Buying Property in Dordogne
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 the UK, buying here has become more accessible than ever.
Start buying property
There are several different routes to buying property in Dordogne, each with its own advantages depending on your circumstances.
- Estate agents (agents immobiliers) – Licensed professionals who bring buyers and sellers together. Many in ski resorts speak more than one language. Properties are often listed with several agents, sometimes at different prices, so it’s worth comparing.
- Private sales – Buying direct from the owner can sometimes be cheaper, as there are no estate agent fees included in the price. Look on national property websites, in local papers, or even for handwritten “à vendre” signs in windows.
- Notaire sales – A notaire is a government-appointed legal official who oversees property transactions. Occasionally, especially with inherited property, sales are handled directly through their office.
- Auctions (ventes aux enchères) – Less common in France than in some countries, but occasionally they offer good opportunities. There are voluntary auctions (owners selling property) and judicial auctions (linked to inheritances or liquidations).
Property for Sale in Dordogne
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Stone House, Perigord Vert (North Dordogne) - Ref.5840
Perigord Vert, close to town, a superb stone-built house offering panoramic views over the countryside.
Price: €735,000
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Grand Maison de Maitre For Sale - REF 3515516, Saint Emilion
Rarely does such a remarkable opportunity come to market with the combination of a large elegant Maison de Maitre and highly improved accommodations in such a prime location.
Price: €2,500,000
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The Manoir, Dordogne Region - Ref.L4895
Imposing historic Manoir with 15th Century origins in a private courtyard setting with delightful gardens, an extensive range of traditional outbuildings and two cottages in excellent order, commanding views and about 6.50 ha of land.
Price: €967,200
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Farmhouse, Dordogne Region - Ref.4314
Beautiful restored farmhouse consisting of two buildings 448 m2, 2 swimming pools, outbuildings and garages.
Price: €759,000
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Rural property, Nontron - Ref.3446
Restored rural property with swimming pool and outbuildings, quietly set on 2.19ha of land with lovely views.
Price: €680,000
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Character Property, Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin - Ref.MP112684
Located about 50 minutes away from Bergerac airport, this house has a living space of 265m2 and a garden of 6398m2 of land.
Price: €465,000
Leaseback property
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 process
Buying property in France follows a structured process with clear stages. Knowing them in advance makes the journey much smoother.
- Make an offer (offre d’achat) – Put your offer in writing, usually via the agent, with any conditions clearly stated.
- Sign the preliminary contract (compromis de vente) – This legally binding agreement sets out the price, conditions, and timescales. Protective clauses (clauses suspensives) can be added, such as subject to finance or survey results.
- Pay the deposit – Typically 5–10% of the price. A ten-day cooling-off period applies, during which you can withdraw without penalty. After that, the deposit becomes non-refundable.
- Completion (acte authentique de vente) – The final deed of sale, signed at the notaire’s office. At this stage, full payment is made and ownership passes to you.
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.
Estate Agents in Dordogne
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Agence Valora, Riberac
The agents put their skills at the service of buyers, sellers and renters in Ribérac, passing by Verteillac and Mareuil in the Dordogne till St Séverin and Aubeterre-sur-Dronne in the Charente, also one of France's most beautiful villages.
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Beaux Villages Immobilier, Lalinde
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.
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Agence Immobiliere Valadie, Eymet
The team consists of specialized negotiators property transactions spread over 7 branches operates in Perigord, Dordogne, Lot and Garonne.
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Maisons en Perigord, Montignac
For almost 40 years this agency sells properties in the Dordogne and more particularly in Black Périgord, the Vézère Valley and the Dordogne Valley.
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De Graaf Immobilier, Saint-Jean-de-Côle
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.
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ici Dordogne, Tremolat
The estate agent operates between Sarlat and Bergerac, along the valleys of the Vézère and the Dordogne.
Offer to completion process
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.
Property buying fees
Costs to Expect
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.
- Estate agent commission: often 3–10%, sometimes included in the asking price, sometimes added separately.
- Registration tax (droits d’enregistrement): about 5% on older properties, lower for new developments.
- VAT (TVA): charged at 20% on new builds and many associated fees.
- Other potential costs: surveys, mortgage fees, and currency exchange charges.
Mortgages
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.
General taxes
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.
- Local taxes: taxe foncière (land tax) and taxe d’habitation (occupancy tax). Both apply even if the property is only used seasonally.
- Wealth tax: charged on assets above a certain threshold.
- Capital gains tax: payable when selling a second home or rental property.
- Inheritance rules: French succession law can override wills, with property often passing directly to children.
Final Tips
Buying a property abroad can feel daunting, but the French system is clear and well regulated. A few precautions will help everything run smoothly:
- Always have contracts translated or fully explained before signing.
- Consider arranging a survey, particularly for older Alpine homes.
- Be mindful of currency exchange fluctuations if funding your purchase from abroad.
- Take independent legal and tax advice tailored to your situation.