Best Non Constructible Land for Sale in France in 2011

A selection of five of the best plots of leisure land or agricultural / farm land for sale in France in 2011

Land for sale in France

If you are looking for land on which to build a house, be sure to check that the land you buy is approved for building (Land for Sale in France). It may sound simplistic, but there are stories of unsuspecting buyers who have accepted a seller's word only to find that their little piece of heaven has not, and will never be, granted permission to be built upon. (The Best Plots of Land for Sale in France - September 2011.)

Advantages to buying non constructible land

There is another side to this, however, and it is one that can work in the favour of anyone seeking land for purposes other than building. Non constructible land in France can be far cheaper than that with planning or outline building consent, and ownership of such land can add hugely to the pleasure of your new life. In some cases, non constructible land can also be used to generate an income.

Can land not suitable for building be redesignated?

This is an oft asked question, and the short answer would be "Yes, it can". The small print, however, suggests that it is rarely worth gambling on this unless you have money to spare and are happy to take a risk. There are cases where land deemed non constructible can be later redesignated to allow building consent, but even if you pay over the normal price for agricultural land on the basis that it may be redesignated in the future, there are no guarantees.

Gamble at your peril

Sometimes false hope that the land may be given building consent is raised by the seller claiming that it is only non constructible as there are no services such as water or mains drainage, leading prospective purchasers to assume that if they use a well, fit septic tanks and install links to services (Connecting utilities (water, gas, electricity, telephone and sewage) in France) they will obtain building consent, but once again, this is a gamble I would not advise taking. The safe route is to accept that if a parcel of land for sale states it is non constructible, it is exactly that.

How to go about purchasing land

The purchase of land in France is subject to similar fuss and checks as any other property purchase (Property sales in France). The government agricultural agency, SAFER, has to be notified and will have first rights to buy the land should they wish. You will also need to pay a notaire to draw up the paperwork and to act for both you and the seller. You will have to pay taxes and also any fees due on a mortgage or loan should there be one (Buying a French Property - The Fees).

Cost of land not suitable for building

The actual price per hectare (10,000 square metres or approximately 2.5 acres) of agricultural, leisure or non constructible land varies from department to department and according to its quality, location, access and potential. SAFER are the best people to contact, although again, the local mairie may be able to give you a guide price and contacts for more advice.

Possible uses for non constructible land - it could generate an income

Non constructible land can, of course, be used for many different purposes. Good pastureland rarely comes for sale, but if it does it can be ideal for anyone wanting to keep horses (Horses in France), run a livestock related business such as keeping goats and/or chickens, or to run a smallholding. Sometimes permission to use the land for camping may be granted, although this is subject to strict controls and must be carefully looked into before purchase. Non constructible land may also be offered for sale with a lake, and if you obtain consent for fishing (Fishing in France) and a fishing business you may have a good way of obtaining an income.

Leisure land for sale in France

Land not suitable for building is sometimes also classified as leisure land, meaning it can be used for a variety of activities such as horse-riding or dog training, and in some cases it can be possible to site a caravan or tent. Permission for a caravan should be sought from the mairie.

A selection of non constructible land plots for sale in France in 2011:

Below you will find a selection of five of the best plots of non constructible land for sale in France at the time of writing (November 2011).

 

	Centre Val de Loire Woodland set in quiet countryside 6,350 Euros  > This is a very pretty plot of mainly woodland, set close to Saint Benoit de Sault in the Indre department of central France. Possible uses might include hunting, walking or perhaps a woodland walks/play park, but this is something that must be checked out through the notaire, mairie and SAFER. The plot is priced at just 6,350 Euros, so even if you just like the idea of having your own private woodland, it isn't a lot of money to lay out. The plot extends to 5770 square metres. More details
	Centre Val de Loire Leisure land with a stream and oak trees 14,000 Euros  Staying within the Indre, we find a very different piece of land for sale at 14,000 euros. This is an area of softly sloping grassland, complete with a stream and oak trees. The land is classed as "suitable for leisure activities", although once again, if you are intending to extend this to include any sort of commercial enterprise you will need to check out the relevant consents. The land is ideal for keeping animals or for horse-riding, and extends to three and half acres. Access is good. More details
	Centre Val de Loire Secluded fishing lake 18,000 Euros  Once more set in the desirable Indre department of the centre Val de Loire, this land is sold with the benefit of a half-acre fishing lake. The lake is well stocked, so ideal for fishing fans, and the fact that it is surrounded by your own land makes it a haven of privacy. However, if you are intending to buy it to use as a commercial fishing concern, you will need to check out the question of permission for this before signing. The nearest town is Saint Sévère, and the listed price is 18,000 Euros. More details
	Pays de la Loire Land including a meadow, woods and a lake 38,500 Euros  Close to the town of La Chataignerie and to the lovely Fontenay le Comte, is this excellent little parcel of land complete with a fishing lake. The land is made up of meadow, woods and the lake, and totals 1.6 acres in total. At a price of 38,500 Euros, this is a relatively expensive piece of non constructible land, but research into the possibilities of obtaining permission for a fishing business, grazing use, siting a caravan or fisherman's hut with facilities, could pay off handsomely. More details
	Poitou-Charentes Two fishing lakes and a log cabin 79,500 Euros  The Deux-Sèvres department is the location for a really great plot of land and not one but two super fishing lakes. The land, although not suitable for building of a house, has a log cabin equipped with a hot tub, decking and other amenities, and has been in use for letting for fishing holidays for some years with great success. The land, which measures up to six acres (2.8 hectares) could also be used to graze /keep livestock. The lakes are well stocked with carp and other fish. This really is a plot with potential, and is priced at 79,500 Euros. More details

Check out the possibilities before buying non build land

A piece of land is never just a piece of land, and the same rules/prices cannot be assumed to apply to land in different areas, different types of terrain and any other variable. You may be allowed to put up a log cabin holiday home or site a mobile home making it a perfect holiday solution, but equally, this permission may be denied. You may or may not be able to turn your non constructible land into a business venture. If in doubt, check it out. That said, land is always a valuable asset, for as the old story goes, they just aren't making it anymore.

Additional articles which may be of interest:

French Properties with Lakes
The Best Lakes for Sale in France - September 2011
The Best Chateaux on the Market in 2011
Mobile home sites in France
Buying a campsite in France
Best Businesses for Sale in France in 2011
Best Renovation Property for Sale in France in 2011

About the author

Joanna Simm moved to the Languedoc area of south-west France in October 2004 having found her property through French Property Links.

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