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Yes, the analysis of Dordogne's property market is included in our pack
Thinking of buying a property in Dordogne? You're not alone!
Many people are charmed by Dordogne's rustic landscapes and dream of owning a charming farmhouse or a cozy cottage in this region.
Is it worth investing there, though? Are property prices increasing in Dordogne? What is the current trend? Should I buy property in Sarlat-la-Canéda or Bergerac? Are there any secret taxes? What yields can I expect?
We've solved it for you.
The Investropa team has really dug into this market. As a matter of fact, we've put all our findings together in a pack. Get it now.
In the lines below, we will share some of this knowledge.
How is the real estate market in Dordogne?
Are property prices rising or falling? Let's consult the most recent data and stats.
Types of properties
In Dordogne, you can find a variety of properties for sale to suit different preferences and needs.
These include charming traditional French houses with stone walls and rustic features, often referred to as "maisons en pierre," which offer a quaint countryside atmosphere.
Additionally, there are modern villas with contemporary amenities for those seeking a more sleek and updated living space.
The region also offers historic châteaux and manors, perfect for buyers looking to own a piece of French history and grandeur.
Whether you're interested in a cozy cottage, a stylish villa, or a majestic château, Dordogne has a diverse range of properties to choose from.
Buy or rent?
(If you want to live there yourself and not rent it to others)
Whether you're considering settling in the Dordogne region of France or already living there, you might be thinking about the pros and cons of buying versus renting a property in this area.
Usually, buying is better than renting in Dordogne due to the area's low cost of living and potential for long-term appreciation.
That said, renting provides the advantage of flexibility for those who want it.
Property prices in Dordogne
On average, according to the last data from National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), buying a property in Dordogne would cost you around $4,500 per square meter.
Obviously, there are big differences. A property in Dordogne might have a different price per square meter than a house in Lot-et-Garonne. We actually give you a more detailed breakdown in our pack for buying property in Dordogne and in France.
To give you a sense of scale, it means that, instead of buying an apartment in Paris, you could afford 3 properties in Dordogne.
Also, housing prices in Dordogne are 59% cheaper than in the French Riviera.
The most expensive places in Dordogne are probably the coastal towns of Biarritz and Hossegor, while the cheapest areas are likely to be in the rural inland areas.
Trends
First and foremost, we have to acknowledge that France currently stands out for its remarkable stability. The last Fragile State Index that has been reported for this place is 30.9.
Keep this in mind when thinking about the viability of buying a property in Dordogne.
Also, according to the IMF’s forecasts, France's economy is expected to soar by 6.7% in the coming 5 years, resulting in an average GDP growth rate of 1.3%.
If you want to invest in real estate in Dordogne it's a good thing because a positive growth rate (usually) leads to higher incomes for citizens, enabling them to invest in real estate, which boosts demand and prices for properties.
Also, in France, the average GDP per capita has changed by 1.7% over the last 5 years. Though not substantial, there is still a positive trend of growth.
Looking for more updated data? We've done a big-picture study to find out if it's a good idea to purchase property in France right now.
Buying property in Dordogne
Buying real estate in Dordogne can be difficult due to the lack of reliable and up-to-date information available. That's why we have created the pack to buy property in Dordogne and in France.
Buying process
Inside our pack, we've outlined the complete buying process, including a detailed breakdown of prices and yields per area, tips for negotiating the price, and information about mortgage options.
Here, we're presenting you with a more straightforward version.
This is the step-by-step process to purchase a property in Dordogne:
- Research the Dordogne property market and its regional regulations.
- Determine your budget and arrange financing or consult with a French bank.
- Engage a reputable local real estate agent with expertise in Dordogne properties.
- Visit properties and select one that meets your needs and complies with local zoning laws.
- Make an offer through the agent, which typically includes a "lettre d'intention d'achat."
- Negotiate the price and terms with the seller, often involving a "compromis de vente" (preliminary contract).
- Sign the "compromis de vente" and pay a deposit, usually about 5-10% of the property price.
- Conduct property surveys and inspections, and check for existing "servitudes" (easements).
- Secure financing and obtain a "promesse de prêt" (loan offer) from a French bank, if necessary.
- Complete the final contract "acte de vente" with a notary, who ensures the legal transfer of the property.
- Pay the remaining balance and associated fees, such as "frais de notaire" (notary fees).
- Register the property in your name at the local Land Registry (Conservation des Hypothèques).
Also, if you're not from the country, you might want to check our article on how to buy property as a foreigner in France.
Make a profitable investment in Dordogne
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Where to find a property
Discover these websites to find properties in Dordogne.
- French Entrée - A comprehensive guide to buying property and living in France, featuring property listings, guides, and lifestyle articles.
- My French House - An award-winning property portal specializing in houses, villas, and properties for sale in France. They offer expert advice and a bespoke home hunting service.
- French Property - A leading online portal for property in France, offering a wide range of properties for sale and rent.
- Houses & Apartments - A leading real estate website offering a wide selection of apartments and houses for sale in various locations in France.
- Realestate.com.au - Providing a wide range of properties for sale and rent, along with information on new homes, agents, lifestyle, news, and commercial properties.
Also, know that we have included contacts of real estate agencies, property lawyers, moving companies, expats communities and more in our pack for buying property in France.
What you could get
As mentioned before, the average price per sqm in Dordogne is $4,500. A 1-bedroom property of 60 square meters would cost approximately $270,000, and a 2-bedroom property of 85 square meters would cost approximately $383,000.
However, prices will differ based on the attributes of the property and its specific location.
Top-tier locations in Dordogne typically mean higher property valuations. If you're considering Sarlat-la-Canéda, a house might cost you about $850,000, whereas a property in Beynac-et-Cazenac could be priced at $480,000.
On the other hand, some areas are more budget-friendly. You could find a house in Lalinde for $350,000, or you may discover a house in Le Bugue priced only at $280,000.
We give a more detailed breakdown in our full pack for buying property in France.
Risks and pitfalls
Here are the main pitfalls specific to buying a property in Dordogne, France:
- Lack of understanding of French property laws and regulations.
- Potential presence of asbestos, common in older buildings.
- Risk of flooding, especially in certain areas along the river.
- Challenging septic tank compliance requirements.
- Issues with termites and wood-boring insects.
- Restrictions on renovating historical buildings.
- Difficulty obtaining utilities in rural locations.
- Limited resale value due to niche appeal and market fluctuations.
We don't want this to happen to you, so we have included a full checklist for your property investment in our pack of documents. Avoid these mistakes and save a lot of money.
Everything you need to know is included in our France Property Pack
Living in Dordogne
The life in Dordogne is idyllic and peaceful, with stunning scenery, charming villages and a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal place to buy property.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Dordogne is generally lower than other parts of France. The cost of housing, food, and entertainment is generally more affordable than other parts of France.
Here are some examples to better understand the cost of living in Dordogne, France:
- Rent for a one-bedroom cottage in the picturesque village of "La Roque-Gageac": $900 per month.
- A meal at a local restaurant with "Truffe du Périgord," the famous black truffle: $40.
- Monthly transportation pass for local "Péribus" buses in Périgueux: $50.
- Utilities (electricity, water) for a small cottage in the medieval town of "Sarlat-la-Canéda": $110 per month.
- A glass of "Bergerac Rosé" wine, unique to the region: $5.
- Entrance fee to the "Gouffre de Padirac" limestone cave: $15.
- Monthly membership at a fitness center in "Bergerac": $35.
- A bottle of "Noix de Dordogne," walnut wine or liqueur: $10.
Areas and spots
We want to show information in an easy-to-understand way. So, we have made a chart that lists the different parts of Dordogne. For yields, prices and rents, check our property pack.
| Place | Description | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
Sarlat-la-Canéda | Sarlat-la-Canéda is a picturesque medieval town with well-preserved historic architecture, making it a popular tourist destination and an attractive option for property investment. | High demand from tourists, strong rental potential, and cultural charm. | Property prices may be higher due to its popularity, and the tourist season may affect rental income during the off-season. |
Bergerac | Bergerac is a vibrant town known for its wine production and rich cultural heritage, offering a mix of urban amenities and rural landscapes, making it appealing to both locals and foreign buyers. | Strong wine industry, good transport links, and a growing expat community. | The wine market's fluctuations can impact property values, and some areas might experience seasonal tourist fluctuations. |
Domme | Domme is a charming hilltop village with panoramic views of the Dordogne River, known for its history and architecture, attracting history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. | Breathtaking views, historical appeal, and a sense of community. | Limited property availability, especially in peak seasons, and potential accessibility challenges due to its hilltop location. |
Riberac | Riberac is a tranquil market town with a strong sense of community and a range of traditional properties, offering a peaceful retreat for property investors seeking a slower pace of life. | Peaceful environment, affordable property options, and a thriving local market. | Limited employment opportunities, slower market appreciation, and lower rental demand compared to larger towns. |
Périgueux | Périgueux is the capital city of the Dordogne department, boasting a mix of historical landmarks, modern amenities, and a strong rental market due to its urban setting. | Diverse property options, strong rental demand, and a lively city atmosphere. | Higher property prices in some areas, urban noise and traffic, and limited green spaces. |
La Roque-Gageac | La Roque-Gageac is a charming riverside village with stunning views and traditional stone houses, attracting tourists and offering unique property investment opportunities. | Scenic riverside location, popular tourist destination, and a unique architectural character. | Geographical constraints limiting property expansion, seasonal tourist fluctuations, and potential flood risks. |
Brantôme | Brantôme is a beautiful town surrounded by the Dronne River, known as the "Venice of the Périgord," offering a tranquil setting with historical landmarks. | Picturesque riverside location, historical appeal, and a growing tourism industry. | High demand for riverfront properties, limited development space, and potential flood risks. |
Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil | Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil is a prehistoric treasure with fascinating cave systems and archaeological sites, attracting history and anthropology enthusiasts. | Rich prehistoric heritage, unique property options, and a niche market for historical tourism. | Seasonal tourist flow, limited amenities in some areas, and potential challenges in property development due to archaeological preservation. |
Life in Dordogne
The Dordogne is an economically diverse region, with its economy largely based on agriculture, tourism, and light industry. The region is also home to a number of high-tech industries, such as aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and engineering.
What expats usually like the most in Dordogne are the stunning scenery, including rolling hills, lush forests, and the River Dordogne, as well as the abundance of historical sites and quaint villages.
Access to healthcare in Dordogne is generally good, with a wide range of medical services available.
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Renting out in Dordogne
This part is for you if you want to buy a property with the goal of renting it out and making money from it, rather than living there.
Long-term
According to the data reported by Wikipedia, the home ownership rate in France is 65%, which is average.
Unlike crowded areas in France where renting is common, people in Dordogne usually prefer to buy homes for living permanently.
If you decide to rent out long-term, you might want to target people looking for a slower pace of life, such as retirees, or families wanting to experience rural French life in the Dordogne.
Here is a little summary table we've made for you.
| Property type and area | Profiles of potential tenants | What they are looking for | Expected monthly rent in $ |
|---|---|---|---|
Country House in Sarlat-la-Canéda | Retirees, nature enthusiasts | Rural setting, tranquility | $800 - $1500 |
Apartment in Périgueux | Professionals, students | City amenities, cultural attractions | $600 - $1200 |
Chateau in Bergerac | Event planners, tourists | Historic property, event venues | $1500 - $3500 |
Studio in Brive-la-Gaillarde | Singles, young professionals | Urban living, budget-friendly | $400 - $800 |
Now, you will probably ask us about the yields. Unlike other places, giving you an average rental yield for Dordogne is though. The region is quite varied. For example, rental yields in Bergerac and Périgueux are quite different from those in small and less popular villages.
Finally, if you want to rent long-term in Dordogne, be aware that the rental income tax stands at 45-50%, which is quite high.
Short-term
You could also decide to rent short-term to tourists looking to explore the Dordogne region, or to business travelers looking for short-term accommodation near the region's many corporate offices.
If you decide to go with that option, look for properties in Sarlat-la-Canéda, Bergerac, and the surrounding villages. These areas are known for their picturesque countryside, historical sites, and vibrant culture, making them attractive to tourists from all over.
Is it worth buying real estate in Dordogne then?
Certainly, in the context of Dordogne, buying a property can be an incredibly rewarding decision, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.
If you're enchanted by the idea of embracing a serene, rural lifestyle, Dordogne's rustic landscapes, historic charm, and relatively lower property prices make it an attractive destination. It's particularly appealing for retirees looking to stretch their retirement savings, as the region offers an idyllic and peaceful retirement experience at a fraction of the cost compared to some urban centers in France.
The picturesque countryside, with its traditional stone houses and rich cultural heritage, is perfect for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Moreover, if you're considering investing in rental properties, Dordogne's popularity among tourists, both short-term and long-term, can offer an opportunity for steady rental income, especially in sought-after locations like Sarlat-la-Canéda or Bergerac.
However, if you're uncertain about your long-term plans or lack familiarity with the region, renting might be a wiser choice. Dordogne is diverse, and each town or village offers a unique lifestyle. Without a clear understanding of what suits your needs best, buying property here could be a gamble.
Additionally, if you're seeking a short-term stay or only plan to visit seasonally, the costs associated with purchasing, maintaining, and selling property might outweigh the benefits. It's essential to have realistic expectations about rental income, as it can vary significantly depending on factors like location, property type, and market demand.
Lastly, while Dordogne's charm is undeniable, its niche appeal and potential market fluctuations could impact the resale value of your property, so think carefully if you foresee needing to sell in the near future. In conclusion, while Dordogne has much to offer, whether buying property here is worth it or not depends on your individual circumstances, long-term goals, and familiarity with the region.
Make sure you understand the real estate market in Dordogne
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