Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the France Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Dordogne's property market is included in our pack
This guide covers current rental prices in Dordogne, from studios to 2-bedroom apartments, along with neighborhood breakdowns and tenant demand patterns.
We update this blog post regularly to reflect the latest market data and trends in Dordogne's rental market.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Dordogne.
Insights
- At around 10 euros per square meter, Dordogne rents are roughly 40% to 50% lower than what you would pay in Bordeaux or other major French cities, making it one of the most affordable rental markets in the southwest.
- Périgueux and Bergerac absorb most of the rental demand in Dordogne, which means properties in smaller villages can sit vacant for 40 to 60 days while central listings rent in under a month.
- The official rent revision index (IRL) in late 2025 is running below 1% year-over-year, so landlords in Dordogne can only raise existing rents by a modest amount in 2026.
- Since 2025, properties rated DPE G (the worst energy class) are banned from new rentals in France, and Dordogne's older housing stock means many homes need upgrades before they can legally be rented.
- British and Irish expats have long favored areas like Eymet and the Bergerac wine country, creating small but active rental pockets with English-speaking communities.
- Furnished studios in Dordogne can command a small premium over unfurnished ones, but most long-term tenants still prefer unfurnished rentals because they offer more flexibility.
- The IUT campus of the Université de Bordeaux in Périgueux drives consistent demand for small apartments, especially from August to October when the academic year begins.
- Landlords in Dordogne typically budget one to two months of rent per year for property tax (taxe foncière), though the exact amount varies widely by commune.
What are typical rents in Dordogne as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Dordogne as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio in Dordogne is around 370 euros (approximately 385 USD or 355 EUR at current rates), based on a typical 25 square meter unit at the department's average asking price of about 15 euros per square meter for small units.
Most studios in Dordogne rent between 320 and 450 euros per month (335 to 470 USD, or 305 to 430 EUR), with the lower end found in smaller market towns and the higher end in central Périgueux or Bergerac.
The main factors that push Dordogne studio rents up or down are location (town center versus rural), property condition, energy efficiency rating, and whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Dordogne as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment (called a "2 pièces" in France) in Dordogne is around 420 euros (approximately 440 USD or 400 EUR), calculated from an average of about 10.50 euros per square meter applied to a typical 40 square meter unit.
Realistic rents for 1-bedroom apartments in Dordogne range from 380 to 520 euros per month (400 to 545 USD, or 365 to 495 EUR), depending on condition and exact location.
You will find the cheapest 1-bedroom rents in smaller towns outside the main hubs, while central Périgueux, central Bergerac, and well-renovated properties near train stations command the highest prices in Dordogne.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Dordogne as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment (a "3 pièces") in Dordogne is around 510 euros (approximately 535 USD or 485 EUR), based on about 8.50 euros per square meter for a typical 60 square meter unit.
Most 2-bedroom apartments in Dordogne rent between 470 and 650 euros per month (490 to 680 USD, or 450 to 620 EUR), with prices varying by neighborhood, building quality, and energy performance.
The cheapest 2-bedroom rents in Dordogne are found in smaller market towns and rural areas, while central Périgueux and central Bergerac, especially for renovated and well-insulated properties, sit at the top of the price range.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Dordogne.
What's the average rent per square meter in Dordogne as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Dordogne is around 10 euros (approximately 10.50 USD or 9.50 EUR), which is the blended rate across all residential property types in the department.
Rents per square meter in Dordogne range from about 8 euros in rural communes to 12 euros or more in the centers of Périgueux and Bergerac (8.40 to 12.60 USD, or 7.60 to 11.40 EUR).
Compared to Bordeaux, where rents often exceed 15 to 17 euros per square meter, Dordogne offers significantly more affordable options, making it one of the cheaper rental markets in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
Properties with good energy ratings (DPE A to C), modern heating, parking, and central locations typically push rent per square meter above the Dordogne average.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Dordogne in 2026?
As of early 2026, rents in Dordogne have increased by approximately 1.5% year-over-year, reflecting a modest rise driven by low but positive inflation and steady local demand.
The main factors keeping rent growth moderate in Dordogne are the official IRL index (running below 1% in late 2025), stable supply in the main rental hubs, and the fact that Dordogne is not a high-pressure metro market.
This 1.5% increase is actually lower than the rent growth seen in 2023 and early 2024, when inflation was higher and the IRL pushed up more aggressively.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Dordogne in 2026?
As of early 2026, rent growth in Dordogne is projected to stay between 1% and 2% over the coming year, following the subdued trajectory of the official IRL index.
The key factors likely to influence Dordogne rents in 2026 include energy performance regulations (which are tightening the supply of rentable homes), continued demand concentration in Périgueux and Bergerac, and the overall low-inflation environment in France.
Neighborhoods in central Périgueux and Bergerac are expected to see the strongest rent growth in Dordogne because that is where rental demand is most concentrated.
The main risks that could cause rent growth to differ from projections include a sudden economic downturn reducing tenant demand, or an unexpected policy change that relaxes energy efficiency rules and brings more homes back onto the market.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in France. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Dordogne as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Dordogne as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest rents in Dordogne are the historic center of Périgueux (Centre-ville, Vésone, Saint-Martin), the central Bergerac area (Centre des deux Rives), and the old town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, where rents can reach 12 euros per square meter or more (12.60 USD, 11.40 EUR).
These neighborhoods command premium rents in Dordogne because they offer walkability, access to shops and services, historic charm, and often renovated, well-insulated properties.
Tenants who rent in these high-rent Dordogne neighborhoods are typically professionals working in town, couples seeking central convenience, or lifestyle renters who want the experience of living in a charming French town center.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Dordogne.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Dordogne right now?
Young professionals in Dordogne tend to prefer renting in central Périgueux (Centre-ville, Vésone, near the train station), central Bergerac (Centre des deux Rives), and occasionally Sarlat-la-Canéda if they work in tourism.
In these Dordogne neighborhoods, young professionals typically pay between 380 and 500 euros per month (400 to 525 USD, or 365 to 475 EUR) for a 1-bedroom or small 2-room apartment.
What attracts young professionals to these areas is the ability to live without a car for daily needs, proximity to jobs and services, and a modest social scene with cafes and restaurants.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Dordogne.
Where do families prefer to rent in Dordogne right now?
Families in Dordogne typically prefer renting in residential areas like Gour-de-l'Arche and Le Toulon in Périgueux, close suburbs such as Trélissac and Boulazac Isle Manoire, and the quieter residential sectors of Bergerac.
For 2-3 bedroom apartments or houses in these Dordogne family-friendly areas, rents typically range from 550 to 750 euros per month (575 to 785 USD, or 525 to 715 EUR).
These neighborhoods attract families because they offer more space, parking, gardens, and a quieter environment while still being close to schools and supermarkets.
Top-rated schools near these family-friendly Dordogne neighborhoods include public primary schools in Trélissac and Boulazac, as well as collèges and lycées in Périgueux and Bergerac town centers.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Dordogne in 2026?
As of early 2026, the areas that rent fastest in Dordogne are near the Périgueux train station, around the central bus network in Périgueux, and close to the IUT campus of the Université de Bordeaux in Périgueux.
In these high-demand Dordogne areas, correctly priced properties typically stay listed for 20 to 30 days, compared to 40 to 60 days in more rural parts of the department.
Properties within walking distance of transit or the university in Dordogne can command a rent premium of 20 to 50 euros per month (21 to 52 USD, or 19 to 48 EUR) compared to similar units farther away.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Dordogne right now?
The neighborhoods most popular with expats in Dordogne are Eymet and the surrounding Bergerac wine country, the Sarlat-la-Canéda and Montignac-Lascaux corridor in Périgord Noir, and the Ribérac area for those seeking a more affordable market-town feel.
Expats renting in these Dordogne areas typically pay between 500 and 800 euros per month (525 to 840 USD, or 475 to 760 EUR) for a 2-bedroom house or cottage.
These areas attract expats because they offer beautiful countryside, a sense of community, access to markets and local produce, and in some cases, established English-speaking social networks.
British and Irish expats remain the most represented nationalities in these Dordogne neighborhoods, often joined by Dutch, Belgian, and some American retirees or remote workers.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Dordogne.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Dordogne
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
Who rents, and what do tenants want in Dordogne right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Dordogne?
The three main tenant profiles in Dordogne are local households (singles and couples) renting in Périgueux and Bergerac for work, students and trainees near the IUT campus in Périgueux, and lifestyle movers (including some internationals) renting while they explore buying or renovating.
Local households make up roughly 60% of the active rental market in Dordogne, students and trainees about 15%, and lifestyle movers around 25%, though these shares vary by town.
Local households typically seek 1 to 2-bedroom apartments near town centers, students look for studios or shared housing near the university, and lifestyle movers often prefer houses with outdoor space in scenic areas.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Dordogne.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Dordogne?
In Dordogne, roughly 70% to 75% of long-term tenants prefer unfurnished rentals ("location vide"), while 25% to 30% opt for furnished, especially for shorter stays or transitional periods.
Furnished apartments in Dordogne typically command a premium of 30 to 60 euros per month (31 to 63 USD, or 29 to 57 EUR) compared to unfurnished units of similar size and location.
Tenants who prefer furnished rentals in Dordogne are often students, short-term workers on job assignments, and expats or lifestyle movers who are still deciding where to settle permanently.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Dordogne?
The five amenities that increase rent the most in Dordogne are good energy performance (DPE A to C), private parking, outdoor space (garden or terrace), modern heating with double glazing, and fiber internet connectivity.
A property with a good DPE rating in Dordogne can command a premium of 30 to 50 euros per month (31 to 52 USD, or 29 to 48 EUR), while parking and outdoor space each add 20 to 40 euros per month (21 to 42 USD, or 19 to 38 EUR).
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Dordogne, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Dordogne?
The five renovations with the best ROI for rental properties in Dordogne are energy upgrades (insulation, windows, heating) to improve DPE ratings, kitchen refresh, bathroom modernization, installing fiber-ready wiring, and updating electrical systems.
Energy upgrades in Dordogne typically cost 5,000 to 15,000 euros (5,250 to 15,750 USD, or 4,750 to 14,250 EUR) but can increase rent by 30 to 60 euros per month and protect the property from rental bans, while a kitchen or bathroom refresh costs 2,000 to 5,000 euros (2,100 to 5,250 USD, or 1,900 to 4,750 EUR) and can add 20 to 40 euros monthly.
Renovations with poor ROI that landlords in Dordogne should avoid include luxury finishes that exceed what local tenants expect, swimming pools (high maintenance, limited rental uplift), and overly personalized decor that limits tenant appeal.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in France versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How strong is rental demand in Dordogne as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Dordogne as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the vacancy rate for private rentals in Dordogne is around 5% in the main rental hubs of Périgueux and Bergerac, rising to 8% to 10% in more rural communes.
Vacancy rates in Dordogne range from as low as 3% to 4% in central Périgueux to over 12% in remote villages with limited services and employment.
The current vacancy rate in Dordogne's main towns is slightly below the department's historical average, as rental supply has tightened due to energy performance regulations taking some older homes off the market.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Dordogne.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Dordogne as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rentals in Dordogne stay listed for an average of about 30 days in Périgueux and Bergerac, and 45 to 55 days in smaller market towns and rural areas.
Days on market in Dordogne range from as few as 15 to 20 days for well-priced central apartments to 60 days or more for houses in remote locations or properties with poor energy ratings.
Compared to one year ago, days on market in Dordogne have remained fairly stable, with perhaps a slight decrease in the main towns as energy regulations have reduced the number of available rental properties.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Dordogne?
Peak tenant demand in Dordogne occurs from late August to October (driven by the academic year and post-summer job moves) and from March to June (as households reposition before summer).
The factors driving these seasonal patterns in Dordogne include university enrollment at IUT Périgueux, the tourist season which affects short-term rental availability, and the typical French moving calendar aligned with school years and job contracts.
The lowest tenant demand in Dordogne falls in December and January, when few people move, and in mid-summer (July to early August), when the focus shifts to tourism rather than long-term rentals.
Buying real estate in Dordogne can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What will my monthly costs be in Dordogne as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Dordogne as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Dordogne should expect to pay roughly one to two months of rent per year in property tax (taxe foncière), which for a typical rental apartment means around 400 to 1,000 euros annually (420 to 1,050 USD, or 380 to 950 EUR).
Property taxes in Dordogne range from about 300 euros per year in smaller communes with lower rates to over 1,500 euros per year for larger houses in towns with higher municipal tax rates (315 to 1,575 USD, or 285 to 1,425 EUR).
Property taxes in Dordogne are calculated based on the cadastral rental value of the property (set by the tax authorities) multiplied by rates decided by the commune, department, and sometimes other local authorities.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Dordogne, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Dordogne right now?
A realistic annual maintenance budget for a typical rental property in Dordogne is around 900 to 1,500 euros (945 to 1,575 USD, or 855 to 1,425 EUR), or roughly 0.8% to 1.2% of the property value.
Maintenance costs in Dordogne range from 600 euros per year for newer or well-maintained apartments to over 2,500 euros per year for older stone houses with roofing, heating, or moisture issues (630 to 2,625 USD, or 570 to 2,375 EUR).
Landlords in Dordogne typically set aside about 8% to 12% of their annual rental income for maintenance and repairs, though those with older properties often budget higher.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Dordogne right now?
In long-term unfurnished rentals in Dordogne, landlords typically pay only non-recoverable building charges and property-level costs, while tenants pay electricity, gas, water, internet, and recoverable service charges.
When landlords do cover certain utilities (more common in furnished or all-inclusive rentals), the monthly cost in Dordogne runs about 80 to 150 euros for electricity and heating, 20 to 40 euros for water, and 30 to 50 euros for internet (84 to 252 USD total, or 76 to 228 EUR total).
The common practice in Dordogne, as across France, is for tenants to take contracts in their own name for electricity, gas, and internet, while landlords handle property tax, building insurance, and any non-recoverable common charges.
How is rental income taxed in Dordogne as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income from unfurnished properties in Dordogne is taxed as "revenus fonciers," and if your gross rental income is 15,000 euros or less per year, you can use the simplified micro-foncier regime with a 30% standard deduction.
The main deductions landlords can claim in Dordogne (under the régime réel) include mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance premiums, management fees, repair and maintenance costs, and depreciation on certain expenses.
A common tax mistake specific to Dordogne landlords is failing to properly document renovation expenses for energy upgrades, which can be deducted but require clear invoices, and underestimating the tax impact of furnished versus unfurnished rental income (which falls under different tax regimes).
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Dordogne.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in France compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Dordogne, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Insee - Dordogne Dossier complet | It's France's official statistics office, providing the baseline for demographics and housing structure. | We used it to understand Dordogne's housing reality, including the high share of houses, second homes, and vacancies. We also used it to explain why rental demand concentrates in a few towns. |
| Insee - IRL Q3 2025 | It's the official rent revision index used in France to legally adjust many residential rents. | We used it as our anchor for year-over-year rent changes and to translate late 2025 levels into January 2026. We also used it to frame a realistic 2026 growth range. |
| Insee - Rent inflation measure | It's an official macro measure of rent movements across France. | We used it as a cross-check so our Dordogne estimate stays aligned with national dynamics. We also used it to explain why rent growth can differ from IRL in the short run. |
| Cerema / Dordogne Rent Observatory | Cerema is a public expert body, and this observatory is built for local housing policy. | We used it to triangulate local rents by commune and by typical dwelling profiles. We also used it to validate that Dordogne rents are structurally below big-city France. |
| DGALN / ANIL - Carte des loyers 2025 | It's a national public project from the housing ministry published via France's open-data portal. | We used it to cross-check asking rents at commune level and keep our neighborhood examples realistic. We also used its methodology notes to clarify these are advertised rents. |
| Observatoire des territoires | It's an official government portal that documents the rent-map methodology. | We used it to understand how ad data becomes typical rent figures and to justify our triangulation approach. We also used it to explain the difference between asking and sitting-tenant rents. |
| SeLoger - Dordogne rent barometer | It's one of France's largest real-estate portals with a consistent, published barometer. | We used it as our most up-to-date department-wide benchmark for January 2026. We also used its breakdown by unit size to convert into monthly rent estimates. |
| CLAMEUR - Nov 2025 press pack | CLAMEUR is a long-running French rent observatory widely cited in housing analysis. | We used it to sanity-check the direction and magnitude of rent growth nationally. We also used it to shape our 2026 outlook with modest growth below prior inflation spikes. |
| Service-Public.fr | It's the French government's official portal explaining rules for residents. | We used it to clarify what landlords versus tenants typically pay in plain language. We also used it to keep our monthly costs section aligned with official rules. |
| BOFiP - DGFiP doctrine | It's the tax administration's official doctrine used by professionals and courts. | We used it to support our rental income tax section for unfurnished rentals. We also used it to justify the micro-foncier versus réel split without relying on secondary commentary. |
| impots.gouv.fr - Official brochure | It's the French tax authority's official taxpayer documentation. | We used it as a simple, verifiable reference for thresholds like the 15,000 euro micro-foncier ceiling. We also used it to keep the tax explanation accessible for non-professionals. |
| Notaires de France - DPE G ban | The notaries' network is a trusted institutional reference on housing law and transactions. | We used it to explain why low energy ratings matter for landlords in Dordogne with its older housing stock. We also used it to connect regulations to 2026 supply dynamics. |
| Vie-publique.fr - Policy context | It's an official French public-policy information site. | We used it to corroborate the regulatory timeline on energy rules. We also used it to avoid overstating rule changes that haven't actually passed. |
| CRE - Electricity tariffs 2026 | CRE is France's independent energy regulator. | We used it to keep the utilities discussion grounded in how regulated electricity pricing works going into 2026. We also used it to justify why energy costs remain a variable in landlord budgeting. |
| Wikipedia - Périgueux | It provides well-documented geographic and neighborhood breakdowns for French cities. | We used it to identify and name specific neighborhoods in Périgueux. We also used it to ensure our neighborhood references match how locals actually describe areas. |
| Bergerac.fr - Neighborhood map | It's the official city website with the recognized neighborhood breakdown. | We used it to correctly name Bergerac's neighborhood sectors. We also used it to ensure our references match official municipal geography. |
| IUT Périgueux - Université de Bordeaux | It's the official site for the university campus that drives student rental demand in Périgueux. | We used it to confirm the presence of higher education in Périgueux and its impact on small-unit demand. We also used it to explain seasonal rental patterns tied to the academic year. |
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Dordogne
Don't repeat the same mistakes others have made before you. Make sure everything is in order before signing your sales contract.
Related blog posts