Property in France: the lowdown on the Loire
What’s the cheapest property you have on your books right now?
We currently have a cute restoration property just outside a pretty village, some 25kms from the château town of Saumur, which is on the market for €47,600 (£34,185).
What’s the most unusual property you have now/you have sold in the past?
A troglodyte cave! Well, it’s not really a cave, more a house built into a rock cliff face and found in parts of our region. The best bit is that you have a ready-made place to store your wine!
What’s the most unusual request you’ve had from a client?
We had one client who wanted to have a large barn to keep a dozen parrots that were all adopted from rescue centres. The other criteria were no near neighbours due to the noise!
How much would you expect to pay for:
- a detached property with land in good condition?
Our ‘best deal’ detached property in good condition with land is a two-bedroom house in tufa stone with fireplace, beams and traditional features for €160,000 (£114,909), all fees included; you can get a four-bedroom longère with 1.3 hectares for €227,500 (£163,386), all fees included.
- a three-bedroom town house?
For a three-bedroom restored town house that needs finishing touches you will pay €170,000 (£122,091).
- a renovation opportunity?
We have two large stone buildings on a plot of over 2 acres on the market for €126,000 (£90,491). One property already has planning permission and would make a three- or four-bedroom property. The second property is of equal size but in less good condition.
Is there a typical architecture or style in your department?
There are two types of property that are typical of our region: the most common is the classic stone longère which is made out of rough tufa, a soft, creamy stone similar to limestone in texture. Expect large fireplaces, beams and stone floors. The second type of property is the maison de maître made from carefully chiselled tufa stone blocks.
Why do British people buy houses in your department?
There are several reasons. Firstly, purchasing power: your money goes further in our area. Secondly, the place itself: the Loire Valley is a UNESCO Heritage site of outstanding beauty. The region also boasts a microclimate which results in long summers and short mild winters. And thirdly, Brits buy here due to its practicality – it is really easy to get to by air, road or train.
What advice would you give to somebody who is thinking of buying in the Loire Valley?
Be prepared and do your homework before hand. Get in touch with an estate agent or notaire who understands what Brits’ concerns are and can explain clearly, in English, everything that you are signing. You also need to take into account possible inheritance issues; give as much personal information as possible to your estate agent who should refer you to a bilingual notaire if in doubt.
What are your predictions for the property market in your department?
We’re predicting a tough year in 2008 following a slow down in the housing market in the UK and recent problems with banks and loans. It’s not all doom and gloom though; for those who have been burnt with pension funds, property is a good place to put your money and a solid investment. The gîte market is also strong here, with year-round rentability so those who want to generate income to finance a loan while their investment grows are in a good position to do so.
Is your department easy to reach?
Angers airport is serviced by Flybe and Eastern Airlines out of Southampton and Ryanair flies to neighbouring Tours. It is easy to get from East Midlands and other more northern airports to Nantes which is 75 minutes from us.
What local attractions are there in the Loire Valley?
Known as the ‘Valley of the Kings’, the Loire is the home of many famous châteaux. Our region is also renowned for its wines. The area is popular for fishing thanks to the many rivers and lakes and for those who like walking and cycling there are lots of paths to follow.
What’s your favourite corner of the department?
Hands down, my favourite city in the area is Angers as it’s by far the best for… SHOPPING! I lived in New York until four years ago and am a self-confessed shopaholic so being able to indulge my addiction was an important factor for me when I moved to France! Angers has it all; it has a great mix of boutiques and mainstream shops and nice places to grab a bite to eat. All this and you are surrounded by beautiful architecture. A stimulation of all the senses!
Contact details:
Properties in France
23 rue de La Vincenderie
49390 Vernoil
Tel: 00 33 (0)2 41 52 02 18
sam@propertiesinfrance.com