French Chateaux for
sale and information on buying a Chateau in France
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With an extensive portfolio of French Chateaux for sale and many
years' experience in handling the sales of these unique and historic
buildings, Sifex is well equipped to assist those for whom the dream
of owning a Castle in France is set to become a reality. Our portfolio
is updated daily and we are constantly searching to expand our range
of Chateaux to satisfy the demands of the many requests we currently
have for these fascinating properties.
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Fine XVIII/ XIXth C. Chateau with existing commercial
enterprise in Ariege. Sold by Sifex Ltd
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France has a wealth of beautiful
Chateaux for sale and in many instances, their prices make
them eminently attainable. The advent of the internet and worldwide
interest in the French Chateau market, buyers now come from
all corners of the globe. This international interest has seen prices
of Chateaux and property in general in the South West rise
in a way hitherto unknown in France. In order to continue to satisfy
the demands of those still seeking a relatively inexpensive piece
of history or 'family seat', it has been necessary to expand into
the lesser known departments in the Massif Centrale where the prices
of Chateaux for sale are still comparatively reasonable whilst
the countryside offers many of the benefits that people wishing
to leave overcrowded urban areas in particular are seeking. The
increase in prices throughout the Midi and the South of France has
stimulated interest in other departments where prices are not yet
quite so high. The Limousin in particular has attracted considerable
interest as has the Auvergne, with the arrival of the vast new Viaduct
at Millau facilitating the journey to the Mediterranean from central
France.
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Fairytale Chateau in foothills of Pyrenees
Sold by Sifex Ltd
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With the network of efficient and
well established French agents with whom we work, we place great
emphasis on being able to offer the maximum information possible
on the Chateaux on our books. Floor plans are not always available,
but we are always happy to request any additional information that
may be available for interested parties. The French have a wonderful
phrase to describe the unblighted properties on their books. It
is 'pas de nuisance'. If you are contemplating the purchase of an
imposing Chateau, of course you don't want to hear a TGV rush
by, or listen to the buzz of an autoroute in the valley, nor do
you want your view to be of a gravel quarry or even worse, a 'chateau
d'eau' or water tower. It pays to stay with an agent you can trust
who will ensure you don't travel for many miles for a fruitless
trip to a property where there is a 'nuisance' which immediately
renders the property of no interest to you.
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Imposing XIXth Century Chateau in Tarn et Garonne.
Sold for commercial use - by Sifex Ltd
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From the structural point of view,
it is as well to bear in mind the costs of renovating a substantial
property as these of course can be considerable. As a benchmark
our agents advise that you could consider spending anything between
600 and 1,500 Euros per square metre (the latter if it is a total
rebuild) to renovate a ruin. If the property is merely in need of
internal modernisation and refurbishment (for example kitchens,
bathrooms and heating for instance) you can generally halve this
figure. It is of course extremely advantageous to find a property
where the roof has been well maintained especially if the area of
the roof is vast!
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Pretty Chateau in the Allier to restore |
In the case of listed or 'classé'
properties a grant for renovation may apply. If the "Batiments
de France' agree to this, they will insist upon you using their
recommended architects and expert craftsmen who are normally slightly
more expensive but as the grants help with the financial outlay,
the quality of the work is merited to maintain these historic buildings,
whether it be the façade of the main house, some wood panelling
or perhaps just the Chapel that is involved. If a property or part
of it is likely to be eligible for 'listing', the process is likely
to take about six months. At the same time it is as well to be careful
not to over invest in a property to the point where you could never
expect to recoup the value of your investment were you ever to decide
to sell. Buyer should always be wary of over-investing in somebody
else's fantasies!
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Stunning Chateau in Aude - sold for permanent
residence by Sifex Ltd
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Another advantage when purchasing
a sizeable property in France is that the taxes are much less punitive
than in the U.K. Local taxes are pretty low even for Chateaux. The
Taxe Foncière is a tax on the land and such facilities as
swimming pools and the general comfort level of the property and
is paid by the owner whereas the Taxe D'Habitation is paid by the
occupier whether it be a tenant or the owner. These taxes are frequently
almost identical amounts. Running costs do not vary greatly from
those of normal houses. One agent said that she employs a cleaner
for precisely the same number of hours for her present home as she
did when she lived in a Chateau. Another useful tip, provided
there is suitable accommodation, is to install a caretaker who will
often be happy to live rent free in return for caretaking the house
and tending the garden and grounds. There is plenty of demand for
this type of position.
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Elegant classical Chateau in the Gers Originally sold
by Sifex
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Finally regarding insurance, there
are specialist brokers in France who use a French subsidiary of
an English company specialised in the insurance of large French
properties. These policies give the sort of cover that large home
owners expect with additional extras such as worldwide jewellery
cover, baggage, golf clubs etc. We recommend that you read our section
on buying a property in France which can be found under Contact/Buying
To view our selection of Chateaux for sale
- please click
here or
to submit your requirements in order to receive details of Chateaux
from Sifex, please email us at info@sifex.co.uk
or telephone 0044 (0) 207 384 1200. Alternatively you can
register your criteria and contact details on line using our registration
form
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