Choosing where to buy in France
When choosing a location there are a few things to consider, such as the purpose of your property purchase (holiday home, permanent home, place to retire or investment property), what local amenities you need, and the lifestyle that you’d like to pursue.
While it might be tempting to follow the crowds and choose a popular area, it will pay off to do your own research before deciding on where to buy in France. Let’s start with the basics:
Environment and locality
Consider each location’s climate, topography and natural beauty. France has a pleasant climate overall but it can vary across its diverse geography. There are four main climatic zones:
The Northwest (Oceanic region) has a low annual temperature variation, with high humidity and moderate rainfall, exemplified by weather in Brittany.
The Northeast (Continental region) experiences the greatest temperature range in France, enjoying warm summers and cold winters.
The area known as the Paris Basin has an average annual temperature of 11°C and sees moderate-to-heavy rain in spring and generally warm summers.
Finally, the South of France (Mediterranean region) enjoys mild winters and hot summers. Coastal areas have particularly enjoyable climates and enjoy the cool breeze from the coast alongside year-round warmth.
Lifestyle
You probably already have an idea of the sort of lifestyle you’ll want to live. It’s a major part of the dream of buying a property in France.
France has something for everyone – sunny coastal regions for those that wish to pursue a beach lifestyle, cosy countryside retreats for more peaceful and picturesque living, stunning mountain landscapes for those with a passion for the outdoors, or dynamic city living for those craving a faster pace of life.
Have a clear vision of how the property that you’ll buy will accommodate the lifestyle you’ll want to live. This is relevant to those buying a permanent residence as well as for those investing in a holiday or rental home.
Accessibility to amenities
Regardless of whether you’re buying a permanent home or not, it’s wise to consider how you’ll get to your property in France. If you plan to have a car, research distances from essential amenities such as supermarkets, post offices, shopping centres, gyms etc. If you won’t have your own vehicle in France, investigate public transport and proximity to airports, train stations and highways so that you’ll have a good idea of how you’ll be able to get around.
There is usually a train station in every major town, while cities such as Paris, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Rennes and Toulouse all have their own comprehensive metro systems, that offer low-priced travel.
If you’re in the countryside or mountain regions, having a car may be necessity. If your heart is set on a location, spend the time to find bus schedules, train links and research distances from properties to transport hubs.
Property prices in France
Most affordable areas
In the third quarter of 2023, Notaires.fr[i] reported the most affordable older (resale) apartments in mainland France based on median price per square were in:
- Saint-Etienne, Loire (€1,220 per m2)
- Mulhouse, Alsace (€1,230 per m2),
- Limoges, Haute-Vienne (€1,560 per m2),
- Bourges, Cher (€1,660 per m2),
- Poitiers, Vienne and Besancon, Doubs (both €2,160 per m2)
For the same period, the most affordable older houses in mainland France were found in*:
- Châteauroux, Indre (€130,000)
- Amiens, Somme (€180,000)
- Poitiers, Vienne (€188,800)
- Troyes, Aube (€190,200)
- Limoges, Haute-Vienne (€193,300)
*Based on median price of older houses in the third quarter of 2023
Most expensive areas
The most expensive house prices in France by 2023 averages were found in:
- Grenoble, Isère (€377,200)
- Marseille/Aix-en-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (€402,100)
- Montpellier, Hérault (€448,700)
- Toulon, Var (€465,200)
- Lyon, Rhône (€425,900)
Prices based on property types in France
If you’re looking for a village or country property in France to renovate, you can find a range of countryside homes for as little as €40,000.
If you’re looking for a key-ready home, be that an apartment or house, prices start from €150,000.
Properties are typically more affordable in the west of France, where you’ll find countryside towns and village communes galore.
If you’re more of a city-lover, prices for apartments start at €180,000 and continue to climb from there as bedroom and property sizes increase.
It is possible to find affordable homes in France and the median overall property price for older homes in France in 2023 was €264,558[ii]. (€261,563 miscounting Ile de France).
Villas and homes on the coast and seaside typically are more expensive than your more traditional French homes like longères and village homes. For those, property prices start at around €240,000 but it is possible to find one without breaking the bank.
Popular areas for international buyers in France
There are a few regions in mainland France that are extremely popular with international buyers. They include:
Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur (PACA)
The appeal of PACA extends much further than French citizens, it is a favourite destination for many international buyers including investors and holiday-home seekers who buy a slice of French real estate to enjoy in the region in the summer months. This region is known for its idyllic beaches, Mediterranean climate, and breathtaking landscapes.
Languedoc-Roussillon
Slightly west of PACA lies Languedoc-Roussillon, a southern region defined by lush landscapes, vineyards and coastal resorts. Properties vary in the Languedoc from seaside apartments and villas to country farmhouses.
French Alps
Ideal for snow sport enthusiasts, the French Alps offer luxury properties, mountain views and access to some of Europe’s best ski resorts and slopes. Properties are largely split into apartments and chalets in the Alps.
Loire Valley
Famous for its river valleys and vineyards, the Loire Valley appeals to those seeking a more rural lifestyle. Properties in the west are typically more affordable than in the South of France and Ile de France, and it’s not too far away from the coast (60-90-minute drive) should you find yourself in need of sea air.
Brittany and Normandy
Favoured by British buyers due to their proximity to the UK, Brittany and Normandy appeal to those seeking a traditional French lifestyle, surrounded by natural beauty. The northern regions are peppered with charming towns and villages, making them attractive to expats.
[i] https://www.notaires.fr/en/article/french-property-market-indices-and-price-maps-m2-january-2024#toc-anchor-1
[ii] Median price worked out based on Notaires.fr data, Spring 2023.