France farmhouse Light refresh

Impressive stone house with large barn

France

€136,500

Impressive stone house with large barn

Key facts

Bedrooms
3
Bathrooms
2
Interior
128 m²
Land
6,800 m²
Type
farmhouse

Features

  • Garden
  • Light refresh

About this property

Key Info Advert Reference: 252A Type: Residential (Country Estate, Cottage, Country House, Farmhouse / Fermette, Charentaise House, House), Maison Ancienne , Detached Bedrooms: 3 Bath/ Shower Rooms: 2 Habitable Size: 128 m² Land Size: 6,800 m² Highlights Needs updating Quiet location Barn House Features Car Port(s) Character / Period Features Countryside View Driveway Equestrian Potential Garage(s) Garden(s) Gîte(s) / Annexe(s) Land Off-Street Parking Outbuilding(s) Pond(s) Rental / Gîte Potential Stone Workshop Property Description Summary Impressive stone house with barn, and large garden situated in a quiet location at Bonnes in the Charente region. The enclosed garden is 6800m2, there are lovely rolling countryside views. The house is very quirky and charming; it dates to the 1500’s. The land is ideal if you have animals, there is a barn 90m2 a pond, and a few other smaller outbuildings suitable for chickens, rabbits etc. There is a fitted kitchen, lounge with wood burner and doors to the veranda. A downstairs bedroom, shower room, utility room and cellar. The staircase leads to the office/landing, bedroom and master bedroom with en-suite shower room. A staircase leads to the attic/ loft in the tower. Currently home to a family of barn owls! This detached house is perfectly habitable with just decoration to taste to finish, there are electric radiators and a wood burner, there is no double glazing. The land is perfect for lovers of gardening, a pony, there is a well so you can water your vegetables. This house is ideal as a holiday home or a permanent home. This is a good buy, in a great location just a few minutes’ drive to Aubeterre-Sur-Dronne. If you are looking for something different, typically French, then you have just found your dream! Please email for more photos, floor plans etc. Estimated annual energy costs for the property Between €3,220 and €4,400 per year Average energy prices indexed as of January 1, 2023 (including standing charges)

How to buy this property

Typical process in France — 3–4 months from accepted offer to keys. Tell us where you're buying from:

What's different for you

  • You can usually reuse your French bank for the mortgage — expect up to 100% loan-to-value for a main home if your income allows (HCSF debt cap: 35% of income).
  • If this will be your main home, it is exempt from capital gains tax when you sell.

What's different for you

  • No ownership restrictions and no visa needed to live here — you can move in whenever you like.
  • French banks lend to EU non-residents, but usually only up to 70–80% of the price and they want French or EU income evidence.
  • When you sell, capital gains are taxed at 19% plus a 7.5% solidarity levy (26.5%), not the full 17.2% social charges.
  • Sign by power of attorney (procuration) if you can’t attend completion in person.

What's different for you

  • Anyone can buy in France — there are no nationality restrictions on ownership.
  • Owning property does not give you residency: without a long-stay visa you are limited to 90 days in any 180 (this applies to UK buyers since Brexit).
  • Mortgages are harder: typically 50–70% loan-to-value, and many banks decline US citizens because of FATCA reporting.
  • Opening a French bank account remotely can take weeks — start early, the notaire will want funds from an identifiable account.
  • When you sell, gains are taxed at 19% + 17.2% social charges (36.2%), and sales above €150,000 need an accredited tax representative.

Next steps

  1. 1

    Viewing and written offer (offre d’achat)

    1–2 weeks

    Make a written offer through the agent. Once the seller accepts in writing the price is agreed, but nothing is binding on you until the compromis.

  2. 2

    Compromis de vente

    2–4 weeks after the offer

    The preliminary contract, drawn up by a notaire or the agent. It includes the mandatory diagnostic reports (DDT) and any conditions such as getting a mortgage. You pay a 5–10% deposit into escrow.

    For you: You can sign electronically or by power of attorney — you don’t need to fly over for this step.

  3. 3

    10-day cooling-off period

    10 days

    Private buyers of homes can withdraw for any reason within 10 days of receiving the signed compromis, and get the deposit back in full.

  4. 4

    Mortgage and notaire searches

    6–10 weeks

    You have about 45–60 days to get a mortgage offer (if the compromis includes a loan condition). Meanwhile the notaire checks title and planning, and whether the town or SAFER (for rural land) wants to use its pre-emption right.

    For you: Non-resident mortgages often take the full 60 days, so ask for a longer loan condition in the compromis.

  5. 5

    Acte de vente and keys

    1 day

    You sign the final deed at the notaire’s office (or by power of attorney), transfer the balance plus fees beforehand, and get the keys the same day.

Buying costs on €136,500

Notaire fees and transfer tax (“frais de notaire”)

7–8.5% for older homes (2–3% for new builds)

Mostly transfer duties: about 5.8–6.3% depending on the département. The notaire’s own fee is under 1%.

 €9,555–€11,603

Estate agent fee

Usually already in the asking price

“FAI” (frais d’agence inclus) means the advertised price includes the agent’s 4–8%. If it says “net vendeur”, add it on top.

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Independent survey (optional)

€500–€1,500

A structural survey isn’t standard in France, but it’s worth it for older stone houses.

 €500–€1,500

Mortgage costs (if borrowing)

~1–2% of the loan

Arrangement fee, loan guarantee or charge on the property, and broker fee.

 €0–€2,730
Estimated total on top of the price €10,055–€15,833

Pitfalls to watch

  • Septic tanks (fosse septique): a non-compliant SPANC report means you have to upgrade within 1 year, often €8,000–€15,000.
  • Unpermitted extensions, pools or barn conversions: check the plans and permits against what you see. The notaire only checks what’s on paper.
  • Energy rating (DPE) F or G: G-rated homes can no longer be let on new leases, and F-rated homes follow from 2028. That matters if you plan to rent it out.
  • Second homes pay taxe d’habitation, and some towns with housing pressure add up to 60% on top. Ask the seller for the latest bill.
  • French inheritance rules reserve part of the estate for children. Non-French buyers can choose their own nationality’s law in a will (EU Succession Regulation), so take advice before you sign.
  • Short-term letting now needs registration with the town hall, and many towns cap or ban it. Check before you rely on Airbnb income.

General guidance, last reviewed October 2026 — not legal or tax advice. Rules change and every purchase is different, so confirm with an independent local lawyer or notary before you sign anything.

Buying property in France

Read our complete guide — fees, visas, taxes, and everything overseas buyers should know before making an offer in France.

Read the France buying guide