To renovate homes – France’s renovation opportunities
Many people opt to buy a home in France in need of renovation as a way of securing a bargain. This is fine so long as the costs of renovating French property do not outweigh the initial savings you have made. Undoubtedly this can work but there is much to consider before you make an offer on any old dilapidated French house for sale.
What does renovating French property actually mean?
The term is not particularly specific and the amount of the renovation required will be different in each individual French house for sale. This might mean extensive structural work or just a lick of paint for new homes. France has unique building planning regulations which need to be adhered to so read on to find out about them.
Most people would be wary of such a huge undertaking at home and it takes on extra complexity abroad.
Check for planning permission before committing to any French house for sale
A “certificat d’urbanisme” details the permsission granted to individual homes. France has a maximum planning allowance for each area as well as zones where building is prohibited. You should check this document and regulations at the local town hall before deciding on renovating French property.
No permission needed to renovate homes – France’s planning system
Some minor work does not require planning permission, but before renovating French property it is advisable to check this out at the local town hall. If this is not the case then permission, and a building permit, must be applied for. The town hall will consider this before it is passed onto the local planning office and back again for final approval.
The whole process takes around two months to complete and you can make the application yourself unless the area to be built upon exceeds 170 square metres. In that instance a regulated architect must submit the plans on your behalf.
A historic French house for sale in need of renovation
Renovating French property which is listed will not be allowed until after an inspection and environmental declaration detailing the proposed impact on the local area. Such a project requires proficiency in the use of local building materials for historic homes. France has standards which tradesmen must comply with in these circumstances.
The costs of renovating French property
French labour costs are relatively high and some UK buyers are more comfortable having British tradesmen work on their homes. France has many British workers living there and more are willing to travel for work. You should be aware when you look at a French house for sale that in some cases the cost of renovation can exceed how much a new-build costs.
Get an estimate before you commit to renovating French property and ask for a “prix global au forfeit” to be included in the contract. This binds builders to a certain price for completing work on homes. France’s laws also allow for a time guarantee to be built into the contract. You should consider all of the above whenever you see a French house for sale which you like but is in need of renovation.
