The North West of France, and, in particular, the Normandy area, offers some of the best value property to be found in the country. Normandy property is much desired by those looking for a holiday home within easy reach of the UK, enabling owners and their families to experience rural France on weekend trips. Normandy comprises 5 French departments grouped into Lower and Upper Normandy: Calvados, Manche and Orne centred around such lovely towns as Alencon, Argentan, Flers and St Lo; and Eure and Seine Maritime with the towns of Rouen, Deauville, Bernay, Evreux and Les Andelys. It is a mainly agricultural area with rolling pastures and a temperate climate similar to southern Britain.
We have beautiful Normandy properties in all of these departments, and also the neighbouring departments of Paris, the Loire (Indre et Loire, Indre, Loire Atlantique, Loir-et-Cher, Loiret, Maine et Loire) and Pays de la Loire (Mayenne, Sarthe). These include cottages, houses, farmhouses, chateaux, apartments, bungalows and other Normandy properties.
Normandy History
Inhabited by humans since the Palaeolithic era, Normandy was conquered by the Romans who founded many settlements such as Rouen and Evreux. Nordic tribes invaded during the 2nd century and remained until the Franks arrived in the 4th century. In the 9th century, Normandy was again conquered - this time by Vikings, or Norsemen, from whom it gained its name. In 911, the Earl of Orkney became the first Duke of Normandy after forcing the King of France, Charles, to concede the lands. His descendant, William, would return to the British Isles from Normandy to claim the English throne. From then until 1450, Normandy was held in English hands, after which it was secured by France and became a semi-autonomous state.
Probably most famously, Normandy lay host to the series of landings of Allied troops following D-Day in June 1944. The area is unfortunately rich in memorials and cemeteries for those who died and informative tours can be arranged locally to learn about the sacrifices they made and their importance in the course of the war. Caen houses the Memorial For Peace, a large collection of exhibits documenting the events of World War II.
Normandy Property
The beautiful towns and villages, despite their popularity amongst the French and foreign tourists, remain relatively untouched. With half-timbered buildings ten-a-penny, there are attractive and affordable Normandy properties to suit almost all budgets - even for those looking for a stately French chateaux. There are still numerous sleepy corners to be found where the sweet song of the birds or the chiming of a church bell is likely the only sounds you'll hear. Owning a property in Normandy offers an enormous variety of leisure activities, academic pursuits and cultural diversions - and if you're after the quiet life, what better way to relax than to enjoy a local wine while the green quilted patchwork of the countryside bustles with life around you.
To search the Normandy property we have for sale, please use the links below. We are adding to our database all the time so if you do not find your ideal Normandy property today, please keep checking our website - you could very soon be enjoying life in your new home in Northern France.
Guide to the French Buying Process
1. Signing the Agreement (Compris)
On finding a property you wish to purchase you will need to negotiate the terms, price and conditions of the sale with the owner. The next step, once you are in agreement, is to sign the preliminary contract (Compromis de Vente). This is a legal document and after ten days will be binding on both parties. Rules change frequently in France and it is best to consult with your notary about when this period starts. Generally the compris will be signed in France with the Agent. Variants can be included in the compris, for example an Acte (clause) can be added if the name or names to go on the title deed have not been finalised. If a mortgage will be required to purchase the property, the details for this, including the name of the mortgage company, must be on the compris.
2. Paying the Deposit
Generally the deposit will be 10% of the agreed purchase price. This will normally be paid to the notaire. There are exceptions to this, if the agent holds a carte professionelle, is bonded and fully registered then you may pay them, but do not hand over the deposit to anyone else. If for some reason the purchase does not go through, for example, if you write to the notaire and the agent that you do not wish to go continue with the purchase before the contract is binding (within seven days of signing the compris), then your deposit would be repaid. This would also apply if a condition had not been met, or the mayor or S.A.F.E.R. (a government agency that has the right of first purchase on most rural property that comes onto the market in France) could oblige the purchaser to give way. If you decide after the seven days 'cooling off' period that you do not wish to complete the purchase and pull out of the sale you would lose your deposit. If however the vendor pulls out of the sale then you will receive your deposit back plus the same amount from the vendor.
3. On Completion
Generally it will take around two or three months to complete the purchase. During this time the balance of the purchase money must be paid into the account of the notaire, this must be done well ahead of the completion date. The notaire will prepare the documents, check that the deed of sale (Acte de Vente) is in order and have the legal title ready to be signed over. It is possible to have someone sign on your behalf if you give them power of attorney. An interpreter may be of use at this point if your French is not very good and many Notaires will suggest (or insist) that an interpreter is with you.
IMPORTANT - Disclaimer :
All information provided is believed to be current and provided free of charge. No liability can be accepted for the reliability of the information and statements made as this is obtained from 3rd parties. We always recommend you take legal advice from a fully qualified Lawyer or Notary before buying a property overseas.
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