Buying a house in France to retire: our guide
James Mansfield, Saturday, 14 December 2019
If you're planning to retire in France, it's wise to carefully choose a home. As you age, your personal circumstances change. You may become less mobile, your partner might pass away, you might no longer be able to drive, and the shops in the village or town may become inaccessible. Proximity to medical care becomes increasingly important. If you live far away in rural France, you could feel lonely if your partner passes away and you're no longer as mobile.
Consider the following points if you plan to retire in France:
Rent before you buy
If you first rent a house in the area you're considering, you can get to know the region, the people, the availability of shops, the weather, etc. This way, you can also calmly study the housing market and be well-prepared to make a move when the opportunity arises. As you get to know the area and the locals, you may come across properties that aren't even officially on the market. A tip from a neighbor can be invaluable and save you a lot of money and agent fees.
If you're planning to retire in France, it's wise to carefully choose a home. As you age, your personal circumstances change. You may become less mobile, your partner might pass away, you might no longer be able to drive, and the shops in the village or town may become inaccessible. Proximity to medical care becomes increasingly important. If you live far away in rural France, you could feel lonely if your partner passes away and you're no longer as mobile.
Consider the following points if you plan to retire in France:
- How far are the local shops and doctors? Are they within walking distance?
- Does the house require a lot of work? Does it need a lot of maintenance, for example, a large garden? As you get older, it becomes harder to keep everything well-maintained.
- Can the house be adapted if physical abilities decline?
- Is the house isolated and far from neighbors? Is there someone nearby who could help if needed?
- Is the house in a popular area where there's high demand for homes? If so, you could sell the property quickly if necessary.
- How is public transportation?
Rent before you buy
If you first rent a house in the area you're considering, you can get to know the region, the people, the availability of shops, the weather, etc. This way, you can also calmly study the housing market and be well-prepared to make a move when the opportunity arises. As you get to know the area and the locals, you may come across properties that aren't even officially on the market. A tip from a neighbor can be invaluable and save you a lot of money and agent fees.
Looking for a holiday home in France? Advertisements from private individuals and brokers throughout France. Farmhouses and cottages in Burgundy, Aquitaine, Auvergne, and Lower Normandy.
You see them more and more often, advertisements with texts such as:' Investing in a holiday home, with a guaranteed return of 8 percent'. A sound
investment, therefore? Are there any hidden land mines.? There are a few reservations to be made before advising a customer to make such an investment,
especially if they use borrowed money for it," observes financial planner Ramón Wernsen.