Discover the Dordogne property buying process
Think lazy lunches by the river, rolling vineyards and fresh croissants from the village bakery. Add in welcoming locals and a slower pace of life and you’ll soon see why so many people fall for this part of France. Whether you’re after a holiday home, a permanent move or an investment, buying here gives you the chance to enjoy all that charm whenever you like.
So why buy in Dordogne? Beautiful countryside, rivers, vineyards, fresh produce and that slower pace of life make owning a home in France pretty irresistible. Add in the chance to earn rental income or invest in a popular holiday destination and it’s easy to see the appeal. With good transport links and property prices still attractive compared to many other places, buying here has become more accessible than ever.
There are several different routes to buying property in Dordogne, each with its own advantages depending on your preferences.
Recently built quality bungalow (1995) with a swimming pool, quietly situated on the edge of a small village on 8150m2 of land with lovely views.
The chateau is located in a calm area close to the shops, 45 minutes from Brive airport and 75 minutes for Bergerac airport.
Beautiful restored farmhouse consisting of two buildings 448 m2, 2 swimming pools, outbuildings and garages.
In a typical environment of the Dordogne, superb set of properties with a mansion with a living room of 68m2 and 6 rooms and a listed 3 bedrooms cottages and private pool, a second holiday 3 bedrooms, large heated pool, in a lovely over 1.8 hectares garden.
Main residence and large, 5 bed gite, both of which are restored to a high standard. Swimming pool with jacuzzi, lovely views and 0.5ha of land. Good income potential.
The property,dating from the 17th century, lies in a quiet, open valley, fed by a small stream.
With leaseback you buy a new build, lease it back to the developer, and receive rental income while keeping a set number of weeks for your own use. Costs are low as management is included, but returns vary and you may have to repay tax rebates if you sell early.
Buying property in France follows a structured process with clear stages. Knowing them in advance makes the journey much smoother.
The notaire is a neutral party acting for the state, not just for one side. However, buyers can appoint their own notaire if they prefer.
The team consists of specialized negotiators property transactions spread over 7 branches operates in Perigord, Dordogne, Lot and Garonne.
Bordeaux and Beyond is a team of property specialists, all experienced in sourcing and selling properties in France.
The agency offers a comprehensive selection of properties for sale in the Dordogne and Haute Vienne regions of France, everything from ruins to Chateaux.
For almost 40 years this agency sells properties in the Dordogne and more particularly in Black Périgord, the Vézère Valley and the Dordogne Valley.
An established estate agency and have been operating from Saint Jean de Côle - listed as one of the most beautiful villages in the Dordogne Department ('Périgord Vert') - for over 16 years.
Covering an area from the Charente Maritime down to the Pyrénées Atlantiques and from the coast across to the Lot and Tarn et Garonne, the patch includes some of the prettiest villages and towns and most beautiful countryside in the whole of France.
During the buying process you will be required to sign official documentation and hand over the required funds to make the property legally yours. Buying property abroad can sometimes become a complicated process, and you should note that in many countries the process varies significantly.
It is strongly advised that before committing you arm yourself with all the relevant purchasing information, and complete all necessary financial and structural checks relating to your property. Before signing any official documentation you should make sure you fully understand the legal complexities involved in your purchase and, if possible, make sure you have a notaire fluent in both English and French, so they can explain to you exactly what you are signing.
It is also worthwhile ensuring that your notaire checks the debts against the property, as in some countries once the house sale has been registered you could be liable for any attached debt.
Alongside the purchase price, you’ll need to allow for additional fees and taxes. These can vary depending on whether the property is new or old, and how the transaction is structured.
Notaire’s fees (frais de notaire): usually 7–10% for older properties, around 2–3% for new builds.
French mortgages usually last 7–25 years with strict affordability checks. Payments normally can’t exceed a third of your income. You’ll also need life insurance to secure the loan.
Property ownership in France carries certain ongoing taxes. These can vary depending on the property and your circumstances, so it’s worth taking professional advice.
Buying a property abroad can feel daunting, but the French system is clear and well regulated. A few precautions will help everything run smoothly:
