How to Convert Melkia Property into a Titled property

Melkia properties in Morocco are a traditional form of property ownership, often passed down through generations without formal registration with the Moroccan National Agency for Land Conservation, Cadastre, and Cartography (ANCFCC). While Melkia properties can be appealing, they come with certain risks due to their unregistered nature. Converting a Melkia property into a titled property offers higher legal security and is crucial for ensuring full ownership rights. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to convert Melkia property into a titled property in Morocco.

1. Understand the Importance of Conversion
Converting a Melkia property into a titled property ensures your ownership is formally recognized by the Moroccan government. This provides legal security, protects against ownership disputes, and makes the property eligible for bank financing. Having a titled property also increases the market value of the property and makes it easier to sell or transfer ownership in the future.

2. Hire a Lawyer
The first step in the conversion process is to hire an experienced local lawyer who is familiar with property law in Morocco. A lawyer will help you navigate the complexities of the conversion process, verify ownership, and ensure that all documentation is correct. They will also assist in resolving any potential disputes or complications that may arise during the process.

3. Gather All Required Documentation
You will need to gather all available documents related to the property, including the original Melkia deed and any documents that trace the property’s history. These documents are necessary to prove ownership and establish the property's boundaries. The lawyer will review these documents to ensure that they are valid and complete.

4. Conduct a Land Survey
A land survey is an essential step in converting a Melkia property. A licensed surveyor will assess the property and determine its exact boundaries. This is important to avoid disputes with neighboring properties and to ensure that the property is properly recorded in the land registry. The surveyor's report will be used to prepare the official documents required for registration.

5. Submit an Application to ANCFCC
Once all the necessary documentation has been gathered and verified, your lawyer will submit an application to the ANCFCC to register the property. This application will include the Melkia deed, the surveyor’s report, proof of ownership, and any other supporting documents. The ANCFCC will review the application and conduct its own verification process.

6. Address Any Disputes
During the verification process, the ANCFCC may identify disputes related to ownership or property boundaries. If disputes arise, your lawyer will work to resolve them. This may involve negotiating with neighbors or other claimants and providing additional evidence of ownership. Resolving disputes is crucial for ensuring the property can be formally titled.

7. Pay Registration Fees
To complete the registration process, you will need to pay registration fees, which typically include administrative fees, notary fees, and land registry fees. These fees can vary depending on the value of the property and the complexity of the registration process. Your lawyer will provide you with an estimate of these costs in advance.

8. Receive the Title Deed
Once the registration process is complete and all fees have been paid, the ANCFCC will issue an official title deed for the property. This deed formally recognizes you as the legal owner and provides full protection under Moroccan property law. The title deed will also be recorded in the national land registry, ensuring that your ownership rights are legally enforceable.

Converting a Melkia property into a titled property is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail and the assistance of experienced professionals. However, the benefits of having a titled property far outweigh the challenges, as it ensures full legal protection and increases the property’s value. At Hawazine Property Marrakech, we can assist you in navigating the conversion process, providing the expertise needed to secure your ownership rights and make your property investment as smooth as possible.