Buying property in Creuse

Creuse may not have the instant name recognition of Normandy or the Riviera, but with 8% of homes owned by non-resident foreign buyers [1] this department must have something about it.

Named after its biggest river, what Creuse definitely has is countryside and affordable property. It is in the very centre of France, part of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and within the western end of the Massif Central, France’s central highlands.

There are no cities or even large towns in Creuse, and there are more cows than people! Many of its people have moved to cities for work, which partly accounts for such a high percentage of foreigners, and means that if you’re looking for an affordable home, a tranquil lifestyle and wonderful landscapes, seriously consider buying property in Creuse.

Why buy a home in Creuse?

Creuse will appeal to those seeking those things you can enjoy in tranquil countryside.

The Creuse landscape begs to be explored. The Creuse river and its tributaries flow down from the Massif Central. It has been dammed for hydroelectricity and so its lakes, including Lac de Vassivière, one of France’s largest lakes, are great for water sports.

The Chabrières forest is wonderful for walking, cycling or riding. Even if you live here you won’t get bored with visiting the Monts de Guéret Wildlife Park (the wolves are great, but the red pandas are the real stars!).

It’s a quiet, undemonstrative sort of department which would suit anyone looking to connect with nature, swim in its rivers, enjoy the wildlife and life in the beautiful, empty French countryside.

There is one small town in Creuse; the department’s prefecture and there is also the large villages La Souterraine and Aubusson. Most villages in Creuse will have markets [2] at least once a week, however.

What can you buy for your money in Creuse?

Creuse is known for its budget-friendly properties. On average, apartments in Creuse cost around €1,150 per square metre, less than half the national average of €3,197[i].

Creuse is the kind of department where you can buy a small chateau for the price of a city apartment in Bordeaux, Nice or Paris.

House prices are largely similar across the region with homes for renovation costing as little as €45,000, small townhouses from €100,000 and village homes from €130,000.

If you’re seeking a property with multiple bedrooms, you’ll find larger properties in Creuse which vary in price depending on the luxury appeal of the property. If it’s a simple, traditional home you’re after, you can easily find a three-bedroom bungalow for under €200,000 in Creuse.

Steps to buying property in Creuse

1. Define your criteria: Determine what you’re looking for in terms of property type, location, budget and must-have features.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Financing: Investigate mortgage options if required. French banks offer loans to non-residents, but it’s advisable to compare rates and terms.
6. Book your viewing/scouting trip: Download the guide, contact estate agents an book your tickets.
7. 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.
8. 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 Creuse

When buying property in Creuse, 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.

You might also like:

• The beautiful department of Creuse
• The ‘tiny homes’ initiative and why it’s a good time to buy in France
• For countryside, seaside and city homes: Your most affordable options in France

[1] https://www.notaires.fr/en/article/french-property-analysis-market-july-2023

[2] https://www.tourisme-creuse.com/en/all-of-creuse/agenda/the-fairs-and-markets-of-creuse/