Buying property in the Vendée
Located in the Pays de la Loire region in western France, the Vendée includes a long Atlantic coastline and lots of countryside.
The department is home to 700,000 people, yet its largest town is La Roche-sur-Yon with just 55,000 people. Given its coast and the fact that it’s only around three hour’s drive from a Channel port, the Vendée attracts plenty of British buyers. However, not being on a TGV route from Paris, it avoids huge tourist numbers.
Why buy a property in the Vendée?
Famous for its long stretches of white-sand beaches, the Vendée is a favourite location for many in the Pays de la Loire region. The Vendée has a temperate climate and enjoys warm summers with plenty of sunshine for outdoor activities.
International buyers choose the Vendée for its coastal location. About 25% of residents are retired, and enjoy the department’s rolling hills, forests and charming villages.
The natural beauty of the Vendée is not to be ignored. Active residents enjoy cycling, hiking and water sports.
There’s a strong sense of community in the Vendée. You’ll find friendly locals, regular markets and towny events. If moving to a village, expect everyone to know each other and be interested in newcomers.
If you’re into history, there are medieval castles, churches and local museums to be explored. The department also celebrates its culture and history throughout the year with festivals for the community.
La Meule port on the Yeu Island (Vendee, France)
What can you buy in the Vendée?
The Vendée is a popular area in France for tourism, agriculture and food processing. The department was actually named the most economically dynamic department by L’Express magazine.
According to the most recent stats from INSEE, 71.4% of homes in the Vendée are primary residences, 23.6% are second homes or holiday homes and 5% are vacant. In terms of property size, a large proportion of homes in the Vendée have four or more bedrooms (73.9%).
Houses make up the majority of the property market in the Vendée, however apartments can be found in the bigger communes, such as La-Roche-sur-Yon, Les Sables-d’Olonne and Challans.
The coastal areas in the Vendée are particularly popular, especially with international buyers seeking a home by the seaside. Popular resort towns include Les Sables-d’Olonne, La Tranche sur Mer and Saint-Jean-de-Monts.
The average property price in the Vendée is €158,000. That’s for an older, resale property. Inland areas around Fontenay-le-Comte offer more affordable pricing but coastal properties come at a premium.
Steps to buying property in the Vendée
- 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 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 the Vendée
When buying property in the Vendée or wider France, 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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