France house Renovation project

Country House + Second Property to Renovate – Peaceful Setting

France

€168,000

Country House + Second Property to Renovate – Peaceful Setting

Key facts

Bedrooms
2
Interior
120 m²
Land
1,460 m²
Type
house

Features

  • Renovation project

About this property

Key Info Advert Reference: vm143911 Type: Residential (House) Bedrooms: 2 Habitable Size: 120 m² Land Size: 1,460 m² Property Description Two country houses – peaceful setting, independence and a main house requiring no work. Just a few minutes from Richelieu, discover this charming property in particularly peaceful, green surroundings, ideal for anyone seeking tranquillity, space and independence. The main house, approximately 120 m², has been renovated and is very well maintained. It is ready to move into, with no work required. It offers comfortable single-storey living, with an inviting open-plan dining room and kitchen, a superb cathedral-ceiling living room of approximately 32 m² with a wood-burning stove, a large bedroom of over 21 m², a shower room with a walk-in shower and a separate toilet. Upstairs, a mezzanine that could accommodate a home office or relaxation area leads to a second large bedroom with storage. One of the property’s main advantages is its second, detached house. It offers approximately 31 m² on the ground floor, plus a mezzanine of approximately 13 m², and already has electricity, a water supply, a fireplace and a connection to the drainage system. In need of renovation, it offers the possibility of creating a fully independent second home—ideal for hosting family or friends, creating separate accommodation or developing a rental project, subject to the necessary permissions. The property is set on approximately 1,460 m² of enclosed, tree-filled grounds, offering a peaceful and serene setting. A small barn of approximately 18 m² and a well complete the property. An especially appealing property for anyone looking for a home that is ready to move into, while retaining the option of having two completely separate dwellings in the future. Discover this property near Richelieu. Free introduction to a mortgage broker for an assessment of your financing. Fees included at 5% including VAT, payable by the buyer. Price excluding fee

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 €168,000

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%.

 €11,760–€14,280

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–€3,360
Estimated total on top of the price €12,260–€19,140

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