Morocco’s State-Housing Support Program Receives 7,900 Applications

The Moroccan government's direct housing support initiative received over 7,900 applications within the first few days of its launch.

Rabat – The Moroccan government’s direct housing support initiative received over 7,900 applications within the first few days of its launch.

According to data from the Ministry of National Planning, Urban Planning, Housing, and City Policy, a staggering 25% of the applications received as of January 5, are from Moroccans living abroad out of a total of 7,961 applications on the official platform.

The data shows that 76% of the applications originated from Moroccans residing in the country, while the remaining 24% were filed by individuals residing abroad.

The bulk of the applications included housing units valued below MAD 300,000 ($30,300), making up 68% of all applications, overshadowing those within the range of MAD 300,000 to MAD 700,000 ($70,700), making up 32% of all applications.

The ministry is set to collect and process personal data via the “Housing Support” platform and transmit it to the relevant department for processing.

Key amendments introduced by Article 10 of the 2024 Finance Law detail eligibility criteria for housing. The program only extends to housing units with a permit from January 1, 2023, consisting of a minimum of two rooms, and be the subject of an initial sale.

In addition, beneficiaries must designate the property as their primary residence for a mandatory five-year period from the date of the final sales contract.

The article further defines the primary residence as any dwelling not leased out or allocated for professional purposes

Moroccans residing abroad are obligated to retain the specified housing for five years, either as their residence in Morocco or used by their spouses, descendants, or direct first-degree lineage without any form of compensation.

Regarding refund procedures for the subsidy amount, Article 10 specifies that in cases where the final sales contract is not executed, the refund is facilitated by the notary. If the property is transferred before the five-year mark, the beneficiary is responsible for reimbursing the subsidy amount.