Property in France - Charente-Maritime

What is the cheapest property you have
on your books right now?

We currently have a charentais property to renovate in a hamlet west of St-Jean-d’Angély. It’s on the market for €26,000 (£19,624) including agency fees. This kind of property is ideal for a second home without having too
big a garden to maintain.

What is the most unusual property you have sold?
It was a town house in St-Jean-d’Angély which had a very long frontage but was only 1.5 metres deep. It was a bit like a doll’s house! It was not possible to show the house to several people at the same time…

What is the most unusual request you
have had from a client?

A client once asked us for advice on buying a
TV! On another occasion someone asked me to find them a dance hall. It was difficult to find a house with a large outbuilding in a place that was easy to find; not too remote but not too close to other properties either.

How much would you expect to pay for:

- a detached property with land in good condition?

In our area you would expect to pay between €200,000 and €250,000 (£150,594 and £188,693) for a property like this.

- a three-bedroom town house?

Around here €150,000 (£113,216) will buy you a good-sized town house with a small garden that is in need of some internal work.

- a renovation opportunity?

You would need to spend in the region of €80,000 (£60,381) for something in good structural condition to renovate.

Is there a typical architecture or style in your department?

Charentais properties with exposed beams and stone, as well as farmhouses, known as longéres, are very popular here. People really like the old stone fireplaces and the good living space that these kind of properties can offer
inside.

Why do British people buy houses in Charente-Maritime?

There are lots of reasons. Firstly, it is not far from the coast and we also benefit from a microclimate that means the weather is quite good. It is also easy to reach from England.We are close to other lovely well known places like
Cognac and La Rochelle, but here the prices are more attractive. Also, the quality of life is good for families and retired people.

What advice would you give to somebody who is thinking of buying in your area?

I would advise to rent first or find another way to get to know the area before you start house hunting. It is important to find the area you want to move to before you start looking for the house. Secondly, make sure you
understand everything the agent has told you and if your French isn’t very good, it would be wise to find an agent
who can speak English. Thirdly, I would suggest that if you
need to borrow money to buy in France, ask for information on French mortgages and compare these with what you can get in England. Interest rates are often very attractive
for British buyers and most of the banks now have English staff.

What are your predictions for the property market in Charente-Maritime?

The British housing market is not very strong at the moment so English buyers will probably come to France with a lower budget. My feeling is that Brits will be more interested in second homes rather than permanent
residences in France.

Is your department easy to reach?

Yes, our department is easy to get to thanks to good motorways and several airports – we are near to La Rochelle, Angoulême and Bordeaux airports which the low-cost airlines fly to.We have good, fast TGV rail links too.

What local attractions are there in your department?

In Charente-Maritime, visitors can enjoy cultural attractions such as the pilgrimage route of St-Jacques de Compostelle. The area has a fascinating history and a wealth of architecture and buildings to enjoy. They can taste regional products in local restaurants or buy them at the many markets. A visit to the cellars in Cognac is a must and the nearest beaches are only 45 minutes away.

What’s your favourite corner of the department?

One of my favourite parts of Charente-Maritime has to be La Rochelle. I love the old town and especially the picturesque port – both are lovely. There is lots to see and do and from St-Jean-d’Angély it is just 50 minutes
away so it makes for the perfect day trip.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Cabinet Madier

47 rue Gambetta

17400 St-Jean-d’Angély

Tel: 00 33 (0)5 46 32 00 59

Fax: 00 33 (0)5 46 32 49 17

www.cabinetmadier.com