Buying Guide Details

Buying Property in Centre (Loire Valley)

Where to buy property in Centre (Loire Valley)

Some parts of the region are already popular with French second home buyers, due to its proximity to the capital combined with some wonderful unspoilt countryside. Despite this, prices of property in the départements of Cher and Indre in particular are low, though some of the region’s major towns, such as Tours, Blois and Orléans, dotted along the River Loire, attract a premium.

Tourism and industry have yet to spoil this area, with agriculture and wine making the major business of the region. Yet it is renowned for its natural beauty and for its châteaux, and Orléans in particular has a notable history going back centuries.

Unsurprisingly for a region marbled with rivers, most of the places of interest most in demand from property buyers are in places served by the Loire, Creuse and a number of other significant waterways that contribute to making this such a lush and fertile region. Bourges, situated in the southeast of Centre, is no exception, with miles of marshland and tranquil canals hosting an abundance of wildlife.

Aside from a single air route from the UK, there are no direct flights to the region from the UK. However, those seeking to buy a retreat in the heart of rural France on a limited budget should not overlook Centre.

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The Process of Buying Property in Centre (Central Loire Valley)

Once the buyer has found a property in Centre (Central Loire Valley) and made an offer, both parties must sign a compromis; a legally binding agreement setting out all terms involved
Financing will have to be sorted out by this stage as details regarding any loans must be clearly outlined in the compromis
There is then a seven-day cooling-off period, which gives the buyer (but not the seller) the opportunity to back out of the deal without penalty. A 10% deposit is then required and the notaire then carries out all checks on the property (for clean title, wood rot, etc)
Before the signing takes place, all funds must be transferred to the notary’s account. Failure to do this on time could mean the buyer loses both the property and the money
If the buyer is not able to visit the property in Centre (Central Loire Valley) before signing the final contract, a representative should do so on their behalf to make sure that everything is in order. The contract clearly states that the property is accepted in its condition on the day of sale
Finally the acte de vente is signed in front of the notary, and the sale is complete.

Homes Overseas Property Club

Homes Overseas has joined forces with a collection of IFA specialists to form the Homes Overseas Property Club (HOPC), designed for existing and prospective overseas property homeowners.

The Club – which has access to international lawyers in no fewer than 43 different countries - has been set up in order to guide people through some of the various issues relating to buying and maintaining a property overseas. It offers advice on a range of topics, including financial, legal, insurance, taxation, property management and foreign currency matters.

For further information please telephone 0845 838 7142 or email info@homesoverseaspropertyclub.com

Fees & Taxes

Vary hugely depending on the region and type of property in Centre (Central Loire Valley), but set aside 12 to 15% of the selling price
Allow around 6 to 8% per cent for notaire’s fees. This includes stamp duty, which varies from 0.6% for a new-build to 6% for any property over five years old
Agents’ fees vary greatly and can be anywhere from 4 to 15%. Around 7% is the most common amount, but check when looking in agent’s windows for the letters FAI after the price – this indicates that their fees are already included
IVA (VAT) of 19.6% is applicable on most fees and taxes, but is avoided on leasebacks. The price of new-build properties in Centre (Central Loire Valley) usually includes 19.6% IVA, but always verify this from the start
If a property in Centre (Central Loire Valley) is sold on within two years, capital gains tax is likely to be in excess of 33%
Transfer tax varies greatly, but for properties over five years it tends to be around 7%.

Getting there

There are direct flights to Tours airport from Stansted. The region also has excellent motorway and TGV (high-speed train) links.

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