France villa Renovation project

Two Houses for Renovation with Attached Barns and Outbuildings

France

€36,600

Two Houses for Renovation with Attached Barns and Outbuildings

Key facts

Bedrooms
3
Interior
110 m²
Land
1,600 m²
Type
villa

Features

  • Garden
  • Renovation project

About this property

Key Info Advert Reference: 1086 Type: Residential (Country House, Farmhouse / Fermette, Village House, House), Land, Group Of Buildings / Hamlet, , Detached Bedrooms: 3 Habitable Size: 110 m² Land Size: 1,600 m² Highlights Two houses with attached barn Two gardens Only five minutes away from local amenities Features Attic(s) / Loft(s) Barn Courtyard Fireplace(s) Garden(s) Mains Electricity Mains Water Outbuilding(s) Renovation Project Shed(s) Stable(s) / Equestrian Facilities Stone Workshop Property Description Summary EXCLUSIVE! In a hamlet located 5 minutes from GOUZON and CHENERAILLES, this property complex is to be completely renovated, it includes two stone houses, one opposite the other, each with a barn and several adjoining outbuildings, an adjoining garden of approximately 800 m². The first house has a living area of approximately 62 m², with a small enclosed courtyard of approximately 14 m² at the front. The ground floor comprises: a kitchen of approximately 18 m² with a fireplace, another room of approximately 14 m²; two bedrooms of approximately 14 m² and 16 m² on the first floor, and an attic above. Adjoining the house are: a barn of approximately 65 m² on the ground floor and a workshop of approximately 26 m²; the roofs of the outbuildings are in good condition, but the roof of the house is not in very good condition. The second house directly opposite has a living area of approximately 47 m² , and the slate roof is in good condition. It comprises a room of approximately 21 m² with a fireplace and a pantry of approximately 5 m² at the rear; the first floor has a large bedroom of approximately 21 m²; the attic above could be converted into a second bedroom. On either side of the house are a barn of approximately 50 m² with a roof that needs replacing, another stable of approximately 30 m², an old bakehouse, and a garden at the rear with small outbuildings.

How to buy this property

Typical process in France — 3–4 months from accepted offer to keys. Tell us where you're buying from:

What's different for you

  • You can usually reuse your French bank for the mortgage — expect up to 100% loan-to-value for a main home if your income allows (HCSF debt cap: 35% of income).
  • If this will be your main home, it is exempt from capital gains tax when you sell.

What's different for you

  • No ownership restrictions and no visa needed to live here — you can move in whenever you like.
  • French banks lend to EU non-residents, but usually only up to 70–80% of the price and they want French or EU income evidence.
  • When you sell, capital gains are taxed at 19% plus a 7.5% solidarity levy (26.5%), not the full 17.2% social charges.
  • Sign by power of attorney (procuration) if you can’t attend completion in person.

What's different for you

  • Anyone can buy in France — there are no nationality restrictions on ownership.
  • Owning property does not give you residency: without a long-stay visa you are limited to 90 days in any 180 (this applies to UK buyers since Brexit).
  • Mortgages are harder: typically 50–70% loan-to-value, and many banks decline US citizens because of FATCA reporting.
  • Opening a French bank account remotely can take weeks — start early, the notaire will want funds from an identifiable account.
  • When you sell, gains are taxed at 19% + 17.2% social charges (36.2%), and sales above €150,000 need an accredited tax representative.

Next steps

  1. 1

    Viewing and written offer (offre d’achat)

    1–2 weeks

    Make a written offer through the agent. Once the seller accepts in writing the price is agreed, but nothing is binding on you until the compromis.

  2. 2

    Compromis de vente

    2–4 weeks after the offer

    The preliminary contract, drawn up by a notaire or the agent. It includes the mandatory diagnostic reports (DDT) and any conditions such as getting a mortgage. You pay a 5–10% deposit into escrow.

    For you: You can sign electronically or by power of attorney — you don’t need to fly over for this step.

  3. 3

    10-day cooling-off period

    10 days

    Private buyers of homes can withdraw for any reason within 10 days of receiving the signed compromis, and get the deposit back in full.

  4. 4

    Mortgage and notaire searches

    6–10 weeks

    You have about 45–60 days to get a mortgage offer (if the compromis includes a loan condition). Meanwhile the notaire checks title and planning, and whether the town or SAFER (for rural land) wants to use its pre-emption right.

    For you: Non-resident mortgages often take the full 60 days, so ask for a longer loan condition in the compromis.

  5. 5

    Acte de vente and keys

    1 day

    You sign the final deed at the notaire’s office (or by power of attorney), transfer the balance plus fees beforehand, and get the keys the same day.

Buying costs on €36,600

Notaire fees and transfer tax (“frais de notaire”)

7–8.5% for older homes (2–3% for new builds)

Mostly transfer duties: about 5.8–6.3% depending on the département. The notaire’s own fee is under 1%.

 €2,562–€3,111

Estate agent fee

Usually already in the asking price

“FAI” (frais d’agence inclus) means the advertised price includes the agent’s 4–8%. If it says “net vendeur”, add it on top.

 —

Independent survey (optional)

€500–€1,500

A structural survey isn’t standard in France, but it’s worth it for older stone houses.

 €500–€1,500

Mortgage costs (if borrowing)

~1–2% of the loan

Arrangement fee, loan guarantee or charge on the property, and broker fee.

 €0–€732
Estimated total on top of the price €3,062–€5,343

Pitfalls to watch

  • Septic tanks (fosse septique): a non-compliant SPANC report means you have to upgrade within 1 year, often €8,000–€15,000.
  • Unpermitted extensions, pools or barn conversions: check the plans and permits against what you see. The notaire only checks what’s on paper.
  • Energy rating (DPE) F or G: G-rated homes can no longer be let on new leases, and F-rated homes follow from 2028. That matters if you plan to rent it out.
  • Second homes pay taxe d’habitation, and some towns with housing pressure add up to 60% on top. Ask the seller for the latest bill.
  • French inheritance rules reserve part of the estate for children. Non-French buyers can choose their own nationality’s law in a will (EU Succession Regulation), so take advice before you sign.
  • Short-term letting now needs registration with the town hall, and many towns cap or ban it. Check before you rely on Airbnb income.

General guidance, last reviewed October 2026 — not legal or tax advice. Rules change and every purchase is different, so confirm with an independent local lawyer or notary before you sign anything.

Buying property in France

Read our complete guide — fees, visas, taxes, and everything overseas buyers should know before making an offer in France.

Read the France buying guide