Thinking about buying a house in France this year? You may well have timed it right: the market has been fairly slow over the past couple of years with sellers in many areas having to drop prices in order to achieve a sale.
Generally speaking, there has been a slight slump in house prices in France, making now an attractive time for buyers. This is according to the Association of Notaires as well as INSEE, the French statistics body. Notaires handle all property conveyancing in France. As such they keep a close eye on the property market. INSEE (National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies) looks at statistics across the board and their property arm has also shown a downward turn in prices.
According to the notaires’ latest data, properties prices during this first quarter of 2025 are likely to remain stable rather than increasing. This is of course excellent news for prospective buyers of property in France. The data also revealed which cities had the most affordable prices.
The city was awarded the grand prize by the Concours National des Villes et Villages Fleuris
Chateauroux
Chateauroux is a beautiful town located pretty much right in the centre of France. It is the capital of the Indre department and takes its name from the castle built in the 10th century by Raoul, Prince of Déols. The old town is a most attractive place in which to wander with several monuments, museums and churches.
In 2021, the city was awarded the Villes et Villages Fleuris’s grand prize. The awards committee highlighting the city’s celebration of its history, both as a medieval city and industrial hub. With frequent contemporary art exhibitions held by the city’s School of Fine Arts.
One of the main reasons why this would be an excellent place in which to buy property is its central location. It also has good transport links for air, road and rail. It’s just two hours from Paris by train.
As it’s roughly halfway between the channel and the Mediterranean, Chateauroux isn’t the most convenient for beach trips. It is, however, surrounded by beautiful forests, old abbeys and vineyards to explore.
Property prices here have remained stable over the last year and there is a wide choice of type of property from apartments in town to large stately homes on the outskirts. You can find a small one- or two-bedroom apartment for as little as €70,000 and a detached villa with some land for upwards from €180,000.
Amiens is the home of multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites
Amiens
Amiens is located in Picardy and is the capital of the Somme department. Best known as the battleground fought over in the First and Second Great Wars, there is a lot more to this city than its military past. Its main attraction is Amiens Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest gothic cathedral in France.
Like Chateauroux, Amiens has been awarded the coveted Four Flowers by the Villes et Villages Fleuris. The award committee calls the town “The little Venice of the North”, thanks to the canals that crisscross its streets. in 2020, it was awarded the National Price for Plant Diversity thanks to its orchards where residents are free to pick pears and apples.
The centre of Amiens is made up of pretty little squares lined with cafes, the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by. It is also of course less than two hours from Paris and Lille and close enough to the UK that a holiday home here could be used as a weekend retreat.
Property prices have remained stable here too recently. There is a wide variety of affordable property from town apartments to modern villas. Expect to pay around €200,000 for a three- and four-bedroom property close to town.
Find a peaceful life in Limoges
Limoges
Limoges, home to the famous porcelain, lies in the Haute Vienne department of what used to be known as the Limousin. This has consistently been the most affordable part of the country in which to buy property.
The old town is a beautiful example of medieval architecture with half-timbered buildings and imposing columns forming arcades.
Limoges is often a much-underrated town but in terms of affordability, it is well worth looking at property here. This is one of the most reasonably priced places in France, not just for property but for the cost of living generally.
You can find a small apartment close to the centre of town for under €100,000. A budget of around €250,000 will afford you a lovely three or four-bedroom property with garden.
A city that wears its medieval history on its sleeves
Troyes
Troyes is a very pretty old town located about 85 miles southeast of Paris in the Aube department, a journey you can make in 90 minutes. It is the historic capital of the Champagne region and has a magnificent cathedral and several lovely churches and museums, all boasting stunning medieval architecture.
The old town is a joy to walk around with its colourful timber buildings and quirky boutique shops. The centre of the town is nicknamed the ‘Champagne Cork’ because, from above, it resembles the stopper of its famous wines. You will find ten listed churches and a cluster of museums to explore.
Another four flower city, Villes et Villages Fleuris were delighted by the protections placed on the old town, ensuring it will retain its distinct medieval looks for years to come.
Troyes is well situated close to the A26 and the A5 motorways and has become an important tourist centre in recent years. All of this means that investing in property here could be an excellent plan currently.
Prices have remained fairly stable over the last couple of years and there is a wide variety of types of property both in the town and on the outskirts. A two- or three-bedroom property with some outside space can be found for under €200,000 here.
Charter a boat to see Poitiers from its peaceful river
Poitiers
Poitiers, the capital of the Vienne department, is a picturesque town lying just west of the centre of France. It is known both for its popular university which dates back to the Middle Ages as well as the Parc Futuroscope which is basically a kind of multimedia theme park with several cinemas and futuristic attractions. Thus, Poitiers manages to combine the old with the new!
The town centre is just lovely with a clearly marked pedestrian area lined with bars, cafes and shops.
Although prices have not fallen as much as in some other French cities over the last year or so, investing in property here could be advantageous since it is a popular university town and property prices tend to hold their value. There are some excellent investment opportunities for a budget of around €150,000 whilst you can find a large detached character house for under €300,000 on the edge of town.
As the spring approaches and the market remains a good one for buyers, now may be the time to make your French property dream come true. If you want to learn more, you can get all your questions answered at Your Overseas Home’s Virtual Overseas Property Show. It’s a free event held online on March 22nd where we are pulling together all the experts you need on your house buying journey.
