Types of property. France and French properties for sale
There is a wide range of French properties for sale. However, you must think carefully about what you can afford and what you are looking for in a property. France has properties suited to all tastes. From townhouses to chateaux to gites in France, Overseas Homes Direct has a comprehensive selection of French properties for sale.
Farmhouses – the most romantic of French properties for sale?
The popularity of farmhouses remains undiminished amongst foreign buyers of French property. France is a largely rural country and as a result there are many farmhouses to be found across the country.
Farmhouses offer romance, character and tranquility – many of the things people looking at French properties for sale are after. Access to amenities and health care is more limited however, and some people feel isolated in this environment.
Looking towards the cities to buy property. French properties for sale in the towns
French towns always contain some grander houses in terms of size, design or character but most property in France’s cities tends to be houses or apartments. The cost of property varies greatly according to which town or city it is situated in, its state of repair and size.
Overseas buyers have traditionally headed for the countryside but more are opting for French properties for sale in towns and cities which offer better access to shops, schools and other amenities.
Village property – France, facilities and the countryside
Villages are a popular compromise offering the chance to move away from hustle and bustle but who want to retain access to facilities such as healthcare.
French properties for sale in villages tend to be older than those in towns and cities. This may mean they have more character but it is also likely to mean more repairs.
Chateau – a status property France has an abundance of
Chateaux vary greatly in size, stature and cost but all afford the owner some degree of status and privacy. Smaller Chateaux often appear to be reasonably priced French properties for sale but most are older and in need of repair. Renovating a chateau might not be as good a deal as you think and maintenance of the property and grounds can be time-consuming and expensive.
There are over 30,000 such properties in France, ranging from beautiful palatial affairs to small disused chateaux beyond repair.
Gites in France
Gites in France are self-contained, self-catering rental properties in the country. Farm cottages, converted mills and barns and private units within a larger house can all be termed gites in France. They are privately-owned and intended to function as an everyday home for holidaymakers.
The facilities offered by individual gites in France vary considerably and you should check out the situation regarding parking, washing and other aspects which might affect value.
Gites in France are typically secured by a deposit and paid for in advance, depending on how long the tenant wishes to stay there.
Golf, ski and beach French properties for sale
Many people looking at French properties for sale and not just concerned about the type of property but also its proximity to specific facilities. For example, golf fans may be attracted by property in France near one of the burgeoning golf developments.
Similar apartment and villa developments have grown up around ski resorts in France and also near the beaches. These French properties may offer good rental opportunities due to their popularity with tourists during high season. However, the nature of these types of French properties means you may have difficulty letting them out at other times of the year.
Leaseback and new-build property – France’s growing sector
The new-build sector is favoured by pure investors and overseas buyers. It was the area of the property market in France which grew most in 2005 and the attraction of buying a brand-new house with the latest technology and design features is obvious. New-build French properties for sale are exceptionally popular when they are linked to the French government’s leaseback scheme. This enables the buyer to retain the property in France for a specified number of weeks each year. The property, typically small houses or apartments, is then let out for the remainder of the year, guaranteeing the owner rental income.
