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Fancy having a brand new home, built to spec, in France? Here are six steps to work your way through before buying your plot and commissioning the builder.
 Location
It’s all been said before, but we’ll say it again: with new build homes in France, you can choose the look and feel of your property (or in the case of a resale home, you can revise, revamp and redecorate all you like), but the one thing you can never change is the location. Opt for a plot that’s a little too close to a major road, or a little too far from civilisation, and you may kick yourself.
Use
Just how will you be using your French new build home – is it just for holidays, or as a permanent residence? Used by you alone, or rented out to others? The answers to this and question one above will have a bearing on the design and location of the property in France, as well as the choice of fixtures and fittings.
 Investment Potential
Is it important that your new build home in France increases in value, and if so, by how much and over what time period? Dig a little deeper and do some research on Languedoc property prices and trends over the last five years to pinpoint the best places to invest, and avoid those that have already peaked. Check our Property News section for latest updates and figures from FNAIM (the French estate agents’ federation).
 Resale Potential
Consider the “re-saleability” of your new build house, and whatever you do, avoid the temptation to build something that costs more than it will ever be worth on the open market in France (agents call it “over-speccing” – that state-of-the-art underfloor heating system may be just what you’ve always wanted, but it might not be justified in a holiday home or buy-to-let apartment, and potential buyers may not be prepared to pay top dollar for it, either).
 Get Your Priorities Right
Prioritise the way you allocate your budget: the specification of the kitchen and bathrooms may be more important than, say, landscaped gardens or a top-of-the-range pool.
 What's The Bottom Line
When budgeting for a new build home in France, it is essential to consider the total expenditure – don’t forget finishing and contingencies as well as the land and building costs.
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