Source: JLL |

Casablanca’s commercial market shows signs of recovery, says JLL

According to the report, a few commercial buildings were completed in the first half of 2018, increasing the total office supply to about 1.74 million sq m of Gross Leasable Area (GLA)

If construction remains in line with the projected time of delivery, total office GLA will reach 1.86 million sq. m by the end of 2020

CASABLANCA, Morocco, November 14, 2018/APO Group/ --

Casablanca’s commercial sector showed signs of improvement in the first half of the year in 2018, reveals JLL’s (ir.JLL.com) latest Casablanca H1 Real Estate Overview Report. The positive sentiment in the market was strengthened by the successful capital raising by Immorente Invest (the first and unique investment company established in the form of a REIT)  that raised  400 Million Moroccan Dirhams to fund further investments.

According to the report, a few commercial buildings were completed in the first half of 2018, increasing the total office supply to about 1.74 million sq m of Gross Leasable Area (GLA). The average rents have slightly increased over the first half of the year, while vacancies in prime office buildings and integrated office parks have remained low. The report also predicts sales and transactions to grow in the commercial sector with a particular focus on income generating assets.   

Tenants from the commercial sector continue to report a shortage of quality office space, resulting in an increase in demand for high-quality office space in Casablanca. This trend becomes evident as employees increasingly seek to improve the welfare and performance of their employees” said Craig Plumb, Head of Research for MENA at JLL.

“Additional office premises are expected to enter the market before the end of 2018, bringing the total stock to 1.76 million square meter. Notable projects currently under construction include Horizon Business Centre, CCF Office Building and Green works Centre. If construction remains in line with the projected time of delivery, total office GLA will reach 1.86 million sq. m by the end of 2020,” he added.

The retail sector witnessed a slight increase in supply with the completion of a commercial gallery of 5,000 sq m of GLA. The average rent for new leases in the prime malls have remained stable over the first half of 2018 while rents across street retail stores increased by 9% compared to the same period last year.

The overall performance of the hotel market improved slightly over the first half of 2018 compared to the same period last year. The positive performance of the market in 2018 reflects a number of new promotion programs for both leisure and business travellers, increasing the number of visitors to the city.

With the Moroccan National Tourism Board commencing a new office in China, there has been an increase in Chinese tourists and in turn this model, once replicated in India, will see a positive influx of visitors from India with similar trends.

The Industrial Acceleration Plan (PAI) 2014-2020 now in its implementation phase, has had a positive impact on the industrial sector. This plan has contributed to increased exports, the upgrade of the industrial infrastructures and the enhancement of the city’s competitiveness in the region.

The full report can be downloaded here.(http://bit.ly/2FmaR5t)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of JLL.

Media contacts:
Medha Sandrasagara
+ 971 4 426 6999 
Medha.Sandrasagara@eu.jll.com

Halima Islam
+971 55 985 3382
Halima.islam@fourcommunications.com 

About JLL
JLL (NYSE: JLL) (www.ir.JLL.com) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. Our vision is to reimagine the world of real estate, creating rewarding opportunities and amazing spaces where people can achieve their ambitions. In doing so, we will build a better tomorrow for our clients, our people and our communities. JLL is a Fortune 500 company with nearly 300 corporate offices, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of 86,000 as of June 30, 2018. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit ir.jll.com.

About JLL MEA
Across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) JLL (www.JLL-MENA.com) is a leading player in the real estate and hospitality services markets. We have worked on projects in 35 countries across the region and employ over 700 internationally qualified professionals across our offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Cairo, Casablanca, Johannesburg, Lagos and Nairobi. www.JLL-MENA.com; www.JLLLVantagePoint.com