"Which area is best?" has no single answer, because the right neighbourhood depends on what you want to do with the property: live in it, rent it, or hold it. Here is how we describe the main areas when a buyer comes to the agency, with honest limits for each.
Palmeraie: space, privacy, villas
North of the city, the Palmeraie is where large plots, big gardens and private pools are found. It suits families and buyers who want calm. The trade-off is distance: you will use a car for everything, and the best streets are not close to the centre. Water access and road quality vary a lot by plot, so check both.
Guéliz and Hivernage: city life
These are the districts for apartments, restaurants and walking. Guéliz has the shops, offices and a steady rental demand. Hivernage is more upmarket, with hotels and residences close to the Menara avenue. Parking and noise are the usual weak points, so visit in the evening.
The Medina: riads and character
A riad in the old city has charm that nothing else offers, and strong appeal for guesthouse use. It also asks for more attention: access can be on foot only, and renovation of an old building needs a specialist. Read our guide on buying a renovated riad before you commit.
Golf estates: managed communities
Several golf resorts around the city combine villas, apartments and services inside a gated community. You pay service charges, and in return you get security and maintenance. They suit buyers who are abroad for most of the year. See our article on apartments in golf resorts.
The outskirts: land and value
Along the roads towards Amizmiz, Ourika and Fès, prices per square metre are lower and plots are larger. It is where many people build. The risk is on the legal side, so read about titled and buildable land first.
How to choose
- Decide the use: residence, holiday home, rental, resale.
- Set the budget including notary and registration fees.
- Visit your two or three favourite areas at different times of day.
- Compare the price per square metre of livable space, see our guide to prices by area.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best for a first purchase?
For a first purchase from abroad, a well-run golf residence or a Guéliz apartment is usually the least demanding option: services, easy resale and simple management.
Is the Medina a good place to buy?
Yes, if you accept the access constraints and the upkeep of an old building. It suits buyers who value character and plan to use the house regularly.
Should I buy where I want to live or where I can rent?
Both can be true, but decide which matters more. A property chosen only for rental demand is often not the one you would enjoy living in.
We know these areas street by street. Tell us what you are looking for, or start with our villas, apartments and riads for sale.