Morocco - A Golf Destination of Choice for Luxury Property Investors
In a world where luxury and leisure increasingly go hand in hand with investment, Morocco is establishing itself as a leading destination for golf enthusiasts and discerning property investors. With its breathtaking scenery, ideal climate and booming golfing offer, the Cherifian kingdom attracts a growing number of tourists and international investors every year. Let's take a closer look at why Morocco is a must-visit golf destination and a promising luxury property market.
A booming golfing paradise
World-renowned courses
Morocco is now home to over 40 golf courses, many of which are considered to be among the best in the world. From the lush greens of Marrakech to the seaside fairways of Agadir and the spectacular courses of Tangier and Fez, the country offers a diversity of courses that will satisfy even the most demanding golfers.
Morocco's golfing gems include :
- The Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat, which regularly hosts the Hassan II Trophy, a European Tour competition. This course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr, is renowned for its fairways lined with century-old trees and its technical greens.
- Mazagan Golf Club in El Jadida, an 18-hole links course designed by Gary Player. Running for almost 3 kilometres along the Atlantic Ocean, it offers spectacular views and a unique golfing challenge.
- Assoufid Golf Club in Marrakech, voted best course in Africa in 2016 and 2017. This desert course blends perfectly into the natural landscape, with the Atlas Mountains as its backdrop.
- Tazegzout Golf in Taghazout, near Agadir, offers breathtaking ocean views from every one of its 18 holes, culminating at over 80 metres above sea level.
These courses are just a few examples of Morocco's golfing excellence, which attracts players from all over the world every year, from passionate amateurs to renowned professionals.
An ideal climate for year-round golf
One of Morocco's main assets as a golfing destination is its Mediterranean climate. With over 300 days of sunshine a year and mild temperatures, even in winter, the country offers optimal playing conditions all year round. This attracts not only tourists looking for a golfing holiday, but also professional players who come to train during the European winter season.
The climate varies slightly from region to region:
- Marrakech enjoys a semi-arid climate, with mild winters and hot summers, ideal for golf from November to April.
- Agadir, on the Atlantic coast, enjoys a more temperate climate all year round, making it possible to play even in the height of summer.
- Fès and Meknès, in the interior of the country, offer excellent playing conditions in spring and autumn.
This diversity of climates means that golfers can choose their destination according to their preferences and the season.
Modern, high-quality infrastructure
The Moroccan government and private investors have invested heavily in the development of state-of-the-art golf infrastructures. Moroccan courses are equipped with the latest irrigation and maintenance technologies, guaranteeing an exceptional quality of play. In addition, many golf complexes offer golf academies, pro-shops and luxury clubhouses, meeting the expectations of a demanding international clientele.
These infrastructures often include :
- Sophisticated irrigation systems using recycled water to conserve water resources.
- Training centres equipped with the latest technology, including simulators and video swing analysis systems.
- Clubhouses offering top-of-the-range services: gourmet restaurants, spas, VIP lounges.
Investment in these infrastructures is not limited to the courses themselves. Moroccan golf complexes are often part of wider development projects, including luxury hotels, upmarket residences and leisure centres.
A fast-growing luxury property market
Attractive investment opportunities
The development of golf in Morocco has been accompanied by significant growth in the luxury property market. Numerous high-end residential complexes have sprung up around golf courses, offering investors a wide range of opportunities:
- Luxury villas overlooking the greens: These properties, which can often be customised, offer an exceptional living environment, combining privacy with privileged access to the golf courses.
- Luxury flats in secure residences: Ideal for investors looking for simplified rental management, these flats generally benefit from hotel services.
- Renovated traditional riads close to the courses: For those looking for authentic Moroccan style combined with modernity, these properties offer unique charm and great potential for development.
These properties attract not only golf enthusiasts looking for a second home, but also investors looking for attractive rental yields. The market targets a diverse international clientele: Europeans in search of sunshine, keen golfers from all over the world, and investors from the Middle East attracted by the stability of the Moroccan market.
Tax advantages
Morocco offers an attractive tax environment for foreign investors. Non-residents benefit from reduced taxation on rental income and property capital gains. In addition, the country has signed tax treaties with numerous countries, thus avoiding double taxation.
Some notable tax advantages:
- Total exemption from tax on rental income for the first 5 years for long-term lets.
- Reduced tax rate on capital gains on property after 5 years.
- Possibility of Moroccan tax resident status with additional benefits for foreign pensioners.
These tax incentives, combined with property prices that are still attractive compared with other luxury golf destinations, make Morocco even more attractive to international investors.
Reassuring political and economic stability
Unlike some countries in the region, Morocco enjoys political and economic stability that is appreciated by international investors. The country has introduced reforms to improve the business climate and attract foreign investment, resulting in sustained economic growth and a dynamic property market.
Among the factors contributing to this stability :
- A constitutional monarchy offering a stable political framework.
- Ongoing economic reforms aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on traditional sectors.
- Massive investment in infrastructure: ports, airports, road and rail networks.
- A policy of economic openness with the signing of free trade agreements with the European Union and the United States.
This stability reassures foreign investors and contributes to the long-term value of property investments in the country.
Golf real estate: a booming sector
Integrated residential complexes
The concept of residential golf complexes is booming in Morocco. These developments offer much more than just accommodation:
- Privileged access to golf courses: Residents often benefit from preferential rates and reserved playing time.
- Sports facilities (tennis, swimming pools, gyms): The resorts offer a full range of sporting activities for all the family.
- Spas and wellness centres: Spaces dedicated to relaxation and wellbeing, often inspired by the Moroccan traditions of the hammam and argan treatments.
- Gastronomic restaurants: A varied culinary offer, from traditional Moroccan cuisine to the most fashionable international concepts.
- Top-of-the-range concierge services: to meet all residents' needs, from booking tee-times to organising excursions.
This all-inclusive offer appeals to an international clientele looking for a lifestyle that combines sport, relaxation and luxury. The most prestigious resorts even offer tailor-made services, such as private golf lessons with renowned professionals or in-home chefs.
Promising property development
Investment in golf real estate in Morocco offers significant potential for growth. The scarcity of available land close to golf courses, combined with growing demand, suggests that property in these prime locations will continue to appreciate.
Several factors contribute to this valuation:
- Limiting new construction in certain regions to preserve the environment and the exclusivity of the area.
- Continuous improvement of the surrounding infrastructure (roads, airports, shopping centres), which increases the attractiveness of golfing areas.
- Morocco's growing reputation as a top golfing destination, attracting a wealthy international clientele.
Market studies show that properties located in golf resorts in Morocco have appreciated by an average of between 5 and 8% per year in recent years, often outperforming the general property market.
Strong rental demand
Properties located in golf complexes benefit from strong rental demand, both for short-term lets (golfing tourists) and long-term lets (expatriates, retirees). This demand guarantees investors high occupancy rates and attractive rental yields.
The seasonal nature of golf tourism in Morocco, with peaks in winter and spring, means that owners can maximise their rental income. Many resorts offer rental management services, making it easier for non-resident investors.
Gross rental yields for luxury golf properties in Morocco typically range from 5% to 8% per annum, with peaks of up to 10% for the best located and best managed properties.
Morocco: much more than just golf
A rich cultural heritage
Beyond golf, Morocco offers an incomparable cultural wealth. UNESCO World Heritage-listed medinas, bustling souks, sumptuous palaces and thousand-year-old kasbahs are just some of the attractions for visitors. This cultural diversity adds an extra dimension to the golfing experience and strengthens the country's appeal to foreign investors.
A few cultural gems close to the golfing areas:
- The medina of Marrakech, with its famous Jemaa el-Fna square and historic palaces.
- The blue city of Chefchaouen, close to the golf courses in the north of the country.
- The Roman sites of Volubilis, not far from Fez and Meknes.
- The Kasbah des Oudayas in Rabat, just a stone's throw from the Dar Es Salam Royal Golf Club.
These cultural attractions allow golfers and their families to combine sport and discovery, enriching their stay in Morocco.
A renowned gastronomy
Moroccan cuisine, renowned for its finesse and diversity, is an added bonus for golf tourism. Golfers can combine the pleasure of the game with culinary discoveries, whether in the gourmet restaurants of the resorts or in the traditional establishments of the medinas.
Moroccan cuisine, with its fragrant tajines, generous couscous and delicate pastries, offers a unique sensory experience. Many golf resorts offer Moroccan cookery classes, allowing visitors to bring a little of Morocco home with them.
A wide range of complementary activities
There's more to Morocco than golf. The country offers a multitude of complementary activities that enrich visitors' stay:
- Water sports on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts: surfing in Taghazout, windsurfing in Essaouira, diving in Agadir.
- Hiking in the Atlas: from day trips to multi-day trekking tours, with the possibility of climbing Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.
- Desert excursions: nights under the stars in the Merzouga dunes, camel rides, discovery of Berber culture.
- Shopping in the souks and modern shopping centres: from the traditional bazaars of Marrakech to the luxury boutiques of Casablanca.
- Visits to historical and archaeological sites: from thousand-year-old medinas to the Roman remains of Volubilis.
This diversity of activities contributes to Morocco's appeal as a holiday and investment destination. Golf resorts are well aware of this wealth, and often offer packages that combine golf and discovering the country, meeting the expectations of customers looking for varied and authentic experiences.
Challenges and prospects for the Moroccan golf sector
Sustainable management of water resources
One of the main challenges facing golf development in Morocco is water management. In a country where water resources are limited, maintaining golf courses requires innovative solutions. Many resorts have already introduced intelligent irrigation systems and use drought-resistant turf varieties. These ecological initiatives are increasingly valued by environmentally conscious customers.
Among the solutions implemented:
- Use of treated wastewater to irrigate rangelands
- Installation of computer-controlled precision watering systems
- Choosing grass varieties suited to the local climate, such as Paspalum, which tolerates brackish water
- Design courses that incorporate local vegetation and require less water
These sustainability efforts are not limited to water management. Many Moroccan golf resorts are committed to environmental certification, such as the GEO (Golf Environment Organization) label, making them even more attractive to a clientele that is increasingly sensitive to ecological issues.
Training and local employment
The development of the golf sector is creating numerous employment opportunities for the local population. However, training qualified staff remains a major challenge. Partnerships between golf resorts and Moroccan hotel schools are being set up to train a new generation of golf and luxury hotel professionals.
These training initiatives cover various areas:
- Management and maintenance of golf courses
- Reception and customer service in clubhouses and golf residences
- Teaching golf (training caddies and assistant pros)
- Hotel management and luxury catering
The aim is twofold: to meet the sector's need for skilled labour while offering attractive employment prospects to young Moroccans. Some complexes are going even further by setting up mentoring programmes and career paths for their most promising employees.
Diversifying the golfing offer
To maintain its appeal and stand out from the international competition, Morocco is focusing on diversifying its golfing offer. New concepts are emerging, such as :
- Eco-friendly courses integrated into their natural surroundings: These courses, designed to minimise their environmental impact, attract a clientele that is sensitive to ecological issues. They use the natural topography of the terrain and local vegetation to create unique golfing challenges.
- Top-level golf academies to attract professional players: Equipped with the latest swing analysis technology and run by renowned pros, these academies aim to position Morocco as a leading training destination for top-level professional and amateur golfers.
- Night-time golf courses to play during the coolest hours: This innovation, which is particularly popular during the summer months, extends the hours of play and offers a unique golfing experience under the stars.
- Urban golf courses: To meet the growing demand from golfers on business trips, some Moroccan cities are developing compact courses close to business centres.
- Themed courses: Inspired by Moroccan history and culture, these courses offer a unique immersive experience, combining golf and cultural discovery.
These innovations are helping to renew golfers' and investors' interest in Morocco, by offering ever more varied and original experiences.
Developing sustainable golf tourism
Morocco is striving to develop sustainable golf tourism that takes account of environmental and social issues. This approach is reflected in a number of initiatives:
- Promotion of "golf and ecotourism" packages: These offers combine golfing holidays with the discovery of Morocco's natural heritage, raising visitors' awareness of the country's ecological wealth.
- Encouraging sustainable practices at golf complexes: using renewable energy, reducing waste, promoting local biodiversity.
- Involvement of local communities: Development of social and educational projects in partnership with golf resorts, creation of local jobs.
- Promoting local products: Use of local and organic products in the resort's restaurants, promotion of local crafts.
This sustainable approach reinforces Morocco's positive image as a responsible golfing destination, attracting a clientele that is increasingly sensitive to these issues.
The future of golf in Morocco: between tradition and innovation
Golf as a vector for economic development
The Moroccan government has clearly identified golf as a strategic sector for the country's tourism and economic development. The "Azur 2020 Plan", which aims to make Morocco one of the world's top 20 tourist destinations, places great emphasis on developing the golfing offer.
The objectives are ambitious:
- Double the number of golf courses by 2030
- Attracting 1 million golfers a year
- Create more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs in the sector
To achieve these objectives, Morocco is relying on a comprehensive strategy combining the development of high-quality infrastructure, vocational training, targeted marketing and the promotion of foreign investment.
Technological innovation at the service of Moroccan golf
Morocco is not content to simply follow global golfing trends, it is also looking to innovate. Integrating new technologies into the golfing experience is at the heart of this innovation strategy:
- Use of drones for course maintenance and surveillance
- Development of mobile applications offering virtual tours of the routes and real-time booking services
- Setting up electronic scoring systems and GPS tracking of players on the course
- Creating augmented reality experiences to enhance golf learning
These technological innovations are designed to enhance the golfing experience while optimising the management of golf complexes.
Conclusion: Morocco, a winning choice for golfers and investors
Morocco has established itself as a leading golfing destination, combining quality courses, an ideal climate and a rich cultural heritage. For property investors, the country offers attractive opportunities in a fast-growing market, supported by a favourable government policy and sustained tourist demand.
The growth of golf in Morocco is not limited to the simple practice of the sport. It is part of a wider dynamic of tourism and property development, creating a virtuous circle that benefits the country's entire economy. Residential golf complexes, true havens of luxury and well-being, meet the expectations of a demanding international clientele in search of a Mediterranean lifestyle.
As the world of golf continues to evolve, Morocco is positioning itself as a major player, combining tradition and modernity, luxury and authenticity. The country is successfully meeting the challenges of sustainability and innovation, making it even more attractive to golfers and investors from around the world.
For golfers in search of new experiences and investors looking for promising opportunities, the Cherifian kingdom is a must-visit destination, where the pleasure of the game combines harmoniously with the prospect of attractive returns.
Investing in golfing property in Morocco means not only acquiring a prestigious property, but also gaining privileged access to a unique art of living, at the crossroads of cultures and pleasures. It's a gamble on a country that has managed to transform its natural and cultural assets into a first-rate golf and property offering, while remaining true to its traditions of hospitality and authenticity.
So, are you ready to swing into your next Moroccan investment? The Moroccan green is waiting for you to write the next chapter in your golfing and property adventure.
Find out more about golf in Morocco: Royal Moroccan Golf Federation
