Essaouira is one of the smallest cities of Morocco and is internationally recognised for its Medina, a World Heritage Site. The city is particularly known for windsurfing, as a strong wind blows into the bay. If you are moving there, you will have plenty of opportunities to take advantage of leisure activities and a beautiful coastline.
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The climate of the city and the quiet and peaceful environment has motivated many real estate developers to invest in Essaouira. This has accelerated economic growth, especially for the local real estate market.
Residential areas in Essaouira
The most popular neighbourhoods in Essaouira are located in the Medina, the outskirts, Lalla Amina, and El Borj. In the Medina, you will find tall buildings inspired by European models. You can choose between riads and apartments at affordable prices.
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Housing plots which are close to the sea are not recommended, even though they may seem attractive. This is due to the corrosion affecting this region of the country, which makes maintenance very expensive.
It is easier to find housing in the outskirts due to the development of hotel infrastructure. You will find not only hotels and guest houses where you can make a short stay but also villas and apartments which you can buy or rent. The region of Lalla Amina also offers a variety of housing with a high level of comfort.
In the industrial area, located in the north of Essaouira, you will find furnished lofts. Prices vary according to the comfort level. You can buy a loft from 200,000 dirhams. Cherby and El Borj have large residential buildings with a higher level of comfort. In Erraonak and Al Mostakbal, you will find housing with moderate prices but perhaps not as comfortable.
Rent prices in Essaouira
The price for a decent apartment can begin from 2800 dirhams, and higher in more central neighbourhoods. For places like Cherby and El Borj, expect 3500 and higher. For villas, it can start 10,000 or 8,000 if you're lucky enough. You can find affordable prices for a short stay, or if Essaouria seduces you that much, you can easily find flat-sharing offers for expatriates.
Procedures
Once you find rent, it is necessary to negotiate the price with the landlord. The price doesn't include water and electricity bill. The rent contract is then drawn up and has to be notarized. The lease usually lasts for one year, so it has to be renewed. You will also have to pay a tax fee for the rent, which could be equivalent to a month's rent. The last part is to put the utility bill in your name. To do this, you fill out a form, which then has to be signed by the landlord and present it to the utility company's local office (you can also pick up the form from their counter).
House hunting in Essaouira
A good way to find a place is by checking social media group and post, mostly Facebook. You can also find flat-sharing offers for expats. Check websites like Avito, Maroc Annonces, Askoon, and Mubawab.
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