Buying Property In Normandy France

House prices reached a peak in 2005 after years of inflation but have slowly been dropping in the past two years and have finally reached a period of stagnation throughout France. The house market in Normandy has been affected by the same trend with prices remaining stable except for unusual properties whose prices continue to rise.

Quick property sales depend on two significant criteria: the is a fair price although many properties still sell at above-market prices, the second is the condition of the property that has become a notable issue in the past few years and the reason for the higher demand for newer properties.

There are plenty of farm buildings and barns, land and lakes for sale in Normandy which feature a wide array of property styles from rustic timber-framed barns to elegant châteaux.

Although Normandy is reasonably close to the hubbub metropolis of Paris and just south of the coast of the UK, it still boasts undiscovered areas ideal for hunting and fishing. House prices here are still amazing low compared to other areas of France. However, properties tend to get pricier the closer they are to the coast and the UK because the Calvados coast is conveniently located for quick and easy access by both Parisians and the British in search of a holiday home by the sea.

In Deauville, for instance, a seafront villa may cost a million Euros and if it is also in good condition and with original features, the price can double. Property with a view of the sea but not seafront is considerably more affordable.
If you are planning to purchase a property for rental in Normandy, please review the following useful tips:

• A property in a rural area has a more limited period than in a town location where winter breaks can be more attractive to people on holidays. If you want this to be an all-year business, this is something to consider before you buy the property.
• The size of your property will determine your clients, e.g. couples or large families. If you have a large property and are looking to get rentals out of season, it is worthwhile renting only a part of your property or renting it to a smaller number of people in order to maximize rentals.
• There are many brochures and websites where you can advertise your property. If you want a full house, use as many means of advertising as you can.
• It is advisable to have a non-binding booking form that all clients will fill out to ensure that you systematically capture all information required and that includes booking terms and conditions.
• If you cannot manage your own property it is essential that you have good, reliable contacts to do it for you. Your safest bet is a property management company that can handle all aspects of managing the property.
• If you have a garden, ensure it is well maintained all year round, especially throughout the rental period.
• To pay for your property management service to be on call to provide keys on arrival of your clients is an unnecessary additional cost. You can mail the keys to the clients.
• The most common changeover day seems to be Saturday. Whichever day you choose, try to stick to it or risk losing rentals. Also, give your cleaner/caretaker sufficient time to carry out changeover duties remembering that, if you are in a rural location, they may have to travel and/or have other commitments.
• If most of your clients are from the UK, the chances are they will be coming by car to Normandy so it is easy for them to bring their own bed linen and towels. However, it is important to supply good quality mattresses fitted with protective covers.
• Encourage clients to provide feedback either in a visitor’s book or in a brief questionnaire and, where possible, act on constructive suggestions.
• Provide an up-to-date information pack of places to visit and opening times of local shops, markets etc.
• Display prominently a list of emergency service numbers, directions to local hospital etc. and an English-speaking contact number in the event of a serious problem.
• When furnishing your property for use by others, try and answer the question: Is this what would appeal to us on a self-catering holiday? If you provide good quality cooking facilities and comfortable, functional furniture, you set a certain standard for your clients. It is therefore more likely that they will respect your property.
• Check your e-mail and respond to enquiries daily.

Posted in France Vacation Guide