How to compare house prices in France

The cost of buying fisheries or waterside property in France varies greatly from region to region.

Don't forget that France is the biggest country in western Europe covering over 550,000 km2 and property prices are driven by many factors (geography, climate, proximity to major cities, infrastructure).

The Notaires de France have an excellent website that allows you to see average house prices by region, department and even town - you can access the site at www.immoprix.com.

The website also shows price rises/falls over the last five years.

As an example, you will see that the average house price throughout the country (but excluding Paris) is €167,000 at the time of writing.

So, Brittany has slightly lower prices than average (at €158,000), lower Normandy is even better value at €140,900 and average prices in Limousin are a staggeringly low €115,700.

Of course these figures include many smaller renovation projects as well as first time buyer statistics and the cost of a working fishery with accommodation and family home will be much higher. Similarly prime riverside property will always attract a premium price.

They do however give you a good flavour as to how the regions compare pricewise and the site is a good place to begin researching your move to France.

www.frenchwatersideproperties4sale.com 

A nice spot for a picnic

When people think about moving to a new country one of the first items on the "wish list" is better weather. This is an area where France does not disappoint. As a result, the lifestyle tends to be more geared up for living outdoors during the long summer months. It is not unusual when out and about or travelling on longer journeys to regularly come across picnic areas harbouring a family that, in an ideal world, has scoured the market the same morning for some regional delicacies and maybe even a bottle of local wine to share, depending on the journey. One of my favourite spots is on the river Charente pictured above, to the West of Cognac.

It is arguable that the ultimate solution to counter my comments above would be to have your own house on the river where you could sit in the garden and have the best of both worlds. The pretty three bedroomed house above sits at the side of The Dordogne river with views to the rear over parkland as well as the water. A light airy characterful house with a pool in a very pretty spot.

As a bonus this is in Cahors country. If you like strong fruity Australian and South American red wine and find French wine a bit "thin" sometimes, Cahor wine could be just what you have been looking for. Known during the middle ages as "the black wine of Lot" due to the strong colour from the Malbec grape, Cahor wine was said to have been a major competitor with the stronger Bordeaux wines shipped to England in the mid 18th Century by sailing ships. The Cahors and Bordeaux wines quenching the thirsts of the voraciously enthusiastic claret drinkers of the day.

The owners of this house also own a restaurant which is a few doors away and which also sits on the river and is for sale. Capable of covering over 200 diners, the restaurant includes 3 letting rooms and an owners flat, all of which is currently let to tourists in the summer and students in the winter. With a Californian style pool this "mini resort" enjoys a good passing trade, particularly during the summer months as well as strong local support throughout the year. There is also an opportunity to develop the letting side with additional rooms.

You can find the house at www.frenchwatersideproperties4sale.com. 

Similarly the restaurant is on this direct link www.frenchwatersideproperties4sale.com.

So, a post that started out talking about a picnic by the river ends up recommending that you buy a waterside house and restaurant.

Hard work and a big leap of faith but it could be the best thing you ever did.......

Waterside property in France

Welcome to our new blog where we hope to bring you tales and pictures of our life in France, as well as an individual selection of French fisheries and waterside properties for sale.

We have been working as fully licenced estate agents in France since 2003 and earlier this year we formed an alliance with the respected & experienced fisheries team at Fenn Wright to create an unrivalled partnership.

We have a passion both for the lifestyle and the incredible opportunities available to purchase some of the finest properties and fisheries in the world.

Our hope is that we can inspire you to fulfil your dreams by buying a property here and that you can join us in this amazing country.

We would love to have your feedback on the blog and our web site as we develop and grow our business.

If you want to look at our full property portfolio you can see it at www.frenchwatersideproperties4sale.com

www.frenchwatersideproperties4sale.com