Legal
The essential checks before a purchase
A successful viewing does not replace the legal and documentary checks.
Before signing, the notary verifies the legal situation of the property and the elements needed to secure the sale. That is their role, and it is central to any purchase in Morocco.
Depending on the file, it may be necessary to verify the land title where one exists, the chain of ownership, any registered charges and the available administrative documents.
For a riad in the Medina, the physical reality of the building must also be set against the paperwork: the surfaces observed do not always match what is recorded.
These checks separate the architectural appeal of a property from its actual legal standing. Both need to hold up.
Written by François, estate professional in Marrakech specialising in riads in the Medina. Published in 2026. This information is indicative and does not replace the advice of a notary or a building professional.
A question, a project, a doubt?
The simplest thing is to talk it through. Ten minutes is usually enough to know whether a project holds up.