This section of our site features a variety of different properties in the commercial sector. Some already have commercial status and are operating as businesses, whilst many others are properties have the potential to become commercial
Please note that in recent years commercial loans have been much more difficult to obtain and are only likely to be achievable where the property already has a proven source of income or the purchaser has an alternative source of income.
Farms with pasture and facilities for livestock
Properties with arable land, olive groves, fruit orchards, walnut plantations.
Running a chambres d’hôtes remains a popular concept amongst those seeking to move to France and find a means to supplement their income.
Chambres d'hôtes range from simple elegant houses to the most opulent Châteaux.
A maximum of five bedrooms is allowed in a B&B before it attains hotel status and falls under the stringent EEC regulations for Fire, Health and Safety.
These are increasingly in demand with the excellent travel links between France, Europe and beyond. Whether they are used for corporate purposes or for weddings and other social events there is no doubt that this is a popular business to which Châteaux are particularly well-suited.
Properties with existing gîtes or the potential to create them continue to be popular.
The nature of 'agritourism', first promoted by the French Government with the introduction of Gîtes de France is such that quality is, without a doubt, the key requisite.
A gîte these days should offer a secure swimming pool, Wifi and Sky TV.
Having a range of other activities on offer as well, whether riding, harvesting, wine tasting, painting, cookery or language courses, improves the scope considerably.
Our portfolio of hotels varies from the most imposing and impressive châteaux-hotels, to smaller charming boutique hotels in rural locations or market towns throughout France.
Châteaux are often already in operation as private sporting estates and France is known for hunting or "La Chasse" and wild boar(sanglier), deer, pheasant and other game are enthusiastically pursued during the hunting season, when almost anybody can apply for a licence.
NB: Out of season, a local ‘Lieutenant de Louveterie’ created in 812 by Charlemagne to protect the inhabitants and their crops against wolves, is in charge of hunting any wild animals that threaten to disrupt crops or harvests.
Amongst these are equestrian properties including stud farms (Haras), riding schools or livery stables.
Others offer a variety of active pursuits ranging from boating, fishing, swimming and tennis to golf courses.
Some offer courses in the arts or more academic subjects and we are also asked for properties suitable to create a retreat for meditation and for buildings suited to educational purposes.
Sifex is fortunate in being associated with such agencies in the Bordeaux area, the Languedoc and Rhône Valley.
‘Technical due diligence’ is a vital part of the purchasing process where a vineyard is concerned, as besides being a property it is also a business. Although the administration and sales may appear in the financial and legal paperwork, there are many fine points which may not.
Inspecting the concrete tanks for cracks and ensuring that you have the number of hectares of the grape variety (Cépage) declared by the vendor is something which only an expert can verify - and that is just one of many such details that would need to be carefully checked.
When deciding on the available budget, buyers need to take account of the fact that they will need funds to purchase stock and pay for operating costs for the first 18 months. This is because the seasonal cycle of producing and harvesting the grapes and then manufacturing and bottling the wine lasts for that period of time.
It is as well to be aware that for a vineyard, mortgages are only available for a percentage of the overall price, if at all.
If you do not find what you are looking for on the site, be sure to let us know so we can keep you informed of any new details of hotels we may receive and make enquiries with our partner agents on your behalf.
View our selection of Commercial Properties for sale, or to receive details of commercial properties from Sifex, contact us on email: info@sifex.co.uk or telephone us on +44 (0)207 384 1200. Our office hours are 09.00 - 17.00 GMT Monday – Friday. If you leave a message, we will get back to you as soon as possible.
France is a large and varied country with each region and indeed each department unique from its neighbours. Our guide to each department can help you to understand more about the nuances of each area.
We have new properties arriving everyday, here you can see our latest listings to be added to our portfolio.
Read our guide to buying a property in France. The process could be slightly different to your own countries process.