Moroccan Government Forges Partnership with Notaries to Expand Housing Assistance

Friday 22 December 2023 - 15:25

In a bid to ease the housing crisis and bolster homeownership across Morocco, the Ministry of National Planning has joined forces with the country's notaries. On Wednesday, Minister Fatima Ezzahra El Mansour and National Council of Notaries President Hicham Sabiry sealed an agreement aimed at streamlining the delivery of direct housing aid to citizens.

Set to kick off on New Year's Day, the expanded assistance program will see the government funnel approximately 100,000 dirhams directly to lower-income homebuyers purchasing properties priced up to 300,000 dirhams. An additional 70,000 dirhams will be awarded to middle-class families purchasing homes between 300,000-700,000 dirhams.

To facilitate easier access to this support, the pact significantly reduces notary fees associated with the homebuying process. Eligible buyers will now pay a maximum 2,500 dirhams in notary costs - less than half the previous average of 6,000 dirhams. Mansour touted the move as a "considerable milestone" that will boost social inclusion by helping more Moroccans attain decent housing.

Speaking after the ceremony, the minister emphasized the Royal initiative's goal of stimulating housing demand and spurring real estate sector investment nationwide. She stressed that cooperation with notaries and other stakeholders is pivotal to fulfilling this vision. The agreement paves the way for citizens nationwide to receive guidance navigating the aid application from approved notaries.

To optimize monitoring of the expansive program, the ministry is also launching a new "Daam Sakane" digital platform. This centralized system will facilitate data sharing among partners and help track aid disbursements, purchases and property transfers in real-time. Officials expect the partnerships and technologies underlying this ambitious housing plan will help strengthen Morocco's social compact by making homeownership a reality for more citizens across urban and rural areas alike.