An Expat Talks about Moving to Marrakech, Morocco

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Marrakech

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

sofas, antiques, childrens garden furniture, car, car seat and hight chair i wish i'd left at home tv and my husband (only joking)

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What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

It would be a good idea to buy a home before moving out here as that makes life alot easier or even rent one before you move. Do the first removals in one name so that you can have another load later in the other name. Get a recommeded notaire and accountant before moving. Brush up on your french. Put your child down on the waiting list of a chosen school. Life is much easier if you live near the school and not the other side of town. Agents from the internet are very helpful.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

A Villa, it is typical but you get a lot more villa for your money if you buy but not if you rent.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

Very difficult and expensive to rent here if you want a pool and garden, we ended up buying a villa. We found our home on the internet and by asking local people about what was for sale in the area.

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

Housing costs are less but seem to be increasing all the time. A 4 bed villa with large garden and pool, 9k out of town will cost you about 355,ooo this price includes notaire fees but not estate agents which is another 2.5%