Property in France - the lowdown on Manche
What’s the cheapest property you have on your books right now?
We’ve got a three-bedroom house on the market for €66,000 (£52,978) situated in the countryside and only one hour from the ferry port. The property, which is set on 2,500m² of land, has about 100m² of living space including a kitchen, a 35m² living room with fireplace, attic and outbuildings.
What is the most unusual property you have sold in the past?
We sold an 11th-century château, built by William the Conqueror, to a Franco-British couple. It was given as a gift to William’s half brother Odon who was bishop of Bayeux at the time and so portraits of all the bishops who subsequently lived there up until the 20th century lined the walls. The most unusual property we have for sale at the moment is a manor which dates back to the 10th century. It was given to the Mont St-Michel monks by William Longue Epée, the son of Rollon who was the first duke of Normandy. This property is on the Normandy/Brittany border in front of Mont St-Michel and set on a 27 hectares of land.
Which areas do you cover?
Our region covers the following areas: central Manche, the Cotentin peninsula, the landing beaches and the Bocage Normand which is recognisable by its hedged meadows and its agricultural activity.
How much would you expect to pay for:
- a detached property with land in good condition?
You would need a budget of between €100,000 (£80,269) and €170,000 (£136,458) to purchase a habitable country house with two or three bedrooms and land.
- a three-bedroom town house?
This would cost between €130,000 (£104,350) and €200,000 (£160,539) depending on the area and how close it is to the sea.
- a renovation opportunity?
We’ve got older buildings on our books priced at €30,000 (£24,080) in the countryside or about €100,000 (£80,269) if it is close to the sea.
Is there a typical architecture or style in Manche?
Depending on the area you’ll find country cottages with outbuildings, manors, castles or seaside villas. Stone-built houses are typical of this area and there are several types of stone that are widely used including granite, schist and pierre de Caen (which was used for the construction of Westminster). Such is the quality of the local stone, Manche-quarried stone has been used for the construction of several other monuments and churches in the UK.
Why do British people buy houses in Manche?
Proximity to the UK is a big draw for buyers; you only have to cross-Channel to become immersed in the French way of life. Also our interlinked history means that there is a cultural proximity that makes Brits want to buy in this area. Our British clients are always pleasantly surprised by the warm reception they receive from the locals.
What advice would you give to somebody who is buying in your area?
It’s a good idea to visit the region and meet the local inhabitants before buying as it is the best way to see if you fit into local life. It is very easy to integrate and our clients have found the people to be very friendly.
What are your predictions for the property market in this area of France?
I’m certain that prices will continue to rise in future years. At the moment prices are moderate so it’s time to grasp opportunities to buy. Also, we are in an area that is popular with locals and with French people from other regions (especially Paris) as well as overseas buyers from the UK, Belgium, Germany and Holland. Generally people are looking for typical country houses or villas by the seaside.
Is it easy to get to Manche?
Access to Manche and Calvados is easy thanks to the Cherbourg, Caen-Ouistreham and Le Havre ferry ports. The motorway network enables you to be 100km away from the coast in less than an hour.
What local attractions are there in your area?
We have both magnificent coasts overlooking Jersey and the landing beaches which offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities including sailing for all levels and walking. For the more adventurous there is bungee jumping from the Souleuvre viaduct. From a cultural point of view the Bayeaux Tapestry and the history of the landing beaches from the Second World War are big attractions for visitors to Normandy. Also, you can’t forget the gastronomy! We have fertile land for dairy and agriculture as well as the best fresh seafood.
What’s your favourite corner of the department?
My favourite area has to be around Coutances; I love its undulating landscape and the landing beaches with overhanging cliffs.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Cabinet Faudais
18 place du Champ de Mars
BP 555, 50000 St-Lö
Tel: 00 33 (0)2 33 57 01 16
www.cabinet-faudais.com