Looking for your dream home
The Poitou Charente area of france still offers great bargains in the housing market. Where-as the Dordogne & Brittany areas have become saturated and in turn the prices have risen very similar to the english market. The charente area still offer houses that fit most budgets. Below are estate agencies (Immobiliers) that we have had contact with.
A rough budget guide:
1 bedroom house with amenties close by - 40,000€ - 70,000€
2 bedroom house with amenities close by - 50,000€ upwards
3+ bedroom house with amenities close by - 75,000€ upwards
Obviously the prices do depend on the amount of work required, size of the property and the amenities on hand. You will find many properties that vary in size but still show 1 huge room downstairs and 1 huge room upstairs, it is then down to your vision and DIY skills to see a finished house. The french are tending to buy off plan and buy some land and build their own place, therefore many of the old buildings are empty and have been for some time. Obviously this does have impact on the state of the buildings you look at. The french are also on the ball about british house prices and the large amount of money needed for a basic 2 up 2 down. With that in mind do not take the price that is stated for a particular building too seriously. One other bit on the price - Remember to add 'Notaires' fees. Some agents have them already added in, if not you will need to add approx 8% on top of sale price
The last bit of advice is the size of the plot. My experience is that many people see the price of land over here and think "I could get this building and it also comes with 2 acres land" for a small price compared to british prices. The thing to remember and to keep in mind is how many times a year are you coming over. Plants, bushes trees, weeds, thistles etc grow at an alarming rate and if not constantly kept under control will take over the place, so you end up finding that the week or 2 in your peaceful getaway home where you want to just sit outside with a glass of wine and read a book, becomes gardeners & DIY challenge and you go back home more tired than when you came and you know that when you next come out, you are doing it all again.
So when buying a property, keep in mind how many times a year and how long each visit you will be at your dream house.
Good luck
Estate Agents near us: