Buying property in the Pays de la Loire
Between Brittany, Normandy and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is the region of Pays de la Loire. With an area of Maryland, or three times that of Yorkshire, there is plenty for property buyers to choose from, including the Atlantic coast, the valleys of the Loire and cities like Nantes.
It’s an easy-ish day’s drive from the Channel ports, but also an easy train ride from Paris, with the TGV crossing the region to le Croisic on the coast in less than four hours. There is also an airport at Nantes.
That mixture of accessibility and country/coastal appeal has made it popular with international buyers, yet many still rush through on their way to Nouvelle-Aquitaine. More should stop on their way through.
Why buy property in Pays de la Loire?
Pays de la Loire has a mix of charming towns, historic cities and natural beauty. The region is made up of five departments: Loire-Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne, Sarthe and Vendee
In Loire-Atlantique, the seaside town of La Baule-Escoublac is a vast expanse of sandy beach and a sophisticated seaside resort beloved of Parisians but barely known outside France. Great in summer – but you may find it a bit quiet in winter.
The prefecture (capital city) is Nantes, the sixth-largest city in France and home to just over 700,000 residents. While Nantes has a youthful, energetic feel to it, it also has plenty of history and a grand cathedral and castle to prove it. The city is a maritime metropolis of arts and culture, attracting residents from all over the world.
Maine-et-Loire is known for its vineyards and offers a relaxed, peaceful lifestyle. The department is ever-so-charming and its properties do not disappoint.
If you’re seeking a quiet life in the French countryside, Mayenne could be the spot for you. It’s largely rural, with rolling hills, green pastures and small towns with welcoming communities.
If you’re a bit of a thrill-seeker or car enthusiast, you may enjoy Sarthe. For the most part, life there is peaceful and the department offers a melange of city and rural tranquillity. For a few days each year, it becomes a hotspot for tourists from all over the world who descend on Sarthe to celebrate Le Mans, the famous 24-hour car race.
Lastly, for those seeking a calm life in the country with easy access to sandy beaches, the Vendée is ideal for coastal living. Due to its location, the Vendée is immensely popular for holiday homes and second homes. It boasts over 160 kilometres of sandy beaches, bordered by coastal resorts and picturesque towns that exude charm.
Le Croisic, Loire-Atlantique, France I Image: Rolf E. Staerk via Shutterstock
Understanding the property market in Pays de la Loire
Loire-Atlantique is known for its bustling cities, such as Nantes, and beautiful coastal areas like La Baule. The region offers a vibrant cultural scene and an excellent quality of life.
Maine-et-Loire is famous for its vineyards, châteaux and the historic city of Angers where you’ll find traditional townhouses and apartments, which are increasingly popular with students.
Property in the Pays de la Loire is mid-priced. Recent data from Notaires revealed the average resale home price in the region’s prefecture Nantes, is €362,200 and in Angers, €305,000. The region remains more affordable than the South of France, Ile-de-France and Occitanie, but being able to work from home post-pandemic – but on a fast train route back to Paris – has boosted its appeal.
As for apartments in Pays de la Loire, the average price per square metre in Nantes is €3,700. By comparison, this is more affordable than in Bordeaux (€4,600) and nearby Rennes (€3,900).
Steps to buying property in Pays de la Loire
- 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 Pays de la Loire
When buying property in Pays de la Loire, 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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