» property in Brittany

French property index update

Rachel — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:22:15 +0000

Sextant French Properties’ aim is to help people find the perfect property for their needs, either for a holiday home or for a permanent move. In order to guide its customers during their search for a new home, Sextant French Properties regularly updates its French Rural Property index.
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Its goal is to aid potential buyers from the UK to get a better understanding of the French rural market trends and to give detailed information about each region in France.
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The rural property index includes all the 12,934 properties currently on the website; the large majority is composed of resale properties which have already been on the market, have been lived in, are habitable, ready to move in to or requiring full renovation. The remaining part is composed of the New Build properties.
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The index has now been updated and shows the evolution over 10 months, from October 2009 to August 2010. The information can be put together in a chart, showing the average price trends in France.
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In August 2010, the average price over 12 regions is €312,543 which is 0.40% lower than last month, but which represents a 13.69% increase over the last 10 months.
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The index also gives a regional outlook, with the average price in the 12 most popular regions in France.
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The regions of Aquitaine, Centre, Midi-Pyrenees, Nord Pas-de-Calais and Normandy have all seen a rise in their prices.
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In Aquitaine, they have risen by 5.27% since last October, with an average of €358,892. In Centre, they have reached an average of €226,390, a rise of 23.31% in the last 10 months. In Midi-Pyrenees, prices have risen by 32%, to reach the average of €428,554. The region Nord Pas-de-Calais has the second lowest average of €222,323, although it has increased by 2.68%. The average price in Normandy has increased by 14.87%, compared with last October, with an average of €342,718.
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Bourgogne and Pays-de-la-Loire’s average prices have respectively decreased by 15.16 and 9.92%, reaching down to €241,509 and €227,414.
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In Brittany, prices have risen by 6.32% these past 10 months, to reach an average of €209,008. This budget would buy you a beautifully renovated 19th century mill or an apartment in the coastal city of Saint-Malo.
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The region of Languedoc, one of the sunniest areas in France (300 days/year), has an average price of €336,296, which represents a 2.83% increase in comparison with October 2009. A budget of €336,300 would buy you a beautiful villa with a swimming-pool and a garage in the little wine-producing village of Corneilhan.
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With prices 7.55% lower in August than in the previous October, the region of Limousin appears as a good place to invest. With an average price of €197,864, this area has beautiful properties to offer, such as this beautiful stone hamlet house with land within this budget.
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Poitou-Charentes is also a safe bet, with an average price of €230,369 and a 6.11% decrease since last October. A budget of about €230,000 in this region would buy you a recent house with land and garage, on the outskirts of the city of Angouleme.
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The region of Provence-Cote d’Azur boasts the most beautiful properties in France. With an average price of €856,543, which represents a 33% increase in these last 10 months, this area attracts investors from all over the world. A budget of €850,000 would buy you a beautiful stone house with a swimming-pool, 20 minutes away from the sea.

You can view the latest update here: French Rural Property index.

Lower prices for holiday homes in Normandy and Brittany

Rachel — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:37:27 +0000

According to the well know French Magazine Capital, fifteen years ago France counted 2.2 million holiday homes. Nowadays, 3.3 million holiday homes are spread all over France. Since the financial crisis in 2008, the French countryside has seen price decreases for several holiday homes. However, you should be aware that it is not the same in all regions of France. For the last decade, country house prices had doubled but have fallen in the past two years. This is mainly due to the fact that foreigners sold their holiday homes in France in a hurry during the crisis. So now is a great time to buy your holiday home in France.
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Before buying, you should be aware that owning a holiday home has a cost. Depending on the area, maintenance works cost an average of 2% of the value of the house and can go up to 4% when your house is located on the seaside with a pool. Of course, if you want to buy a house on the Mediterranean, prices won’t go down because it has always been and will always be the most privileged area for foreign and French buyers. But if you are looking for beaches, pleasant weather, pine forests, pastures and plains, how about considering the areas of Normandy and Brittany?
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Even if the coastline remains expensive, the countryside in Normandy and Brittany has experienced a price decrease for old houses from 10% to 20% since 2008. In fact, during the crisis, most of the properties were sold extremely quickly. Normandy has numerous advantages for British people who want to purchase a property in France. Also, it is not too crowded with Parisians, who would rather buy a house in the large periphery of Paris such as the Oise or the Eure-et-Loir departments. With 600 kilometres of coastline, Normandy offers a temperate climate thanks to the proximity of the sea. Finally, it is not too far away from the UK as there are numerous ferry ports.
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In this area of France, prices are extremely variable due to the vast amount of properties available. Small stone houses to renovate can be purchased for approximately €50,000 and half-timbered houses for €500,000. Prices can goes up to €3,000,000 for castles.
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In Normandy, the Orne department allows buyers to find property with interesting price reductions. For example, a stone house with 150 sqm of living space has decreased in price by 39% since March 2009. With a price of €189,500, this south facing renovated stone house offers a 1600 sq m landscaped garden, barn, bread oven, terrace, oak door and beams. In the same department, you can find a charming half-timbered property offering two houses. With a total of six bedrooms, the property is priced at €239,200. One year ago, the property was for sale at €291,200. This decrease of 21% speaks volumes of the opportunities that can be found in Normandy.
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Going through the Manche department, properties are closer to beaches. You can find a large character stone house set in 15,000 sqm near Gavray, offering 300m2 of living space and in great condition. With a price of €640,000 in March 2009, an exceptional decrease of 62% allows you to buy this property for €395,050. This is certainly one of the greatest opportunities with Sextant Properties in terms of price reduction. Of course, this exceptional decrease is not that common and it’s far more usual to find properties with an average price decrease of 10% to 20%.
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Brittany is an excellent place to invest in a property. In fact, the SNCF (The French railways) will extend the West TGV (high-speed train) to Brest in the Finistere department in 2015, meaning the town will only be three hours away from Paris. Nowadays, it takes at least four hours and a half to link the French Capital and the western tip of Europe. Prices will increase with this faster transportation link so now is a good time to benefit from lower prices. For example in Carhaix, for €96,500, a typical country house is available, the price having decreased by 27% since February 2009. The property offers outbuildings in 4875 sqm of land.
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Cotes-d’Armor and Morbihan are also popular departments in Brittany with many Breton style properties on the market. In this area, the real estate market plunged in 2008 and 2009. Consequently, properties that were expensive two years ago are now affordable. In the Cotes-d’Armor department, a village house of €46,200 allows you to renovate according to your own tastes. With a large cellar and attics, the price of this stone house has known a decrease of 15%. Finally, In Saint Aignan in the Morbihan department, an outstanding property with gite and swimming pool is available with a price decrease of 26% from October 2008 and is now €455,000. What is good to know with this professionally renovated house and three bedroom gite is that no work is required and it is ready to move into.
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Thus, there are many price reduction opportunities in Brittany and Normandy. If you want to find out more about these properties, don’t hesitate to visit the Sextant Properties website or to contact one of our property advisors.

Latest hot spots in France

Matthieu Cany — Mon, 10 May 2010 14:56:11 +0000

Some years ago, big cities were really popular in France. But nowadays, it seems that small towns and even villages are well appreciated by the British. All these places allow you to live in a quiet area just a few kilometres away from all amenities: shops, schools, airports.

PROPERTIES IN BRITTANY

Carhaix-Plouguer

Carhaix-Plouguer is a town of the Finistere, part of the Brittany. With 7,600 inhabitants, the city has plenty of Gaul Empire reliques. In fact, Carhaix was known as Vorgium, the county town of Gaul. The city is at the heart of Brittany where you can appreciate the Breton culture from the gastronomic specialities to the cultural heritage. Carhaix welcomes the festival “des Vieilles Charrues” which brings together Breton artists like Yann Tiersen but also French and International such as Bruce Springsteen or Muse.

Dinan

Dinan is the strategic point between Normandy and Brittany. This medieval city is surrounding by fortification. Dinan is often called the most perfectly preserved medieval town in Brittany. Situated alongside the river Rance, it is surrounded by parks, trees and 600 year old ramparts. The cobbled streets are full of picturesque C15th and C16th half-timbered houses, traditional craft shops, a delightful selection of cafes and restaurants and a C14th castle. The seaside is nearby. Dinard airport and St Malo ferry port can be reached in 40mins.

PROPERTIES IN AQUITAINE

Eymet

Eymet, situated in the Dordogne, is a picturesque medieval village on the edge of the river Dropt. Dating back to 15th century, it is full of character and benefits from the beautiful remains of a feudal castle. It offers all sorts of every day amenities including shops, schools and restaurants. Every Thursday there is a street market with fresh local products and in the summer there is also a lively night market on Tuesdays. The village hosts many festivals including the famous festival of music, gastronomy (especially wine) and vintage cars. The most popular outdoors activities in this area are horse riding, cycling, swimming or golf. Eymet is located only 25mins drive from Bergerac airport with low cost flights to the UK and around 80mins from the international airport in Bordeaux.

Bergerac

Bergerac is the largest town in the Perigord Pourpre department, an area that derives its name from the purple grapes that grow in the region’s 125 sq km of vineyards. Set on a riverbank, it was once a flourishing trading port and has easy access to the surrounding countryside and many famous wine producers. The town of Bergerac offers superb cultural variety and numerous events are organized throughout the year. 5 days a week there is a street market with a wide range of fresh local products. The town has become renowned for numerous disciplines, particularly rowing, woman’s handball, parachuting, rugby and also promotes other activities like horse riding, harnessed horse competitions, tennis, regattas, fishing, cycling, rally and many more. Bergerac has its own airport with several low cost flights to the UK.

PROPERTIES IN LIMOUSIN

Eymoutiers

Eymoutiers is a beautiful medieval country town set on the banks of Vienne River, in the Haute-Vienne department. The town is built around the old monastery and offers a number of interesting places to visit such as the Romanesque and Gothic church St Etienne, bell tower and an old convent. Although it is fairly small there are many shows, exhibitions and cultural events running throughout the year. The most popular sports activities are kayaking, canoeing, hiking, horse riding, fishing, cycling and even hunting. Eymoutiers is only 50mins drive from the international airport in Limoges with daily low cost flights to the UK.

PROPERTIES IN PAYS DE LA LOIRE

Chateau du Loir

Chateau du Loir is located in the department of the Sarthe and the region Pays de la Loire between Angers, Blois and Le Mans, cities in the north-west of France. This area of the Loire Valley has the richest architectural, wine and gastronomical heritage. One can enjoy a visit to the 13th century Abbaye de la Clarte-Dieu, the St Guingalois church, the 14th of July street house which is the symbol of the town or a walk in the peaceful parks that the town has to offer and through the Berce forest. Hiking, horse riding, cycling and tennis are among the activities available in the valley. The beautiful lake of Varenne nearby also provides water sports and leisure activities. The town has all amenities and services you would expect including restaurants, bakeries, pharmacies, markets and doctors. Chateau du Loir is just an hour away from Angers international airport.

PROPERTIES IN POITOU-CHARENTES

Jonzac

Jonzac is located in the extreme south of the Charente-Maritime department, set on the banks of Seugne River. The town is famous for its thermal centre with its natural hot springs. It’s also home to the 11th century large castle, an indoor market, many bars, restaurants, the Les Antilles de Jonzac, an aquatic centre shaped liked the Caribbean islands, and a casino with 50 slot machines. One should also visit the two working mills and the Gallo-Roman villa. The Jonzac area offers many sports activities like sailing, rock climbing, horseback riding, trampoline, archery, mountain biking, bowling, and river fishing. Located only 50mins from Angouleme airport with low cost flights to the UK, 60mins from the airport in Bordeaux and only 80mins from La Rochelle airport.

PROPERTIES IN NORMANDY

Vire

Vire was constructed on a rocky buttress, outlined by the River Vire. There are a range of local delicacies to enjoy and Vire is best known for its andouille sausages; somewhat an acquired taste, or you can sample the local salmon or trout fresh from the river, accompanied by local ‘poire’. The town has several restaurants, bars, schools, cinemas and shops. The most popular activities are golf, cycling, hiking, canoeing, horse riding and fishing. Apart from exploring its ancient forests, hidden lakes and streams there is a lot of cultural entertainment all year round. It is only 60minutes from the car-ferry at Ouistreham (Caen), about 90mins from ferries in Cherbourg and St Malo and the same distance from Dinard airport.

PROPERTIES IN LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON

Uzes

Uzes is a charming medieval town made of narrow streets, alleys and shaded squares, situated in the Gard department between the sea and the Cevennes Mountains. Its old town, listed as a protected historical site, is full of monuments and museums and retains a well preserved Duchy castle. Despite its modest size, it offers a large variety of shops, restaurants, festivals, year-round activities and even bull races. For the sports enthusiasts there is an opportunity to try mountain biking, hiking, golfing (the 9-hole course), canoeing, kayaking, fishing or hot-air ballooning. Every Saturday there is a street market with fresh regional products including truffles, wine and olive oil. Located only 30mins from the international airport in Nimes.

Limoux

Limoux is a beautiful market town which lies on the river Aude, in perfect harmony with surrounding mountains and vineyards. The town is perhaps best known for its winter festival called Fecos, lasting from January until Easter and its famous sparkling white wine. Thanks to a particularly mild climate with around 320 sunny days per year it offers many different outdoor activities: swimming, tennis, clay pigeon shooting, cycling, cross-country, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and mini golf. There are 3 varieties of markets including evening markets during the summer. Located only 30 minutes from Carcassonne airport, about 60 minutes from the seaside and only 100 minutes from the ski slopes.

Unique investment holiday home in Brittany (near a Golf course)

Matthieu Cany — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:01:01 +0000

This is a new French Leaseback in one of the best spot of Brittany, between the sea and Benodet Golf course.


The Residence offer: The elegant decor and top-of-the-range facilities of this luxury residence are complemented by a spacious spa-area, featuring a sauna, steam-room, whirlpool bath and heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool. Price: €119K to €350K Accomodation: 134 apartments from studio to 3 bedrooms (29 already sold) Yield: up to 4.50% VAT excluded
High quality services: - Outdoor and indoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi - Sauna, hammam, wellness centre, Finteness area… The Investment: There are 3 possibilities: - Pack invest excellence: you have a 4.50% return (excluding tax) on your investment, based on the property price excluding tax (excluding garage and furniture). You will benefit from savings on taxes and occupancy charges on your property. - Pack loisir serenissime: tailor-made returns on your investment, which could cover all your expenses (co-ownership charges, taxes, etc). You can enjoy your property for up to 8 weeks a year, at any time of the year. - Pack loisir optimum: Your rental income varies according to the occupancy rate of your apartment, with no maximum limit. Depending on your requirements, you can occupy or rent your property for up to 6 months per year. The Location: Perfectly situated just 150m from the sea, this Prestige residence is surrounded by beautiful tree-filled grounds. Benodet is like a wide open window overlooking the ocean: situated at the mouth of the Odet river, the resort’s sea-faring tradition dates back to long ago and has become a way of life, surrounded by both sea and countryside, Benodet’s exceptional natural charms are just waiting to be discovered. For more information: ref 10255 Please call 020 7428 4915 or email jim@sextantproperties.com to receive a commercial brochure

32% price reduction on a property in Brittany

Matthieu Cany — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:26:41 +0000

This property has been on the market since 28th July 2008 and the owner decided to reduce the price to get a quick sale.it went down from €128,400 to €86,400.

This beautiful detached stone longere is set in a 6.3 acres garden and comes with several outbuildings, convertible attics and an enormous potential. The property offer an habitable part, comprising: kitchen with a dining area, bedroom, shower room and wc. All the outbuildings need to be renovated. Located near Plemet and Loudeac.

By experience it won’t stay long on the market!

Click here to see the pictures: 9789

Old wash houses to visit in Brittany

Matthieu Cany — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:13:32 +0000

Come and discover in Brittany the lovely wash houses!

In Pontrieux (22), the 18th century wash houses have recently been renovated and are now the new region’s heritage treasure. They are made of three different stone, with slate roof, and steps leading down to the river… so typical! They appeared in the 18th century propsperous commercial port of Pontrieux, to meet the wealthy population’s requirements. The tow used ti be a stopping place for wood, coal, salt, wine and hemp transporters, who were travelling to Guimgamp. That is the reson why you find splendid residences along the river. They were actually built by tradesmen, and ship owners who settled down there. Rediscover the original functions of the wash houses during the Wash house festival! Re-live the old practices and join the volunteers who come and wash their laundry! For those who prefer discovering them on the river, it is possible. The association called Nos Lavoirs organises trips on the Trivieux (only in summer, until Septembre). You can also go back in time on board the local steam train: the Vapeur du Trieux (from Paimpol-Pontrieux). On a local line in the Trieux valley, you will enjoy gorgeous views.