Buying Guide Details

Buying Property in Poitou-Charentes

Where to buy property in Poitou-Charantes

Tourists and property buyers from France and overseas have been drawn to the coastal resorts of this sunny Atlantic region for many years. Properties by the sea at resorts such as La Rochelle and Royan attract premium prices and there is a wealth of small ports, harbours and beaches stretching along the coast in addition to the larger towns.

Move inland and there is plenty of more affordable property in Poitou-Charentes. The areas inland have pine woods, vineyards, canals and the meandering River Charante and offer a laid back lifestyle to property owners in the region, which has proven popular for family holidays as well as for retirement and property buyers looking to move to France permanently.

The pretty town of Coulon is the 'capital' of the Marais Poitevin, an extensive area of marshlands (also known as 'Green Venice') which is navigable by car but better by bike, boat or on foot - a diverse and abundant natural haven and very popular with visitors. For those who prefer a more urban environment, Poitiers has many of the benefits of a large city but on a small scale, and with history and culture in abundance, an energetic student population (a good source of rental income) and the Futuroscope attraction.

This region has a few golf courses, for example one at La Rochelle, and other outdoor pursuits such as horse riding, cycling and sailing are very popular in the area too. It's a gourmet's paradise too, with fantastic seafood and cognac the particular regional highlights.

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The Process of Buying Property in Poitou-Charentes

Once the property buyer has found a property in Poitou-Charentes 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 property 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 property buyer loses both the property in Poitou-Charentes and the money
If the property buyer is not able to visit the property in Poitou-Charentes 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 Poitou-Charentes, 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 Poitou-Charentes 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 usually includes 19.6% IVA, but always verify this from the start
If property in Poitou-Charentes 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 La Rochelle and Poitiers from the UK via a number of airlines.

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