Buying Guide Details

Buying Property in Champagne-Ardenne

Where to buy property in Champagne-Ardenne

Despite worldwide renown for its most famous product, it is perhaps surprising that property in Champagne-Ardenne is generally inexpensive, though it has been enjoying above-average appreciation recently. Prices tend to increase to the west, towards Paris, and the north, towards Brussels, where property in Champagne-Ardenne appeals to commuters to those two cities.

The climate is similar to that in the south of England and agriculture predominates, attracting property buyers who love nature and the open air. With plenty of rural property in Champagne-Ardenne available for renovation, the region is an excellent spot to find countryside living at very reasonable prices. Fishing, hiking and cycling are very popular in this lush and sparsely populated region.
With golf properties always popular with UK home buyers, it is interesting to note that there are ten courses in Champagne-Ardenne.

Reims is a thriving city at the heart of champagne country with a wealth of history and a substantial student population – the ancient buildings and monuments sit side by side with modern, vibrant bars and restaurants. South of Reims is Epernay, another town built on champagne – most of the best-known producers have headquarters in one or other of these towns.

Troyes is located in the south and is known for its ancient and picturesque network of alleyways and half-timbered properties dating back nearly 500 years. It has excellent connections to Calais, Lyon and Paris. In the southeastern corner of the region is Bourbonne-les-Bains, a renowned spa town since the Romans were there, still attracting visitors from all over this part of France to its therapeutic waters.

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The Process of Buying Property in Champagne-Ardenne

Once the buyer has found a property in Champagne-Ardenne 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 in Champagne-Ardenne and the money
If the buyer is not able to visit the property in Champagne-Ardenne 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 Champagne-Ardenne, 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 in Champagne-Ardenne 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 Champagne-Ardenne usually includes 19.6% IVA, but always verify this from the start
If a property in Champagne-Ardenne 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 Reims from London Luton airport, and Paris airports are within easy reach.

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