Buying property in Charente-Maritime (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
If you’re looking to enjoy life by the sea and the French countryside, you’ll love Charente-Maritime in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Named after the river Charente, this department on France’s Atlantic coast, is increasingly popular with international residents. It’s packed in summer, but has plenty of life in the off-season too.
Charente-Maritime is roughly the size of an English county, and its largest city is La Rochelle, with just under 80,000 residents. However, to the south of the department is the city Bordeaux, with trains from Paris in two hours on a double-decker train, or from Paris to la Rochelle in around three hours.
There are some lovely islands off the coast of Charente-Maritime, including Île de Ré, Ile d’Aix and Ile d’Oleron.
Why buy a property in Charente-Maritime
With over 90 beaches along its coastline, Charente-Maritime is much appreciated by residents and holidaymakers. Some of the most beautiful beaches include Les Gollandieres, Île de Ré, Grade Plage de Chatelaillon and Bre les Bains.
The life you lead in Charente-Maritime largely depends on where you live. Farmhouses offer a peaceful retreat, apartments in towns like La Rochelle offer a social lifestyle, villas on the Île de Ré provide luxury living.
Charente-Maritime offers homeowners plenty to keep themselves busy. There are all the pleasures of the coast, from fishing and sailing to surfing. Inland, there are golf courses for those who enjoy being at one with nature and the course.
The department is popular with expats who choose Charente-Maritime for its excellent climate, friendly residents, fresh seafood and decent transport links.
What can you buy for your money in the Charente-Maritime?
Charente-Maritime is mostly rural, with more houses than apartments. However, its many inlets and islands mean it has a long coastline on the Bay of Biscay: ideal for those who love the sea, and also offering rental potential too.
Charente-Maritime is a popular area as it combines the countryside appeal of the nearby Charente with a coastal climate. It claims to be one of the sunniest departments in France, second only to the French Riviera.
Properties unique to the region are known as Charentaise homes. These are typically stone homes with distinctive shutters, terracotta roofs and spacious interiors. Lots of them come with sizeable gardens or courtyards, perfect for enjoying the warm weather or al fresco dining.
Along the coast, fisherman cabins are common. These are usually small in size but cosy – ideal for beach lovers looking for a pied-a-terre.
Property prices in Charente-Maritime are typically more expensive than average prices in Nouvelle-Aquitaine due to the department’s desirable climate.
You can find older home to renovate for under €100,000, key-ready Charentaise homes from €150,000 – €200,000 and more luxurious homes for under €300,000. There are larger homes available, such as Maison de Maîtres, but they tend to come at a premium.
Steps to buying in Charente-Maritime
- Define your criteria: Determine what you’re looking for in terms of property type, location, budget and must-have features.
- Research: Use online resources, visit local real estate agencies and explore the area to find properties that match your criteria. Book your place at the Your Overseas Home Virtual Event.
- Speak to a currency expert: Moving exchange rates are a risk in international property purchases, so discuss managing that risk with a forward contract that fixes your exchange rate.
- Legal considerations: Familiarise yourself with the French property buying process, including the role of the notaire , who handles the legal aspects of the sale. Contact an independent lawyer at this stage.
- Financing: Investigate mortgage options if required. French banks offer loans to non-residents, but it’s advisable to compare rates and terms.
- Book your viewing/scouting trip: Download the guide, contact estate agents an book your tickets.
- Making an offer: Once you find a property you like, you can make an offer. If accepted, you’ll sign a preliminary contract (compromis de vente or a promesse de vente) and pay a deposit.
- Completion: The final sale is completed when the acte de vente is signed at the notaire’s office, and the balance of the purchase price is paid.
Costs of buying property in Charente-Maritime
When buying property in Charente-Maritime, the buyer is responsible for notaire fees, which average 7-8% of the property price (or 2-3% for new homes) and will have to also consider estate agent fees (although often included in the property price) and homeowner taxes.
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