Marrakech Property Guide: Buying in Morocco

Ever since celebrities like Sting, Mick Jagger and David Bowie opted for homes in the city it has attracted tourists and people looking for second properties.

As the Lonely Planet travel guide noted: "Marrakech is above all a city of drama.

"Be drawn back into a world of frenzied motion, where jugglers and storytellers jostle for position with snake charmers, magicians and acrobats. Your nose will guide you to row upon row of open-air food stalls whose pungent smoke fills the air with mouth-watering aromas.

"Its spectacular setting against the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains lingers long in the minds of most travellers, and the famous Djemaa el-Fna square provides perhaps the greatest open-air spectacle in the world."

Indeed, the whole city is centred on the Djemaa el Fna, which remains the main square in Marrakech. During the day it is predominantly occupied by orange juice stalls, youths with chained Barbary apes, water sellers in colourful costumes with traditional leather water-bags and brass cups, and snake charmers who will pose for photographs for tourists.

However, as night fall, the area transforms into a heaving mass of entertainment and food stalls.

The square is edged on one side by the city's souk - an area of traditional North African markets which service both the common daily needs of the people of the city, and the tourist trade.

Narrow streets lead from the square to the alleys of the medina quarter, also known as the old city. It is here that many of Marrakech's famous riads are located. These properties are walled and feature central courtyards which afford a moment of peace from the bustling city outside.

Pros of Buying Property in Marrakech

Website gemestates.co.uk noted that the city "remains perpetually cool and is currently the place to be seen" and pointed out that this has attracted many people considering second homes. Indeed, foreignpropertybuyer.com claimed that prices in the city have jumped by as much as 50 per cent in the past two years on the back of this popularity.

Despite this, the Global Property Guide's figures indicate that property in the capital remains relatively good value. Its data shows that a home in the country typically costs $1,973 per square metre, making it cheaper than many of its Middle Eastern neighbours.

However, the site did suggest that homes in Marrakech are more expensive, with a 60 square metre apartment costing in the region of €110,640. For something larger, prices range from €236,760 for a 120 square metre apartment to over €300,000 for the biggest flats.

Should someone want to opt for a riad, prices increase considerably, with very small ones starting at €269,000. For larger ones, complete with stunning courtyards and impressive roof terraces, prices can range up to €913,850.