There has been a trend in recent years for more Asians to head to the North African nation of Morocco.

I discovered this north African jewel in 1991 and immediately fell in love with its mystique, culture, history, cuisine, breathtaking sights and scenery.

The greater appeal unlike the rest of Europe is that Morocco sits on our doorstep, a few hours away and is a Muslim country offering an almost ‘Asian’ environment with it’s all year round sun. Equally it is a nation with it’s mix of extreme wealth and poverty subsiding hand in hand.

Little doubt then that once our locals stepped into Morocco, word has spread fast.

In typical fashion (unlike me a frequent though casual visitor), many have been lured into investing in this north African desert terrain surrounded by its pristine beaches, backdrop of its majestic Atlas mountains, historical mosques and museums.

Over the last decade we have seen local Asians led by a very few local businessmen investing and buying cheap ‘apartment’ properties. These capitalists charging commissions have also arranged a large number of marriages with Moroccan women seeking a way out west.

So what benefits has this trend brought and what should one consider when joining the bandwagon I spoke to a few drawn in and have met with a range of opinions with most having reservations at their initial decisions to invest. Despite, all have seen a decent paper profit on their investment following purchases for under 20,000 pounds in places like Marrakech and Agadir within five years.

One individual who recently sold, spoke of problems in being able to withdraw monies out of the country with the bureaucratic process mind boggling and taking its toll.

Despite its obvious ‘male’ attractions the country does offer much, much more.

My former elderly mosque imams are regular visitors and have never been happier spending time in the centre of Agadir often during winter, where they spend many months at a time, besides ancient mosques facing the warmer Mediterranean ocean.

The healthier diets, clean, clear ocean air has without doubt given them an ambiance as their improved health radiates.

Morocco offers a perfect place for both retirement and short holiday breaks and as we approach the winter months the budget airlines will no doubt start their off peak fares for under a hundred pounds return.

But warning must be given to the unwary as the country is riddled with scams, fraudsters and rising crime rates among holiday makers though the authorities are now more pro-active in places like Djema al Fna, Marrakech.

The big question remains, should one invest the spare £30,000 one may have lying around as many have done?

Unless one is without doubt, familiar with this nations customs, rules, regulations and have complete trust in the agents involved basic common sense should prevail.

Mandatory UK investment advise should be followed with all transactions done through the banks. Calls for cash advances to individuals has its risks with both sets of authorities when buying and selling.

Be prepared to take the losses as well as the gains. Morocco will undoubtedly give you a great emotional ride. Please read the small print. Everything that glitters is not gold.

“It’s much better to invest locally and keep your money nearer your own pockets” as my former preacher tells me.

However, the charm of the Maghreb will continue to entice many as the snake charmers bugles continue to play.