France Property - finding a property in France

Whether you’re looking to buy that one-of-a-kind holiday property in the mountains, a traditional house in the countryside, or a townhouse in the city for an investment, France has it all.  With so many options available, though, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the different terminologies used to describe some of the various types of properties before you make that purchase.  Listed below is a quick summary of some of the more common real estate terms in France.  

Fermette
When you conjure up thoughts of the romantic French countryside, what often comes to mind is the quintessential farmhouse (fermette in French), with a slew of animals in the side barn.  An abundance of French farmhouses (fermettes) can be found in the rural countryside, with some dating back hundreds of years.  Most kitchens in these rural farmhouses are designed differently than the modern-day kitchens.  They might not have all the whistles and bells of newer kitchens, but they’re as equally as large, with loads of natural charm.

Bastide
When searching French property listings, you’ll probably come across the term “bastide,” which originates from the name given to medieval towns, especially in southern France.  These homes (usually located in the villages or countryside in southern France) typically are made out of stone, have square or rectangular design features, and are tiled throughout.  Round archways that lead to outside patios are common, as well as roofs that are nearly flat.  Today, many of these bastide homes in southern France have been refurbished into rather expensive, large country homes. 

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Investments Across France
Buying new deveopments in France or even renovating an old farmhouse is still likely to lead to strong capital growth.

Investors would do well to take into account areas where tourists tend to flock, as well as places where students or city workers may need accommodation.

But it seems that it is not just the hotspots which are proving popular with those looking at buy-to-let mortgages.

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