Terrace or Garden in Marrakech: What Do Buyers Choose?

Houses with Terraces vs Houses with Gardens: What Do Buyers Prefer in Marrakech?

In Marrakech, choosing between a house with a terrace or a garden goes beyond mere aesthetic preference. This strategic decision influences your daily lifestyle, maintenance budget, and the resale value of your property. After assisting over 300 families in their real estate projects, we have identified clear trends based on buyer profiles and neighborhoods in the ochre city.

The Rise of Terraces in Urban Real Estate

Terraces are gaining popularity due to several decisive advantages. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year in Marrakech, they become true open-air living rooms, usable year-round unlike gardens that sometimes suffer from summer heat. The ease of maintenance particularly appeals to expatriates and active urban Moroccans who prefer to enjoy their homes rather than spend weekends gardening. Moreover, elevated terraces offer superior privacy compared to gardens, especially in dense neighborhoods, with unobstructed views without direct overlooking.

Geographical Distribution of Preferences

Certain neighborhoods show a clear preference for one type of outdoor space over another. In Gueliz, a modern city center, 73% of buyers favor terraces with an average budget of 280,000 to 450,000 DH/m² for complete setup. Hivernage follows this trend with 68% preferring terraces, particularly those offering views of the Atlas. Conversely, in Palmeraie, 85% of buyers demand a garden with an average area of 800m² to 2000m², where century-old trees are a major selling point. Targa also maintains this preference with 78% of buyers opting for gardens with pools.

Comparative Financial Analysis

The initial investment differs significantly between the two options. A turnkey 50m² terrace costs between 60,000 and 125,000 DH with immediate enjoyment, while a 200m² garden represents an investment of 160,000 to 360,000 DH with a 2 to 3-year wait for a mature garden. Annual maintenance costs reveal a significant gap: a 50m² terrace requires 6,500 to 9,500 DH per year, compared to 27,000 to 40,000 DH for maintaining a 200m² garden including gardener, watering, and plant renewal.

Buyer Profiles and Distinct Preferences

Preferences vary greatly according to buyer profiles. European expatriates are evenly split (55% terraces / 45% gardens) seeking ease of maintenance and privacy with a limited budget. Wealthy Moroccan families massively favor gardens (65% versus 35% for terraces) due to family tradition and availability of maintenance staff. Rental investors opt for terraces (70% versus 30%) to simplify rental management and reduce complaints. Finally, European retirees lean towards gardens (60% versus 40%) thanks to the available time for gardening and the search for a "green paradise."

Impact on Valuation and Resale

Both options present distinct advantages upon resale. Terraces offer better liquidity with an average selling time of 3 to 5 months, attracting more diverse buyer profiles and generating fewer negotiations on future maintenance. Gardens, although requiring a longer selling time (5 to 8 months), offer a higher potential capital gain that can reach 10 to 20% of the property's value depending on maturity and layout. However, they cater to a more limited market of buyers often more demanding about the state of vegetation.

New Trends and Hybrid Solutions

The market is evolving towards mixed solutions meeting contemporary expectations. "Garden-terraces" combine terraces with large landscaped planters and gardens with paved areas, appealing to 30% of new buyers. In the city center, green roof terraces are developing as a future solution to reconcile urban practicality and greenery. These hybrid approaches allow benefiting from the advantages of both options while minimizing their respective drawbacks.

Conclusion

The choice between a terrace and a garden reveals your vision of life in Marrakech. The terrace suits lovers of modernity and simplicity, while the garden attracts nature lovers and those fond of Moroccan tradition. In a constantly evolving real estate market, both options present distinct assets. The key is to choose in line with your lifestyle, budget, and property goals. One certainty remains: in Marrakech, having a private outdoor space, whether paved or planted, is a privilege that significantly enhances your property's value. The choice between a terrace and a garden reveals your vision of life in Marrakech. The terrace suits lovers of modernity and simplicity, while the garden attracts nature lovers and those fond of Moroccan tradition. In a constantly evolving real estate market, both options present distinct assets. The key is to choose in line with your lifestyle, budget, and property goals. One certainty remains: in Marrakech, having a private outdoor space, whether paved or planted, is a privilege that significantly enhances your property's value.