Best Renovation Property for Sale in France in 2011

A selection of ten of the best renovation properties for sale in France in 2011

Property renovation in France

Properties to renovate have been highly sought after in France for many years, to the point where some areas seem to have all sold out of this very desirable commodity! Whether you are looking for a ruined farmhouse, a barn to convert, a partially finished villa or an Alpine chalet that has fallen into disrepair (Ski Chalets for Sale in France, Ski property), buying a property in need of some TLC can be a great way to make your money go further. It also means you will end up with the house of your dreams, built to your own exacting standards. (House Renovations in France.)

 

	Brittany Ruined cottage with enormous potential 13,500 Euros   If you aren't afraid of hard work and have plenty of imagination, this one is a very exciting prospect. At first glance all you see is the work required to turn this wrecked cottage into a beautiful home, but the potential is enormous and the incredibly low price of 13,500 Euros leaves plenty left in the kitty for the building and decorative work. Brittany is one of the most desired locations in the country, and as this property is set in lovely countryside close to a lake and hiking trails, it would also be a great prospect for a holiday rental to raise extra income should you wish. More details
	Auvergne Barn to convert, close to ski resorts 41,000 Euros  If you dream of having a home near to ski slopes but you haven't got the cash reserves for the Alps (Alps property), this barn, ripe for conversion to a lovely residence and set close to the ski resorts of the Massif Central, just has to be a contender. Built from local stone and in good condition, the property requires complete renovation but offers huge potential in a stunning location at a price of just 41,000 Euros. More details
	Nord-Pas-de-Calais Farmhouse with lots of potential 65,000 Euros  If you are looking for a renovation project not too far from the port of Calais for easy access from the UK, this could be worth a look. A farmhouse with land, outbuildings and an attractive location near to the popular town of Hesdin in the Pas de Calais department, is for sale at a bargain price of 65,000 Euros. Even when you add on the costs of renovation, this property gives you a lot of space and potential for your money, and will make a delightful holiday or permanent home. You could even bring the horses (Horses in France), or turn it into a smallholding for a real taste of the good life in France. More details
	Pays de la Loire Large townhouse with original features 84,000 Euros  The Vendée department of the Pays de la Loire region in western France is the location for the next property. A large townhouse with a price tag of 84,000 Euros is ready for renovation to make it a really spacious, beautiful family home in a highly sought after area. The house is in the town of La Chataignerie, where all amenities can be found, and which lies within easy reach of the lovely Vendée beaches and seaside resorts for great family days out. This property has the potential to be a truly elegant residence, with sympathetic renovation to retain its original features such as the superb staircase and vaulted cellar. More details
	Franche-Comte Farmhouse with stables and land 125,000 Euros  A farmhouse with stables and land for just 125,000 Euros, just 50 kilometres from Burgundy? That's what is on offer here, as long as you are up for a bit of hard work to bring out the full potential of this fabulous property. The unspoiled environment is a real tonic and a really stunning setting for a country home, and this traditional and authentic Bressane farmhouse could be more than stunning when fully renovated. The property is in a basically sound and habitable condition, so you could live in it while you do the work. Franche-Comte may be one of France's lesser known regions, but once you have experienced the beauty and tranquillity that characterise it, you will lose your heart. More details
	Languedoc-Roussillon Delightful historic building with plenty of scope 165,000 Euros  This delightful property, once part of a wine domaine, offers the chance to renovate an elegant, historic building in one of France's best loved locations near to the Med. The space available suggests the possibility of turning the property into a B&B business (Owning Gîtes and Chambres d'Hôtes (B&Bs) in France), and as it lies in a lovely village close to all the attractions of the region this would seem to be a potentially very successful plan. The property is structurally sound but requires extensive renovation work to bring out its beauty. Priced at 165,000 Euros, this property has plenty of scope to become worth far, far more! More details
	Aquitaine Watermill and land in a lovely setting 183,750 Euros   Everyone loves the Dordogne, so it isn't difficult to fall in love with this fabulous property to renovate near the town of Vergt. The property comprises a genuine watermill, lots of outbuildings and three hectares of land including the possibility of getting the old mill working again. A lot of renovation work is required to make the house habitable, but the potential is enormous for this property to become one of the Dordogne's most desirable residences. The price of 183,750 Euros makes this a real bargain. More details
	Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Apartment in great location 195,000 Euros  There can hardly be a better city in the world to live or holiday in than glorious Nice on the French Riviera. This one bedroom apartment needs renovating, but the price of 195,000 Euros reflects the work to be done and the property will increase substantially in value after renovation. One of the best things about this property is its location, just minutes from the Port of Nice with all its life, colour and wealth, and with views out over a charming square. The mezzanine level is an attractive feature which can provide a little extra accommodation. More details
	Midi-Pyrénées Unique property including two mills 286,200 Euros  Looking for something with that potential "wow factor" to renovate in a lovely, rural part of southern France? Look no further, this property is just amazing. Two mills are joined by a central building offering the possibility to create a unique and absolutely stunning home. There is a lot to be done, certainly, before you can relax in this gorgeous property and enjoy the views, but you've got a good start as the walls are in good condition and a new roof has already been added to the centre building and to one of the mills. If this one doesn't get your creative juices flowing, give up and go home… properties like this don't come along very often and it is sure to be highly sought after. More details
	Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 16th century stone property with land 1,700,000 Euros  This property, in the beautiful Var department of Provence, is certainly not for the faint hearted, nor for those with a tight budget, but it is one which really has the potential to be magnificent with a capital M. The massive stone property comes with land of 25 hectares, down to truffle oaks and wheat at present. There is a lot of work to be done, and the price of 1,700,000 Euros may put it beyond the reach of all but the most fortunate, but anyone with the resources and the vision could turn this into the ultimate Provencal dream home. More details

Take expert advice and think carefully about costs

The above selections are just a small illustration of the renovation properties that are currently available in France. If you are considering purchasing one of these, or another property to renovate, be sure to take expert advice to be sure that the necessary permissions are in place to convert the buildings to a residence or business, and take a long careful look at the likely costs of renovation before you buy. That said, a renovated property done well can more than double its value, so whether you are looking for an investment opportunity or a place to call your own in France, renovation can be a great way to go.

Additional articles which may be of interest:

French Mills
The Best Lakes for Sale in France - September 2011
The Best Chateaux on the Market in 2011
Gites for sale
Buying a French Property - The Fees
Best Businesses for Sale in France in 2011
Best Non Constructible Land 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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