Morocco’s Commercial Real Estate Shows Resilience Amid Pandemic Challenges

Among the investors who have seen the real estate sector decline in the face of the crisis, several questions are troubling minds. While some prefer a prudent wait-and-see attitude, others see it as an opportunity to acquire more commercial assets in a less competitive period. For Jérôme Carrière, managing partner of Camus Solutions immobilières, a specialist in commercial real estate, this time of crisis is one of the moments when the best investment opportunities are realized. Since "the economic and social impact of this pandemic will lead to the closure of many businesses, which in turn will lead many landlords to release the cash held in their commercial walls, which will mechanically make the market more liquid," reports La vie éco.

In addition, "tenants, for their part, should fall back on locations with very high potential for traffic, to secure their investments," he added. Moreover, according to observers, the increase in the digitalization of consumption patterns since the health crisis could weaken the business model of the players in the sector, whether it is the brands or the landlords.

According to Mr. Carrière, two priority actions need to be considered in order to fit into the new paradigm that the post-Covid-19 world is likely to leave. Thus, in the short term, it is essential to suggest profitable distribution models that meet the expectations of e-shoppers. In the medium term, the attractiveness of the physical point of sale should be re-studied.

It should be noted that the lease is an essential element for the sale. It allows investors to have more visibility on profitability. In addition, the offer of an occupied premises is more profitable than that of an empty premises. Moreover, the commercial lease protects the owner of the premises on all levels, and also allows him to enhance the value of his property.