Lot-et-Garonne
If you’re seeking an affordable property in France surrounded by nature, Lot-et-Garonne in Nouvelle-Aquitaine is an ideal location.
The department is in southwest France, nestled between Périgord, Quercy, the Landes and Gascony, and home to over 300,000 residents.
Why buy property in Lot-et-Garonne?
If you’re yearning for a place where time slows down, vineyards stretch across rolling hills and the scent of lavender lingers in the air, this department is your haven.
Unlike bustling urban centres, this department boasts a slower pace, where the rhythm of life aligns with the changing seasons.
Lot-et-Garonne offers a lifestyle that celebrates simplicity, authenticity and natural beauty. The landscape begs to be explored and newcomers can expect to find winding rivers, ancient forests and Bastide towns on their doorsteps.
Two examples are Monflanquin and Vianne, which invite you to take a step back in time and have both been named on the Plus Beau Villages list which shines a light on the most appealing and beautiful communes in France.
You can also savour local delicacies at bustling markets, where farmers proudly display their produce throughout Lot-et-Garonne. In terms of activity, the department is relatively quiet but residents do enjoy strolling through orchards, cycling along country lanes and enjoying leisurely meals at a choice of Lot-et-Garonne’s riverside cafés.
In 2021, 35% of residents in Lot-et-Garonne were retired, drawing attention to the calm lifestyle led there which is infused with authenticity and joie de vivre.
Penne d’Agenaise in Lot et Garonne
What can you buy for your money in Lot-et-Garonne?
Lot-et-Garonne is located inland in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and is a quiet sort of place, with no towns larger than Agen, which has 32,000 people.
Most properties in the Lot-et-Garonne are primary residences (82.1%) while 6% are second homes or holiday homes.
Apartments aren’t as common in Lot-et-Garonne as in big cities and represent just under 20% of the property market. You will find apartments in the department’s capital, Agen, where about a third of the department’s residents live.
The most populous communes in the department after Agen, are Villeneuve-sur-Lot, Marmande, Le Passage and Tonneins.
Lot-et-Garonne’s property market echoes its idyllic surroundings. Here, affordability meets charm. If you’re on a budget, renovation projects start at approximately €50,000, while small townhouses can be found for around €100,000.
For those dreaming of a village home, prices typically begin at €130,000. Larger properties, whether historic manors or rustic farmhouses cater to various tastes and budgets.
Steps to buying property in Lot-et-Garonne
- 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 is 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 and 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 Lot-et-Garonne
When buying property in Lot-et-Garonne, 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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