Meknes is one of the quieter cities in Morocco, yet it has plenty of beautiful sites. As one of Morocco's imperial cities, it is the home of Moorish and Islamic architecture, which can clearly be seen in the old medina. It also has a high concentration of foreigners, which means there is a balance of historical sites and modern amenities.
Neighbourhoods in Meknes
The most popular neighbourhoods in Meknes are Bab Mansour and Lalla Aouda. The Medina, near the Royal Palace and the Royal Golf of Meknes, is also very popular for its lush gardens, ramparts, and cultural sites. You will find different types of housing, including apartments and villas, as well as hotels where you can enjoy a short stay in the city.
Other neighbourhoods like Najjarine, Belle Vue, the new town (Ville Nouvelle), Plaisance, and Kamilia have also been listed by expatriates as nice places to settle in.
Rent prices in Meknes
Rent prices in Meknes vary according to the neighbourhoods and types of housing. Real estate prices are relatively lower than in other Moroccan cities. You can rent a two-bedroom apartment from 2,000 dirhams and a three-room apartment from 5,000 dirhams. If you wish to buy a two-bedroom apartment, you will need about 200,000 dirhams. To purchase a modern and equipped villa, you will need at least 2 million dirhams. Please note that there is little likelihood of finding a studio in the city.
House hunting in Meknes
To find accommodation in Meknes, use housing websites or check the classifieds sections in local newspapers. Word-of-mouth is very useful if you have friends or relatives in the city. You can also hire a real estate agent, although this will require that you pay a fee, a better way is to ask shopkeepers and cafe waiters and parking lot guards in the neighbourhood, or just walk around to see if you can see a “For rent”. You can also check on Facebook for rent ads or flat-sharing ads for expatriates.
Lease procedures
Once you find rent, it is necessary to negotiate the price with the landlord. The price doesn't include water and electricity bills. 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 for the rent, which could be equivalent to a month's rent. The last part is to put the utility bills 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).
Keep in mind that you can always rent a furnished apartment but for a higher price.
Good to know:
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.
Useful links:
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