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If you’re in the market for property for sale in Languedoc Roussillon, south France, then congratulations: you’ve come to the right place. By which I mean, clever you, you’ve found a website that will give you the inside track, but also, big points to you for choosing one of the very nicest of France’s 22 regions (I live here so I would say that, but I do also believe it. Really).
Let’s put the French property market into context. It has developed dramatically over the last ten years, particularly as far as British buyers are concerned. As growing numbers of overseas buyers have stepped onto the property ladder, so the number of bargain properties suitable for renovation and farms with outbuildings ripe for gîte conversion has dwindled. On the other hand, new build developments have continued to flourish and buying off plan has become commonplace for purchasers who love their mods cons. In addition, the growing number of Brits relocating to France has resulted in the increasing popularity of large family-sized character homes, while investors have found that French real estate can give better returns than stocks and shares or pension funds (I don’t know about you, but French property really gets my juices going, while I find pension funds to be the biggest turn-off ever).
Which brings us to the market for property for sale in Languedoc Rousssillon, south France. I could bore you silly with in-depth analysis of property prices year-on-year across the five départements that make up the Languedoc region, but I won’t (frankly, if you want that kind of info, you need to be looking at the French national estate agents association website, ). What you need to know is this:
- Although the past five years have seen a 50% increase in Languedoc property values, to the average Brit, house prices here are still a steal.
- For real value for money, look away from the coast. In the northernmost département of Lozère, a farm with outbuildings and land can be found for about €175,000.
- Prices start to climb the closer you get to the Med. Within an hour of the sea, stone-built townhouses to renovate can be picked up for around €320,000, or closer to the coast in medieval town of Pezenas (a big hit with the Brits), a three-bed apartment sells for around €150,000.
- Purpose-built coastal apartments within 30 minutes’ drive of Perpignan airport are ideal for sun-seekers on short breaks, with the added attraction of good investment and rental potential. Prices start at around €85,000 for a simple one-bedroom apartment, going up to €100,000 for a larger option within a complex with swimming pool and other leisure facilities.
- City centre pads are usually good for capital gains: in the centre of Perpignan, a one-bedroom older-style apartment is currently selling for €180,000, while a renovated, fully-furnished studio flat in downtown Montpellier costs around €200,000.
- If you crave the countryside, head inland in the Aude or Hérault départements to find small wine-producing villages where traditional terraced houses sell for around €90,000; this kind of property rarely has outside space, so allow a little extra to build a roof terrace and check whether you’ll be granted planning permission before you sign on the dotted line.
- Four carriers fly from twelve UK airports into four Languedoc cities, making it super-accessible (a major plus point if you’re buying a property for your own personal use, and essential if you’re planning on renting out). There’s also the TGV high-speed train service (Paris to Montpellier in less than four hours, London to Montpellier in just under eight), not forgetting the new Millau viaduct and A75 motorway, which have speeded up motoring in le midi.
Summarise all the above and you get the following: property prices in Languedoc Roussillon, south France are still pretty accessible, and getting here is a doddle. Buying a home in the Languedoc is still considered to be a sound investment. There’s a good variety of property types, locations and price points. The closer to the Med you get, the more moolah you’ll be shelling out. Got it? Good. Now what are you waiting for?
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