A particularly popular option at the moment in France is to buy a plot of land in France and then build a property on the land. Land is relatively cheap compared to the UK. Beware: land is very expensive on the Med coast but rural France, in general, is a bargain!
Of course, this will need outline planning permission (CU) and then, full permission when you submit full plans of your proposed property to the Local Mairie. More details >> Building in France.

Borrowing Money

A mortgage is possible for a property to be constructed providing the builder carries a insurance policy called ‘Assurant Decennale’ which covers the build project, a bit like our NHBC 10yr guarantee. These can be expensive and some smaller builders tend not to apply for it, and rely on buyers not needing a mortgage eg a cash purchase.

Our partners New Mortgage Finder can secure 70% of the land cost and 80% of the build cost. Otherwise the process and mortgage available are the same as with any purchase. Rates from 3.40%. More details >> French Mortgage.

Or phone Steve Morgan on 0870 350 8595 (UK) – please mention 1st for French Property

Fishing is a favorite pastime in France – the many lakes, rivers and fine weather make this a pleasant and relaxing outdoor activity. Overseas fisherman are beginning to holiday in France for long weekends or longer to enjoy their pastime. The easy access via the channel ferries, tunnel and cheap flights are making France very accessible.

It is no surprise that investors are moving into the market – many from the UK! Please send me details of “French carp lakes for sale” or “lakes for development” or “rivers with fishing rights” are the requests! Enquiries are increasing in this market.

We have a selection of lakes for sale at the moment:

Just French lakes for sale << click here

We can all dream – so sit back with a glass of champagne, and enjoy! Real viewings take about a week to arrange.

[kqf=4]Click titles for full details.

This list updates automatically so bookmark!

Many more – click here >> French Chateaux

The vast number of enquiries to 1st for French Property are for either coastal or rural properties. To help potential buyers to choose the appropriate property, we have introduced a new section on the website called “Locality“. Here you can choose a property by its location:

• Coastal
• Rural
• Hamlet
• Village
• Town

France Barn

We have also introduced a new section on the website called “Type of Property“. As well as Barns, there is a huge range of possibilities including: Apartment, Barn, Bungalow, Chalet, Chateau, Cottage, Detached, Farm, Farmhouse, Gite Potential, Gites Complex, Longere, Maison de Village, Manor, Mas, New Build, Stone Built, Town Houses, Villa, and Watermill. These are the most popular chocies on 1st for French Property.

Lakes for Sale in France

Very popular at the moment are lakes or a property with lake! Often enquiring about the level of fish in the lake for commercial purposes too. Currently we have 4 lakes on the site and 23 properties with lake. To locate them use the “Advanced Search” facility on the web site. On the Advanced Search page – select “Lake” or “Lake + Property” from the Types box.

If you need any help – tel: 0870 7202966

Yes – it is the January Sales. Roll up! Roll up.

“It is not 250,000 euros”; “It is not even 200,000 euros”; “For today and today only it is only 175,000 euros”.

“Blue Cross Sale starts today”.

We have been bombarded with the sales pitch all January. But should it be any different in the French Property market? Well – think about it. The next few months will be slow so vendors will be anxious not to lose any serious enquiries. If you can get to France in February then haggle over prices and you could be surprised with a New Year bargain price!

Reduced French Property prices

Where to start? We have 250 French Property reductions on 1st-for-French-Property.co.uk. 

French Property Reductions << check them here.

This remains one of France’s most popular destination for foreign buyers. Glorious weather, wine and food for the palate, tremendous variation in landscapes, the beaches, Roman architecture, and the list goes on! Read Peter Mayle’s Provence A to Z if you need convincing! This is the appeal of real estate in Southern France.
Real Estate in Southern France

This covers 2 large regions of France which run along the Mediterranean coast. At the Western end, bordered by the Pyrenees and Spain, we have the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Our favourite destination is Collioure. Picturesque as a Cornish fishing village with its port, small beach, restaurants, artists, and fabulous views.
To the East we have Provence (PACA). This region has been a popular location for the chic, rich and famous. Coastal prices are high and reflect the demand from Parisians, and foreign buyers. Inland prices drop significantly, and can be no more expensive than the Languedoc-Roussillon. Peter Mayle keeps the region in the public focus, and his bestsellers continue to promote the true “Provence”. So the Luberon and environs is also very expensive but probably a good investment!
Where to look? In Provence we prefer the inland areas such as Cotignac. Here you have Rural France and all its delights plus within easy drive of the coast. Across into the Languedoc-Roussillon, if you are looking for real France then head inland to Limoux or the wine villages to the North of Beziers such as Lamalou. Prices are low and there is a good selection.

For a large selection of real estate in Southern France:

>> Languedoc-Roussillon Real Estate

>> Provence Properties