Buying Guide Details

Buying Property in Normandy

Where to buy property in Normandy

It's not difficult to understand Normandy's perennial popularity with British property buyers. It is close to the UK, easy to reach and there's a huge choice of property in Nornamdy in which to invest. Traditional stone-built properties in need of complete restoration; chic townhouses in coastal resorts such as Honfleur and Deauville; large family country homes with huge grounds; new-build apartments in the lively town of Rouen; property prices vary greatly, but start very cheaply and offer excellent value for money.

Normandy is split into two regions, Lower Normandy (Basse-Normandie) and Upper Normandy (Haute-Normandy). Agriculture is a major industry in this part of France, with cider and the apple liqueur Calvados particularly popular local products.

Equestrianism is also big business here and there are opportunities to buy farms and stables as commercial enterprises in the horse industry. Rural property in Nornamdy tends to be cheaper than that in the towns and coastal resorts.

The region is very well placed for commuting to Paris, making a home in Normandy a very viable proposition for someone working in the capital. A number of the larger towns in the region, such as Fécamp, Caen and Granville, have a daily timetable to and from Paris.

View property for sale in Lower Normandy (Basse-Normandie)

View property for sale in Upper Normandy (Haute-Normandie)

The Process of Buying property in Normandy

• Once the buyer has found a property in Normandy 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 Normandy 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 in Normandy 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 Normandy, 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 property in Normandy to 6% for any property in Normandy 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 property in Normandy usually includes 19.6% IVA, but always verify this from the start
• If a French property is sold on within two years,  capital gains tax is likely to be in excess of 33%
• Transfer tax varies greatly, but for property in Normandy over five years it tends to be around 7%.

Getting there

There are direct flights to Cherbourg and Deauville from some UK airports but ferry links and road/rail connection via the Channel Tunnel are the most popular way of getting to the region.

View property for sale in Lower Normandy (Basse-Normandie)

View property for sale in Upper Normandy (Haute-Normandie)

• Site Map
• Accessibility
• Privacy Policy