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6 Factors That Determine the Price of a Property in France

6 Factors That Determine the Price of a Property in France

When buying or selling property in France, understanding the factors that influence property prices is essential. The French real estate market is dynamic, with prices varying significantly depending on several key elements. Whether you’re a buyer or seller, here are six critical factors that determine the price of a property in France.

1. Location, Location, Location

The property’s location is the most significant determinant of its value. Urban areas, such as Paris, Lyon, or Bordeaux, command higher prices due to demand, employment opportunities, and amenities. In contrast, rural properties in departments like the Charente or Dordogne may offer lower prices but appeal to those seeking tranquillity and charm. Proximity to transport links, schools, and tourist attractions can also affect the price significantly.

2. Property Type and Size

The type of property—be it a cosy apartment, a sprawling château, or a rustic farmhouse—plays a significant role in its valuation. Larger properties with extensive land, additional outbuildings, or unique features tend to fetch higher prices. Buyers looking for second homes or holiday rentals may favour properties with pools, while families or retirees may prioritise spacious homes with modern conveniences.

3. Condition and Renovation Potential

A property’s condition impacts its market value. Newly renovated homes or properties in pristine condition generally attract higher prices. Conversely, homes requiring extensive renovations may be more affordable upfront but could involve additional costs for modernisation or compliance with building regulations. Properties with renovation potential are particularly popular with buyers looking to personalise their homes or invest in rental properties.

4. State of the Property Market

The state of the French property market can influence pricing. In a seller’s market, where demand outstrips supply, prices tend to rise. Conversely, in a buyer’s market, with more properties available, buyers may have room to negotiate lower prices. Economic factors, such as interest rates and changes in tax policies, also affect demand and, consequently, property prices.

5. Age of the Property

The age of a property can have a considerable impact on its price. Historic homes, such as stone cottages or 18th-century farmhouses, often come with a premium due to their charm and heritage. However, they may require ongoing maintenance and upgrades, which can influence buyer decisions. Modern builds with energy-efficient features or compliance with current building codes are highly sought after and can command higher prices due to their low running costs and minimal maintenance needs.

6. Extras: Pools, Gîtes, and Unique Features

Properties with additional features such as swimming pools, separate gîtes, or landscaped gardens often attract higher prices. These extras enhance the property’s appeal, particularly to buyers seeking holiday homes or investment opportunities. A home with a gîte, for example, can generate rental income, while a pool is a significant draw for buyers looking to enjoy long summers in France. Other features, such as a outbuildings, views, or no near neighbours, can also add value.

Conclusion

Understanding these six factors can help buyers and sellers navigate the French property market with confidence. For buyers, it’s essential to consider not just the price but also the potential for growth and the lifestyle the property offers. For sellers, showcasing the property’s strengths—such as location, condition, or unique features—can help achieve the best possible price.

Are you looking to buy or sell property in France? Contact our expert team for personalised advice and guidance tailored to your needs.

Search Results

Found 171 Properties
price-change
Chateau

€399,950

Léran, Ariège

Character propertyOld stoneOutbuildingsPoolPrestige
3 3 193m2 0m2
Ref: 706102
more details
new
Village House

€298,000 HAI

Bonnes, Charente

Old stoneRiver frontage
4 2 182m2 731m2
Ref: 706103
more details
price-change
Country House

€424,000 HAI

Bellon, Charente

Character propertyGround floor bedroomNo close neighboursOld stonePoolViews
4 3 161m2 4666m2
Ref: 706101
more details
price-change
Village House

€229,500

Belvèze-du-Razès, Aude

Character property
3 2 148m2 246m2
Ref: 706100
more details
new
Country House

€395,000

Saissac, Aude

Character propertyDetachedGite(s)Large grounds (1Ha+)OutbuildingsPossible incomeRiver frontageWedding / Event / Retreat potential
14 0 450m2 14365m2
Ref: 706063
more details
new
Country House

€249,100 HAI

La Genétouze, Charente-Maritime

Character propertyDetachedOld stoneViews
5 2 181m2 6341m2
Ref: 706099
more details
new
Maison de Maitre

€1,272,000 HAI

Romagne, Vienne

Character propertyDetachedGite(s)Good for horsesLarge grounds (1Ha+)No close neighboursOld stoneOutbuildingsPoolPossible incomePrestigeViews
10 7 275m2 87551m2
Ref: 706064
more details
Penthouse

€913,000

Les Gets, Haute-Savoie

Ski
3 0 109m2 0m2
Ref: 705356
more details
House

€135,000 HAI

Chalais, Charente

Detached
3 1 115m2 3870m2
Ref: 706065
more details

IMPORTANT

You should be vigilant when selecting financial services firms. Our agency will not accept responsibility if you transfer money to a firm which goes out of business owing you money.

Get the best Euro € rate

The French property buying process includes a contract called the "Compromis de  Vente" where the term of the sale are laid as well as the price – which will be in euros. So if you are living in the UK you will need to  convert pounds sterling in to euros so you can complete the purchase of your property in France. The same applies if you wish to change dollars to euros or other worldwide currencies.

A Foreign exchange currency broker can offer favourable rates on these transactions and could save you a small sum which go towards a new kitchen, bathroom or swimming pool!

If you are considering buying a French property, it is essential to understand the complexities of currency exchange rates and how they can impact your purchase. A currency broker can provide you with valuable assistance in this process, helping you to secure the best exchange rate and save money on your property purchase. 

Here are some of the reasons why you should consider using a currency broker when buying a house in France: 

1. Competitive exchange rates:

A currency broker can offer you more competitive exchange rates than banks, which can save you a significant amount of money on your property purchase. They have access to a range of currency markets, which means they can offer you better rates than banks and other financial institutions.

2. Expertise:

Currency brokers are experts in foreign exchange, and they have a deep understanding of how the currency markets work. They can provide you with valuable insights into market trends and help you make informed decisions about when to buy or sell currency.

3. Personalised service:

When you work with a currency broker, you will have access to a dedicated account manager who can provide you with personalised service. They can guide you through the currency exchange process and answer any questions you may have along the way. 

4. Flexibility:

Currency brokers offer flexibility in terms of how you can transfer your money. You can choose to transfer your funds in a lump sum or in installments, depending on your needs and preferences.

5. Peace of mind:

When you work with a currency broker, you can have peace of mind knowing that your money is in safe hands. Currency brokers are regulated by financial authorities, which means they are required to adhere to strict standards and regulations.

In conclusion, using a currency broker when buying a house in France can provide you with many benefits, including competitive exchange rates, expert advice, personalised service, flexibility, and peace of mind. With the assistance of a currency broker, you can navigate the currency exchange process with ease and confidence, allowing you to focus on finding your dream home in France.

You should be vigilant when selecting financial services firms. Our agency will not accept responsibility if you transfer money to a firm which goes out of business owing you money. 

Additional checks are also recommended.

Complete the form below to be contacted by a handful of selected foreign exchange brokers:






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    So you want to sell your property in France? This is an exciting journey, but understanding its value is crucial for making informed decisions. Town & Country Property France offers free verbal property estimations only.

    Why Town & Country Property France Doesn’t Offer Written Property Valuations

    You might be wondering why Town & Country Property France doesn’t provide written property valuations, even for a fee. Here’s a closer look at the reasons behind this policy:

    Market Nuances: The French property market, especially for rural properties, can be complex. Factors like limited recent sales data and unique property characteristics make it challenging to provide precise and reliable written valuations. Town & Country Property France prioritises providing accurate and realistic market insights through our expertise and local knowledge.

    Focus on Informed Decisions: Instead of relying solely on a single valuation, Town & Country Property France encourages comprehensive market research and open communication. We offer the following valuable resources to help you make informed decisions:

    • Market expertise: Our experienced team can share valuable insights into local market trends and comparable property sales.
    • Property inspection by agent: We personally visit your property, allowing us to assess the property’s condition, features, and potential first hand.

    By understanding the market complexities and Town & Country Property France’s commitment to informed decision-making, you can appreciate our approach. Our focus lies in providing comprehensive guidance and support through every stage of your French property sale, empowering you to make confident choices based on all available information.

    Who can provide written property valuations in France

    While Town & Country Property France doesn’t offer written valuations, there are other options in France:

    1. Experts Immobiliers (Independent Property Experts): These qualified professionals can offer detailed reports considering various factors influencing the property’s value. They are often used for legal purposes or for people with a property portfolio to manage or refinance. Their services are chargeable.

    2. Notaires (Notaries): These legal professionals can provide official valuations, but these are typically used for legal purposes rather than general inquiries and may come at a cost.

    3. Estate Agents: Some estate agents might offer written, preliminary valuations based on their experience and knowledge of the local market. These valuations should be used for general guidance only. Town & Country Property France offers free verbal estimations of your property.

    It’s important to remember that no single valuation method guarantees absolute accuracy. Combining different approaches, like consulting an expert immobilier and researching comparable properties, can provide a more comprehensive picture of your property’s potential value.

    Loi Carrez: Getting the Right Measure of Your French Home

    The Loi Carrez is used to calculate a precise measurement of a property’s habitable surface area, and is principally used in the sales of co-owned buildings (copropriété) such as apartments and condos. A vendor is obliged to supply this information to buyers.

    What is Habitable Surface Area?

    This specifically refers to the livable floor space within a property. Here’s the catch: not every nook and cranny counts towards your Loi Carrez measurement:

    • What’s Included: Rooms with ceilings higher than 1.8 metres (about 6 feet), such as living rooms, bedrooms, and finished basements.
    • What’s Excluded: Balconies, garages, attics (unless converted), stairwells, closets, and areas with very low ceilings.

    Why Does Loi Carrez Matter?

    • Accurate Pricing: Ensures you’re paying a fair price per square metre, not for unusable space.
    • Comparison Tool: Lets you accurately compare different properties based on their actual liveable area.
    • Protection: If the listed surface area is significantly off, you have legal recourse to adjust the sale price.

    Who Measures under Loi Carrez?

    Don’t do it yourself, get the licenced professionals to calculate your surface habitable. These include:

    • Diagnosticians: Specialists in property assessments.
    • Surveyors: Offer the most precise measurements.

    What Happens During the Measurement

    The professional will:

    • Take Precise Measurements: Of each room with qualifying ceiling height.
    • Calculate: Total habitable surface area, often using specialised software.
    • Provide a Certificate: The official document stating the exact measurement.

    Loi Carrez in the Buying Process

    • Mandatory for Copropriété: Sellers must include the Loi Carrez measurement in all property listings for co-owned buildings (like apartments & condos).
    • Validity: The certificate remains valid indefinitely unless significant structural changes are made.

    Key Takeaways for Homebuyers

    • Demand the Measurement: Don’t just assume it’s available.
    • Accuracy is Key: Verify the certificate, especially if you have plans to convert unfinished spaces.
    • Price Impact: Understand how the habitable surface area relates to the asking price.

    Don’t Get Shortchanged on Space

    The Loi Carrez promotes fairness and transparency in the French real estate market. By understanding this vital measurement, you protect your investment and ensure you’re getting exactly what you pay for.

    Let’s dive deeper into Loi Carrez’s detailed rules and how they impact houses and apartments.

    Specific Exclusions for Loi Carrez Calculation

    Beyond the basics, here’s a more granular look at what does NOT qualify as habitable surface area:

    • Walls & Partitions: The thickness of walls reduces the actual liveable space.
    • Stairwells & Doorways: The areas occupied by the stairs themselves and the space taken up by door swings are excluded.
    • Technical Areas: Space for boilers, water heaters, etc., even if within a room, aren’t counted.
    • Built-ins: Large, permanent features like fireplaces or non-removable closets eat into the measurement.
    • Areas under 1.8m Ceiling Height: Awkward nooks with very low ceilings (think sloped attic rooms) don’t count towards the total.

    Loi Carrez: Apartments vs. Houses

    • Mandatory for Apartments: In co-owned buildings, the Loi Carrez measurement must be included in ALL listings and sale contracts to ensure buyers are fully informed.
    • Not usually needed for Houses: There may, however, be exceptions.

    Why the Difference?

    Apartments within the same building might have varying layouts and usable space despite having similar overall square footage. Loi Carrez gives a clear-cut metric for comparison, which is vital in dense co-owned properties.

    Real-World Example

    Imagine two 60 square metre apartments:

    • Apartment A: Spacious rooms, minimal closets, and built-in elements = 55 sq m of Loi Carrez habitable area.
    • Apartment B: More walls and built-in storage = Only 48 sq m of Loi Carrez habitable area.

    While overall the same size, the livable space is vastly different, affecting their pricing.

    Key Takeaways

    • Demand Precision: Ask for the Loi Carrez measurement.
    • Convert with Caution: If planning to modify a property, factor in that any additions might fall under Loi Carrez exclusions.
    • Protect Yourself: If the actual habitable space differs by more than 5% from the listed figure, you may have legal grounds to renegotiate the price, particularly with apartments.

    Géorisques and ERP : Understanding Risk Reports in French Home Buying

    France enjoys varied landscapes – mountains, coastlines, forests – but this beauty often comes alongside potential natural and technological risks. That’s why risk reports are an obligatory and crucial part of information required as part of the real estate process.



    Why Géorisques and ERP Reports Matter

    The Géorisques and ERP (état des risques et pollutions) reports provide vital information about a commune’s and a property’s potential risk of exposure to various natural and technological hazards, including:

    • Flooding: Risk from overflowing rivers, coastal flooding, etc.
    • Landslides and Ground Movement: Especially prevalent in mountainous or earthquake-prone regions and areas with clay soil.
    • Wildfires: A significant concern in some forested areas.
    • Industrial Risks: Proximity to factories or sites storing potentially hazardous materials.
    • Other Localised Risks: Like abandoned mines or radon gas presence.

    When is a Géorisques and ERP Report Required?


    The Géorisques report must be shared with buyers at the first viewing. It is freely available to access online. Sellers must provide the buyer with a similar report called the ERP report (it must be less than 6 months old). Your estate agent or notaire will know which reports are necessary.

    What’s in the Report?

    • Maps: Clearly outline zones with different levels of risk.
    • Hazard History: Details past events in the area.
    • Preventive Measures: Any local regulations or recommendations. Any risk prevention plans in place for the commune.

    Decoding the Report for Homebuyers

    • No Risk: Great! The property isn’t located in a designated risk zone.
    • Manageable Risk: The report will provide information on mitigation measures and potential restrictions (ex: specific building requirements).
    • High Risk: You’ll need to carefully consider whether the risk is acceptable and how it might impact your insurance.

    The Report’s Impact

    Géorisques reports supply information to help you:

    • Informed Decisions: be informed about hazard risks.
    • Insurance: risk levels may influence home insurance premiums.
    • Preparedness: understand your property’s potential vulnerabilities so you can plan accordingly.

    Beyond the Report

    • Official Website: The government website https://www.georisques.gouv.fr/ provides general risk maps and information.
    • Localised Information: Don’t hesitate to ask local authorities (like the Mairie) for details about the area.

    Don’t Let Risks Take You by Surprise

    Géorisques and ERP reports bring transparency to the French home-buying process. Understanding them is vital for assessing a property’s suitability and making choices that help ensure your long-term safety and well-being.

    Gas Safety First: Understanding Gas Inspection Reports in France

    When buying a home in France that has a fixed gas installation, a gas inspection report provides essential information about safety. Let’s demystify this important document:

    Why Gas Inspections Matter

    Some anomalies can be dangerous, leading to leaks, fires, or even explosions. Gas inspections are designed to identify potential hazards and help protect you from these risks.

    When is a Gas Inspection Required?

    • Mandatory: Property with a fixed gas installation more than 15 years old requires a gas inspection report (less than 6 months old) before the sale can be finalised.

    What a Gas Inspection Checks

    An independent certified professional will examine:

    • Gas Pipes: Looking for anomalies such as signs of damage, the wrong type of pipe or an out of date pipe.
    • Appliances: Checking safety mechanisms.
    • Ventilation: Checking adequate venilation to prevent dangerous gas build-up.

    The Gas Inspection Report: What to Look For

    • Anomalies: The report will list any issues found, categorised by their level of severity.
    • Corrective Measures: Recommendations for necessary repairs or improvements.
    • Overall Risk Assessment: Whether the gas installation is deemed safe or poses potential dangers.

    How the Report Impacts Your Purchase

    • Clean Report: Good news! However, always make sure it’s recent. Remember that any ‘non fixed’ installations may not have been inspected.
    • Minor Issues: These might be easily fixable with minor repairs. Always ask a qualified professional to carry out the repairs.
    • Major Problems: Significant issues could require extensive and costly repairs, and may be a point of negotiation or a reason to reconsider the purchase. Always ask a qualified professional to carry out the repairs.

    Beyond the Report

    • Responsibility for Repairs: Sometime negotiated between the buyer and seller, otherwise factor the cost of repairs into your budget.
    • Maintenance: Regular gas installation checks by a professional are important even after you move in.
    • Carbon Monoxide Detectors: While not mandatory, these can provide an extra layer of safety.

    Don’t Compromise on Gas Safety

    Gas inspection reports are a crucial piece of the puzzle when purchasing a property in France. They help inform you about potentially dangerous problems. Understanding the report empowers you to make informed decisions.

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