If it isn't a family inheritance, a second
home is often the result of a sudden
impulse as, after years of travel and
destinations, we sometimes want to settle
down in a place that fits in with our
tastes and lifestyle.
The family situation obviously imposes
certain decisions regarding budget, space
and amenities. But it has become easier
to buy a second home: high-speed rail
services and low-cost airlines have cut down
travel time and costs, and borrowing
rates are still low
and France holds the
record for the number of second homes!
Sunshine, proximity to the sea and large
towns obviously add to the cost. New
homes are expensive too, as land is scarce
as a result of laws governing the coastline
and the mountains. However, buyers in
search of a regional identity, or aiming
to go "back to the roots", are looking
first and foremost for the charm of an
older property, which explains the short
supply of properties to restore and the
rising value of tastefully renovated
homes.
On the coast, although the Côte d'Azur
and certain well-known resorts are often
extremely expensive, others are much
more affordable, especially in Brittany
and Normandy.
The French countryside offers a wide
range of less expensive opportunities in
departments such as the Orne, Eure,
Nièvre and Centre, to name but a few.
And if château life is still something of a
myth, Touraine and Aquitaine are choice
areas in which to live it.
From 120,000 to several million euros
our file is there to help make your dream
come true!