
Example Current Rental Prices
Short Term / Holiday Lets
A three bedroomed new house in a development 10 minutes from the centre on www.holidayrentals.co.uk is
currently available for between £400 to £600 per week.
Luxury four bedroom villa in a new development 15 minutes from the centre on www.holidayrentals.co.uk is
currently available for between £1600 to £2000 per week.
Long term Rentals
Long term rentals are growing in popularity as Marrakech becomes a favoured relocation and retirement
destination for large numbers of French, as well as British buyers.
A new 3 bedroom house on the outskirts of the city currently rents for around £700 per month on karimo.com.