Land title, melkia, requisition: understanding a property's legal status in Morocco

Land title (titre foncier): the safest situation

A registered property has a land title kept by the Land Registry (ANCFCC). The title is final: it shows the owner, the area and any encumbrances (mortgage, seizure, easement). This is the recommended status, especially to get a bank loan.

Always ask the Land Registry for a recent ownership certificate to check that the seller is the owner and that the property is free of encumbrances.

Requisition (réquisition): registration in progress

A requisition means registration has been started but is not complete. Third parties can still file an objection. Buying is possible, but check the status of the procedure and that there is no objection, ideally with a notary.

Melkia: an unregistered property

A melkia is an adoul deed attesting possession of a property based on witness statements. The property is not on the Land Registry, which leaves more room for disputes (boundaries, heirs, multiple sales). Banks rarely finance such properties. Registration can be requested afterwards.

In short

• Land title: maximum security, loans possible.
• Requisition: check the procedure and objections.
• Melkia: be careful, get professional help and plan the registration.

In every case, use a notary and do not pay anything before seeing the documents.