These are the French properties in demand after lockdown

As the confinement is relaxed and house buying resumes, which types of properties are most sought after?

Estate agents are open, viewings have resumed (following guidelines) and the property market is picking up again. But agents say they have noticed a change in the needs of househunters. With lockdown highlighting the need for private outdoor space, and increased remote working showing that people don’t necessarily need to be near their office, there is more demand for rural properties and generally those with more land than your average village house. Towns and villages on the periphery of larger centres are drawing the attention of city dwellers, as are properties with easy access to a TGV.

There’s also the ongoing trend for Britons seeking permanent rather than just holiday homes, as a result of Brexit – for those making a complete lifestyle change, homes with business potential have strong appeal.

So, let’s take a look at some of the homes which could be seeing increased interest in the wake of lockdown.

1. €299,000, Yvelines

This lovely house is perfect for anyone wanting to escape the noise and confinement of Paris but still be within easy commutable distance. With three bright and spacious bedrooms, a mature garden which leads down to the Seine, and a private mooring, this is a little haven just an hour’s drive from the capital.

On the market with Leggett

2. €139,300, Vienne

For a very reasonable price this lovely three-bedroom property in Vienne offers the best of all worlds. It has renovated interiors, a barn, outbuildings including stables and spacious gardens to the front and rear. For daily services there are a couple of market towns nearby offering supermarkets, bakeries and pubs, and for accessing larger centres of business and commerce it’s only a short walk to a station with daily trains to Angouleme, Poitiers and Paris.

On the market with Actous Immobilier

3. €633,000, Dordogne

If Brexit and lockdown have made you decide on a new life in France, this could be perfect. In a lovely countryside setting in ever-popular Dordogne, this expansive property comprises a five-bedroom owner’s hous with an office and gym, a 12x6m solar-heated swimming pool, and a grand total of four gites with a 26-person capacity, all sitting in five acres of land. A beautiful home and business rolled into one!

On the market with Beaux Villages

4. €299,000, Tarn-et-Garonne

During lockdown many people have found that they appreciate a tight-knit community more than ever, but also need the freedom that comes with countryside. This village house in Tarn-et-Garonne combines those aspects perfectly. Situated in the heart of medieval Lauzerte, with bakeries, bars and restaurants within walking distance, it’s also within easy reach of Agen, Toulouse and Bergerac. But take a look at the rear of the house and there’s a different feel entirely, thanks to a courtyard garden, swimming pool and glorious views over the hills. Inside you wouldn’t need to lift a finger as it has been renovated to a high standard.

On the market with Agence Newton

5. €335,660, Morbihan

Anyone seeking a slice of rural life and some extra income, within reach of the UK, may be interested in this collection of three gites and a heated swimming pool in the quaint commune of Ploërdut, home to restaurants, a supermarket and a pharmacy. The well-kept buildings contain 12 bedrooms in total and are set in lush greenery.

On the market with Olivier Arens & Danièle Péron, Notaries

6. €447,000, Vienne

Here’s a beautiful, 8-bedroom, 19th-century château for a great price – and it doesn’t need any work doing! It comes with a swimming pool, sauna, additional guest house and three acres of land. Even better, the TGV is just two minutes away, meaning you could easily commute to Paris or even London when needed.

On the market with Leggett.

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