CAN 2025: How the African Cup Transforms Real Estate in Marrakech?

How is CAN 2025 concretely transforming real estate in Marrakech? The answer lies in three trends observed by industry professionals: a notable price increase in central neighborhoods, a significant rise in real estate searches since the official announcement, and soaring rental rates anticipated for the tournament period.

This transformation is no coincidence. The organization of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 by Morocco generates a triple impact on Marrakech's real estate market: an immediate revaluation of existing properties, a massive influx of African and international investors, and an explosive demand for short-term rentals.

The precise data of this transformation will be detailed in our sector-by-sector analysis, based on official figures from the Marrakech Chamber of Notaries and statistics from the Ministry of Tourism. Beyond the numbers, this competition is permanently reshaping the real estate geography of the ochre city.

International visibility: The showcase effect on real estate attractiveness

The media exposure of CAN 2025 generates television coverage estimated at over 700 million African and international viewers. This unprecedented visibility positions Marrakech as a destination of choice, well beyond the tournament period.

Data from the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism reveals a direct correlation between major events and real estate interest: after COP22 in 2016, online searches for real estate purchases in Marrakech had increased by 35%. For CAN 2025, initial trends suggest an even more significant rise.

This international exposure particularly attracts:

• Investors from the African diaspora established in Europe
• Investment funds specializing in leisure real estate
• Secondary residence buyers from Gulf countries

Geographic focus: Marrakech, epicenter of real estate transformations

Marrakech is not uniformly affected by the impact of CAN 2025. A detailed analysis reveals differentiated dynamics according to neighborhoods:

Hivernage and Gueliz: The upscale trend

The Hivernage district, close to the Congress Palace and luxury hotel infrastructure, is already recording a revaluation of 15 to 25% according to data from the Marrakech Chamber of Notaries. High-end apartments now reach 25,000 to 35,000 DH/m², compared to 20,000 to 28,000 DH/m² in 2023.

Medina: Valued authenticity

Traditional riads benefit from a spectacular renewed interest. Acquisition prices range between 8,000 and 15,000 DH/m² for properties requiring work, but renovated riads reach 18,000 to 25,000 DH/m².

Palmeraie: The eldorado of luxury villas

This privileged sector sees its luxury villas valued between 20,000 and 45,000 DH/m², with peaks at 60,000 DH/m² for exceptional properties with golf courses.

Temporary rental demand: The short-term rental boom

The CAN 2025 period generates an explosion in temporary rental demand. Property owners anticipate exceptional revenues, with daily rates multiplied by 3 to 5 during the tournament.

Source: Analysis of Airbnb and Booking.com platforms - January 2025

This exceptional profitability pushes many investors to acquire specifically for seasonal rental, creating additional demand in the acquisition market.

Medium-term investment: New profiles and sustainable revaluation

CAN 2025 does not generate only a temporary effect. It attracts new investor profiles that permanently transform Marrakech's real estate market:

African institutional investors

Nigerian, Senegalese and Ivorian investment funds show growing interest in Moroccan real estate, considered a stable refuge in a volatile region.

Mobilized Moroccan diaspora

Moroccans residing abroad (MRE) represent 40% of real estate acquisitions in Marrakech according to Bank Al-Maghrib. CAN 2025 reinforces this trend, with a 25% increase in MRE financing files in 2024.

Post-event revaluation

Experience from previous major events (World Cup 2018, Olympics) demonstrates sustainable revaluation of 10 to 20% in host cities, maintained 3 to 5 years after the event.

Urban dynamics: Rehabilitation and emerging new neighborhoods

The CAN 2025 effect accelerates Marrakech's urban transformation. Public investments in infrastructure (transport, sports facilities, roads) create new attractive centralities.

The tramway project, initially planned for 2030, sees its schedule accelerated. The neighborhoods crossed (Majorelle, new city) already anticipate this added value, with price increases of 12 to 18%.

New residential neighborhoods (Tamansourt, Route de Fès) also benefit from this ripple effect, attracting investors seeking better value for money with medium-term appreciation potential.

Premium segment: Luxury real estate in full bloom

Marrakech's high-end real estate is experiencing an exceptional period. Luxury villas with pools and gardens in Palmeraie or Route de l'Ourika record sale times cut in half, from 8-12 months to 4-6 months.

This acceleration is explained by:

• The influx of high-net-worth international buyers
• The scarcity of quality supply
• Anticipation of post-CAN revaluation

Exceptional riads in the Medina, ultra-premium segment, now reach record prices: 35,000 to 50,000 DH/m² for the most beautiful examples, a 40% increase in two years.

Precautions and recommendations: Our real estate experts' advice

This real estate euphoria requires prudence and expertise. Our recommendations for intelligent investment:

Reinforced legal verifications

• Rigorous control of property titles (melk, habous, guich)
• Verification of construction permits and compliance
• In-depth due diligence on developers

Tax optimization

• Exploitation of non-double taxation agreements
• Optimal structuring for MRE investors
• Anticipation of regulatory changes on tourist rentals

Acquisition strategy

Don't rush into the first property you see. Fine analysis of rental potential, location and appreciation prospects requires in-depth local expertise.

Prioritize properties in structurally attractive neighborhoods rather than those solely supported by the CAN effect. Support from a Marrakech real estate expert agency proves crucial to distinguish real opportunities from speculative mirages.

Seize the opportunity with discernment

CAN 2025 offers an exceptional window of opportunity in the Marrakech real estate market. Between revaluation of existing properties, emergence of new neighborhoods and diversification of investor profiles, the ongoing transformations far exceed the temporary framework of the tournament.

However, successful investment requires a fine understanding of local dynamics and a personalized strategic approach. Each real estate project deserves tailor-made analysis, taking into account your wealth objectives and investor profile.

Ready to explore the opportunities offered by this new real estate situation? Our team of experts accompanies you in the analysis and realization of your real estate project in Marrakech, providing you with the essential local expertise to transform this exceptional period into a winning investment.

This article is based on our continuous analysis of the Marrakech real estate market and our network of local experts. For a personalized study of your investment project, contact our specialized advisors.