France house Renovation project

House for sale in Denain — 4 bedrooms, 300 m²

Denain, Hauts-De-France, France

€139,900

House for sale in Denain — 4 bedrooms, 300 m²

Key facts

Bedrooms
4
Interior
300 m²
Land
412 m²
Type
house

Features

  • Garden
  • Renovation project

About this property

59220 DENAIN - TOWN HOUSE OR BUILDING TO DIVIDE 300 M² - GARDEN AND CELLAR - 466 euros/M² Efficity, the agency that values your property online, offers you this large town house of approximately 300 m² over 5 levels, which also lends itself to being divided into an income-generating building, close to Denain town centre, requiring complete renovation - 139,900 euros, or 466 euros/m². Built in brick in 1870, roof in good condition. 14 rooms in total, including 4 bedrooms and two bathrooms. Two street entrances and a central staircase. Basement of approximately 100 m². Ground floor of approximately 176 m², including a 46 m² room with a skylight, opening onto the garden. 1st floor of approximately 111 m²: 40 m² through living room with marble fireplace, two bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom. 2nd floor under the eaves: approximately 74 m² of floor space to convert. Mezzanine above: approximately 26 m² of floor space. Plot of 412 m²: garden of approximately 155 m² facing west and a 33 m² terrace. Individual gas heating, mains drainage. Two possible projects. As a house: very large volumes for a family, with garden, terrace and cellar. As a building: the project has already been studied - based on existing access and partitions, the configuration allows for six dwellings, from T1 bis to T3 (three on the ground floor, one of which overlooks the garden, two on the 1st floor and a duplex under the eaves). The plans for each level are in the photos of the advertisement; the division project is available on request. The division remains subject to urban planning authorisations. Work to be expected: electricity, plumbing, joinery (single glazing), insulation and floors need to be redone. No parking on the plot. Do you want to study the project with the plans in hand? Call me or send me a message, I will send you the file. Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the Georisques website: georisques. gouv. fr Hugo Liot - EI - is a Commercial Agent actin

Location

Approximate location based on the listing's town. Confirm the exact address with the agent.

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 €139,900

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%.

 €9,793–€11,892

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.

 —

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–€2,798
Estimated total on top of the price €10,293–€16,190

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