For years, British buyers have been swapping their homes in the UK for a more affordable – and, some could argue, a more enjoyable lifestyle – property in France.
Recently, property firm Savills revealed that the average UK house price is £340,837, which would typically get you a one-bedroom apartment in London or a small four-bedroom house in the Midlands.
That got us thinking… what could you get in France for that price?
At the time of writing, £340,837 was approximately equivalent to €404,482. That’s an excessive amount to spend on a property in France. For that price, you can typically find a large maison de maître, with four bedrooms, a pool and private land. How does that sound?
If that’s not your cup of tea, for under £350,000 you could also get:
- A three-bedroom stone house in a pretty Bergerac hamlet (Show me!)
- A six-bedroom stone home with a gite and annexes in the Hérault (Show me!)
- An apartment just 200m from the Nice’s famous Promenade des Anglais (Show me!)
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
For those intrigued by the idea of saving money on a property and swapping the UK for France, I’ve gathered 8 gorgeous properties in France that reflect the variety of homes available, all for less than the average UK home.
8 properties in France for less than the average UK home
Two-bedroom townhouse, 15 minutes from the village and 20 from St. Tropez
Location: Cogolin, Var, France
Price: €398,000 (£336,991)
Property size: 75 m²
Nestled in a peaceful residential area lies this charming two-bedroom townhouse. With easy access to amenities, shops, and restaurants, it offers a blend of tranquillity and convenience and would be perfect for anyone seeking a serene lifestyle close to the glamorous destination of Saint-Tropez.
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Two-bedroom apartment in Antibes
Discover this delightful two-bedroom apartment, perfectly situated in the Antibes neighbourhood of Fontonne, known for its quality of life. The location is well positioned and within walking distance of beaches, restaurants and shops. It offers an ideal investment opportunity due to its prime location and the ability to protect costs against currency fluctuations during the purchasing process.
Location: Antibes, Alpes-Maritimes
Price: €390,000 (£330,217)
Property size: 60 m²
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Six-bedroom, three-bathroom stone home with gite and annexe
This charming, luxurious property lies in the heart of the Natural Park of Languedoc in the South of France. Complete with six bedrooms, three bathrooms, two terraces and a 50 m² gite, this property is the epitome of affordable homes in France. It also has several annexes and a large outdoor area to enjoy the magnificent views.
Location: Lamalou Les Bains, Hérault
Price: €399,600 (£338,346)
Property size: 218 m²
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Three-bedroom villa in desirable Beziers
This single-storey villa in the Beziers area is perfect for a small family or those looking to retire to France. Complete with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large pool, this property is extremely appealing and is located just a 15-minute drive away from the beach.
Location: Beziers, Hérault
Price: €346,500 (£293,386)
Property size: 105 m²
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Three-bedroom property in the heart of the Dordogne
This charming property in the desirable village of the Dordogne is filled with character. It has three bedrooms, a study and a large open-plan living, dining and kitchen area. The property retains some original features such as wooden beams along the ceilings, adding charm to the home. There is also a fenced garden.
Location: Daglan, Dordogne
Price: €340,500 (€288,305)
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Three-bedroom stone house in pretty hamlet
Not far from Bergerac lies this charming stone cottage. The main house boasts two large bedrooms, large kitchen, lounge, shower room, WC and laundry room. Attached to the property is a studio apartment with a shower room and patio doors that open onto a terrace, overlooking the pool. This property would be perfect for families living with parents or independent teenagers, who’d appreciate their own space.
Location: Bergerac, Dordogne
Price: €339,200 (£287,205)
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Four-bedroom stone property in quiet Lot hamlet
This charming stone property in Leyme, Lot is a true beauty. Recently renovated, the property has its own pigeonnier tower. Inside, there is an open-plan living and dining area, four bedrooms, and an annexe. This property also has a two-storey barn that has granted permissions should you wish to turn it into a dwelling. I implore you to explore this grand plot.
Location: Leyme, Lot
Price: €325,000 (£275,181)
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Two-bedroom apartment in the Provencale countryside
Just 20 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Cannes, this off-plan property location is absolutely stunning, with views of the countryside and sea. The two-bedroom apartment is to be completed in June 2025 and will feature modern appliances, fully fitted bathrooms, access to an underground car park and landscaped gardens. It’s also within 30 minutes of Nice Airport – ideal for holiday home buyers or investors.
Location: Auribeau-sur-Siagne, Provence
Price: €284,000 (£240,466)
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Source: Savills, 2024