Le Samanah Country Club will be the most exclusive community in Marrakech, period. Below are some frequently asked questions about the community.
1. What has been sold / built to date (2010)?
Phase 1 of Samanah is completely sold and will be completed in 2010/11. This includes all main services, golf course, 1st hotel, market square, club house and 300 villas. Phase 2 (150 villas) is 50% sold and will be complete in 2011/12. Phase 3 (150 villas) will be completed in 2012/13.
2. Who will run the luxury hotels?
The hotel operator has already been signed. This company manages many luxury destinations around the world and is part of the "Leading Hotels of the World" group.
3. Why is the golf course special?
This is the only Jack Nicklaus designed course in North Africa. It was constructed under the personal supervision of Nicklaus and his top designers. He is the best. To quote from an online source "At least 63 Nicklaus Signature courses have been ranked in national or international Top-100 lists by major industry publications like Golf Digest, Golf Week and GOLF Magazine, and no fewer than 88 Nicklaus Signature courses have hosted a total of over 600 professional golf tournaments worldwide including events on the PGA Tour, the Champions Tour, the LPGA Tour and the Nationwide Tour, among others."
4. Can I play golf before buying a villa?
Yes. The golf course is already up and running and has received excellent initial reviews. A pro shop is available with golf clubs to give potential property buyers the chance to try the golf course before making a purchase. The course is referenced on the official Nicklaus Design website - http://www.nicklaus.com/design/samanah.
5. What are the golf membership fees for individuals and family?
Lifetime membership for the private course is 24,000 EUR for an individual and 36,000 EUR for a family (this means lifetime of the PROPERTY, not the PERSON so the private membership can be inherited or sold with the villa). Then an annual fee (only charged if you intend to play golf during the year) is from 1,500 - 2,000 EUR for all Green Fees. This is excellent value compared to other private golf destinations in Europe and remember that Samanah will be completely private - only available to residents and people staying at the 5 star hotels. Even hotel guests will have to play during a 2-hour window during the day so this means the course will be quiet and relaxing to play whenever you are available. Samanah is unique. It is the only private course in Marrakech and the only Nicklaus signature course in the whole of North Africa. This privacy, exclusivity and supreme golf quality ensures an active resale market.
6. Are payments guaranteed?
Yes. The overall site build and guarantee is provided according to Moroccan law by the developer - a well-established French company with a long history.
7. What is the annual service / maintenance change and what does this include?
Annual charges will be approximately 0.5% of the price of the villa to include maintenance of common areas, pool and garden maintenance, cleaning, security etc. E.g. approx. 4,000 EUR for an 800,000 EUR property.
8. What does the price include?
The property price includes:
- 20% VAT
- Large pool
- Comprehensive landscaping
- External private garage
- Italian designer kitchen and bathroom (not appliances)
- Integrated hot and cold climate control
- Fixtures including ironwork, fireplace (several options available), flooring (options available), sanitary ware and electrics.
9. What are the extra costs?
- Luxury furniture / fittings pack can be provided by an award winning interior design company. Packages are available ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 EUR (5 - 10% of property price) to include an individual solution per client, designer furniture, appliances, luxury hand made linens and the services of an interior design team.
- Golf membership and green fees as above.
- 30% rental management (commission on income).
- Service charge as above, staff and utilities.
10. What is the payment structure?
- 5% deposit to reserve a property
- 35% (less reservation deposit) on exchange
- 15% on completion of ground floor
- 15% on completion of villa shell
- 15% on completion of rendering
- 15% on completion of finishing works
- 5% on receipt of keys
11. Details for the Moroccan bank for mortgages?
Samanah can organize a mortgage with Banco Popular up to 70% of the property price. Currently this is a fixed rate of 5.75% for 15 years (repayment) but this is subject to status. Maximum term is 15 years and a drawn down arrangement can be made to take the mortgage before completion to fund instalments.
12. Are offers being accepted?
Samanah prices remain very competitive in the luxury Marrakech market and sales continue despite today's tough economic conditions. The developer is in a very strong cash position with over 300 villas sold and paid for during completion so the policy towards future sales is to protect the value and prices for existing owners. Clients looking for distressed property should NOT consider buying here.
