Morocco’s Real Estate Sector Grinds to Halt Amid COVID-19 Crisis

The real estate sector in the kingdom is at a standstill. Both production and marketing. According to Youssef Iben Mansour, real estate developer and former president of the National Federation of Real Estate Developers (FNPI), everything is at a standstill in the real estate sector, which is nevertheless a provider of jobs in Morocco. No transactions due to the shutdown of the various trades. He recalls that 80% of the 1.1 million jobs in the construction sector concern the production of housing. Ongoing home buying or selling operations have also been suspended, says Youssef Ibn Mansour.

All segments of the real estate sector are affected by the health crisis. This has led to the paralysis of a sector already affected. The construction sites are empty, no new housing. Only 1 to 2% are still active on the total number of construction sites in the kingdom for safety reasons. The workforce is also non-existent. Only a few electrical and plumbing companies are visible on some construction sites, but not for much, said Youssef Ibn Mansour.

The resumption of real estate activities depends on compliance with preventive measures against covid-19. This is why twelve preventive measures have been issued for companies in charge of construction work to maintain construction activity. This is an initiative of the Regional Council of the Order of Architects of Casablanca. These include the wearing of respiratory masks and gloves, the prohibition of any work group of more than three people and the mechanization of tasks.

It has also been required to have water points, disinfectant gel and disposable paper towels, the statement said. The Order’s Council calls on public and private project owners who wish to continue the work to equip their construction sites with adequate sanitary facilities for the protection of users. It has also committed to carrying out awareness-raising actions on protective measures against covid-19 on construction sites.