Real estate trends for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco

Oct 1, 2024

Two soccer players

The organization of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco is a major opportunity for the country's real estate sector.

With the influx of visitors, increased public and private investments, and international attention on the country, the 2025 AFCON will undoubtedly boost the Moroccan real estate market.

So what are the major trends to expect in the real estate sector in the run-up to this large-scale sporting event? Here is an analysis of the main real estate trends for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

Infrastructure development and urbanization

The organization of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco involves massive investments in sports and urban infrastructure. Host cities, such as Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, and Tangier, will see large-scale renovation and construction projects, not only to modernize stadiums but also to improve transportation access and increase accommodation capacities.

Expansion of urban areas

The influx of visitors and professionals during the AFCON pushes cities to expand and develop peripheral neighborhoods. This will lead to increased demand for new housing, hotels, and shopping centers in these rapidly expanding areas. Real estate investors will seek to take advantage of rapid urbanization and the opportunities it offers.

Cities like Tangier and Marrakech, which already have strong tourist infrastructures, are expected to see accelerated development of residential areas near major stadiums and transportation hubs.

Modernization of transportation

Improving transportation networks, such as roads, airports, and tram lines, will directly impact real estate demand in well-served areas. Neighborhoods well connected to sports infrastructure and major urban centers will become particularly attractive to investors, real estate developers, and future residents.

Increase in short-term rentals

One of the most direct effects of organizing the 2025 AFCON is the increase in demand for short-term rental properties. International visitors, sports teams, officials, and fans will be looking for temporary accommodations in host cities.

Boom in seasonal rentals

Short-term rental platforms, such as Airbnb and Booking.com, are expected to see a surge in demand in the cities hosting AFCON matches. This trend offers an opportunity for property owners to turn their homes into seasonal residences to profit from additional income during the competition.

Tip: If you are a property owner, now is the perfect time to renovate or furnish your properties to make them attractive to tourists during the 2025 AFCON.

Investments in furnished residences

The demand for furnished housing will also be on the rise, especially for medium-length stays. Real estate investors are increasingly turning to projects involving furnished residences, which attract visitors seeking a compromise between the comfort of a hotel and the privacy of an apartment.

Boom in the hotel sector

With the massive arrival of visitors, the need for hotel accommodations will increase considerably in host cities. This will result in a rise in investments in the hotel sector, with the construction of new hotels, tourist resorts, and luxury hotel residences.

Construction of luxury hotels and resorts

International hotel chains and local investors will invest in the construction of new hotels and luxury resorts to meet the growing demand. Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech, in particular, are expected to see many hotel projects develop before 2025.

Transformation of housing into tourist accommodation

In residential neighborhoods near sports centers, some property owners will consider transforming their homes into tourist accommodations, either as guest rooms or apart-hotels. This phenomenon will be particularly observed in areas where existing hotels are not enough to meet the demand.

Increase in demand for commercial properties

The organization of CAN 2025 will also attract a large number of shops, restaurants, boutiques, and other businesses looking to take advantage of the influx of tourists. This will create strong demand for commercial spaces, particularly in high-traffic areas around stadiums and urban centers.

Opportunities for investors in commercial real estate

Real estate investors will be tempted to turn to commercial spaces to meet the needs of businesses looking to settle temporarily or permanently during the event. Shopping centers, fast food areas, souvenir shops, and other commercial spaces are expected to thrive as CAN approaches.

Creation of shopping and entertainment centers

The organization of CAN 2025 will also be an opportunity to develop shopping and entertainment spaces for football fans and tourists. These infrastructures, which combine shopping, leisure, and dining, will become attractive hubs during and after the competition.

Increase in real estate prices in host cities

As with any major international event, the organization of CAN will lead to an increase in real estate prices in the host cities. This increase will be mainly due to the increased demand for housing, commercial properties, and tourist infrastructures.

Valorization of real estate in neighborhoods close to stadiums

Neighborhoods located near stadiums and major transport routes will become particularly attractive, leading to an increase in sale and rental prices. Owners and investors will see their properties appreciate in value as the competition approaches, and this could be maintained even after the end of the event.

Opportunities for long-term investors

For long-term investors, the increase in real estate prices in the host cities of CAN 2025 represents an interesting opportunity. Properties purchased before the competition will likely increase in value, offering attractive long-term returns.

Focus on eco-districts and sustainable real estate

The organization of CAN 2025 is part of a context increasingly focused on sustainable development. Local authorities and real estate developers will pay particular attention to environmentally friendly projects, notably through the construction of eco-friendly buildings and green neighborhoods.

Construction of eco-friendly infrastructures

New constructions, whether residential or commercial, will integrate sustainable building practices, such as the use of eco-friendly materials, optimization of energy efficiency, and responsible water management.

Popularity of eco-districts

The demand for housing located in eco-districts or sustainable residences is also expected to grow. Green neighborhoods, which offer a sustainable living environment and green spaces, will particularly attract families and expatriates looking for a healthy and modern environment.

Conclusion: A booming real estate market driven by CAN 2025

CAN 2025 in Morocco will not be limited to a mere sporting event. It will have a lasting impact on the real estate market, both in terms of urban development, price increases, and investment opportunities.

Host cities such as Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, and Tangier will take advantage of this momentum to modernize and strengthen their real estate appeal.

Whether you are an owner, investor, or an observer, the real estate trends related to the AFCON 2025 provide interesting prospects for anyone wishing to benefit from this historic event.

Explore the available opportunities on Housing Place and get ready to seize the best opportunities before the price boom!