Charente Property
Area GuideProperty Buying Guide

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66 properties
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10 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Aubeterre sur Dronne, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 250650
Fabulous former agricultural/industrial building which has been transformed with exceptional insight, knowledge, and craftsmanship into a characterful and spacious home. The current owners have t...
657,200 EUR
Immaculate 5 bedroom House for sale in Jarnac, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 250532
Rare opportunity to acquire a stylishly renovated 3 storey, 5 bedroom house with pool and garden, located near all amenities in a highly sought after area of Jarnac. This magnificent town house, w...
585,000 EUR
Immaculate 6 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Angouleme, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 250527
Enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location near Angouleme, is this beautifully renovated 6 bedroom house nestling in 14.5 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansi...
1,325,000 EUR
7 bedroom House for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Saint Angeau, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 250421
Recommended
Wonderful opportunity to acquire 3 charming properties nestling in 1.5 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, fruit trees and outbuilding, while enjoying far reaching countryside views f...
617,100 EUR
Character 8 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Villefagnan, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 250353
Full of character and charm and with great income potential, this superb stone built property has 4 gites and is ideally situated close to the attractive village of Villefagnan. Ideal for anyone ...
499,795 EUR
Immaculate 4 bedroom House for sale with countryside and panoramic views in Aubeterre sur Dronne, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 250350
In excellent condition throughout, this beautifully presented and recently refurbished 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom detached farmhouse has been beautifully updated whilst managing to retain all of its cha...
455,800 EUR
Quiet 3 bedroom House for sale with countryside and panoramic views in Montmoreau, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 250318
Beautifully and carefully renovated 3 bedroom stone built farmhouse, situated in a quiet setting, yet just 3km from the market town of Montmoreau and the fast TGV train to Bordeaux and Paris from A...
450,500 EUR
Authentic 4 bedroom House for sale in Angouleme, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 250312
Magnificent 4 bedroom Charentaise house, which is typical of the region, ideally situated within a highly sought-after neighbourhood close to the charming town of Angouleme, with all local shops wi...
445,200 EUR
8 bedroom House for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Villefagnan, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 250259
Recommended
Beautifully renovated 5 bedroom Charantaise Longere with separate 2 bedroom cottage, studios and outbuildings, all nestling in over 4 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with expansive pool near ...
742,000 EUR
Income Producing 15 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Pressignac, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 250172
Nestled at the end of a no-through road, yet just a short walking distance from a bustling lake, The property comprises a spacious main house and four charming gites, surrounded by almost 3 hectare...
795,000 EUR
11 bedroom House for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Rouillac, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 250124
Wonderful opportunity to acquire a collection of four houses and outbuildings, nestling in an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its ...
975,000 EUR
Grand 10 bedroom House for sale with lake or river view in Jarnac, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 249951
Recommended
Fabulous Nineteenth Century chateau on the northern bank of the river Charente, just a five-minute walk from the centre of glorious Jarnac. This extraordinary prestige property was built for a wea...
1,750,000 EUR
Character 6 bedroom House for sale with countryside and panoramic views in Angouleme, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 249903
Charming stone built 6 bedroom property, which was formerly a chapel steeped in history and just oozing with original charm and character. Set high on a hill with amazing views of the open Charent...
699,600 EUR
Immaculate 12 bedroom House for sale in Segonzac, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 249721
Recommended
Beautifully presented 12 bedroom manor house, which has been totally renovated to the highest of standards possible, with no expense spared and with original features being respected and restored w...
2,200,000 EUR
Character 7 bedroom Chateau for sale with panoramic and countryside views in Angouleme, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 249509
Recommended
Magnificent Florentine-style chateaue, which has been built on its 13th Century medieval foundations and surrounded by a dry moat, is full of history and is full of beauty and charm. The current ...
2,200,000 EUR
Unique 11 bedroom House for sale with panoramic and countryside views in Angouleme, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 249482
Recommended
Superb, grand and spacious 11 bedroom stone built manoire, which is ideally situated within one of the most beautiful natural riverside settings. The setting is is simply magical, a little corner ...
1,696,000 EUR
Character 5 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Saint Sulpice de Cognac, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 249457
Recommended
Grand and spacious 5 bedroom property, which is ideally situated in a quiet setting in Saint Sulpice de Cognac, just 10km from the beautiful riverside town of Cognac, 23km from Saintes, 95km from l...
675,000 EUR
Lovingly Maintained 15 bedroom House for sale with panoramic and countryside views in Barbezieux Saint Hilaire, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 249285
Recommended
Charming and beautifully renovated 18th Century stone built farmhouse, plus 2 gites, beautifully located in a quiet setting in Barbezieux Saint Hilaire, nestled between Angouleme and Bordeaux. Se...
850,000 EUR
10 bedroom House for sale with Income Potential in Villebois Lavalette, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 249250
Recommended
Wonderful opportunity to acquire a gorgeous ensemble of 4 properties nestling in 1.7 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool and outbuildings while enjoying panoramic countryside ...
695,000 EUR
Character 4 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Angouleme, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 249183
Magnificent manor house, which was fully renovated in 2002, situated in an ideal location close to the city yet in a tranquil and lush setting in Angouleme. Offering 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, a ...
1,272,000 EUR
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Area Guide

The department of Charente offers a wealth and diversity of landscape beauty, an ancient cultural heritage, world renowned products, and a close proximity, but peaceful alternative, to the bustling Atlantic coast.

The Charente River meanders through 360km of enchanting countryside, past rolling vineyards, ancient water mills, beside glorious Romanesque churches and through picturesque sleepy villages until it reaches the Atlantic Ocean at Fouras. It is the most important river of the region and both Angoulême and Cognac were built on its banks. With its relaxed pace of development and stable population of around 350,000, the department of Charente has become the fourth favourite for British people buying property in France.

Situated in South Western France, Charente is one of the four departments of the Poitou Charente Region. The capital, Poitiers, is known partly for the Futuroscope Theme Park. With Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sèvres and Vienne, the Poitou Charente region lies partly in the Aquitaine Basin while to the north east is the dramatic landscape of the Massif Central.

Charente property ranges from elegant town houses and villas in Cognac and Angoulême, to traditional Charentais farm houses and whitewashed stone villas. Historic manors and chateaux can be found in the villages and dotting the countryside – Charente is an area with good access to the coast but without the premium demanded for coastal property. In 2011, average Charente property prices were very good value and well below the national average of €2980 per m2 (FNAIM 2011, Notaires de France 2011) making this area very popular. With excellent road, rail and air transport links, the area has become a haven for property seekers from the UK and Europe wishing to relocate, purchase second homes or rental properties that generate a steady income. The climate is second only to the Riviera; Charente property owners enjoy over 2000 hours of sunshine per year with early springs, summers tempered by the Atlantic breezes and mild winters. Charente property owners have the best of the wonderful French way of life.

Angoulême is the largest conurbation with a population of 100,000 and is a city of two halves. The hill top ancient town looks down upon the vibrant, modern commercial sector, so it has something for everyone especially during the summer festival season. The monumental wall paintings drawn by famous comic strip artists, and the Comic Strip museum, one of five museums in the city, are a must see for Charente property owners and visitors alike. Cognac is the second largest town where the famous drink dominates activity. Other popular towns and villages for Charente property include Jarnac, La Couronne, Ruffec and Confolens which has excellent examples of half-timbered houses. Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, with its amphitheatre and terraced gardens stands on a limestone cliff. Charente is home to ancient villages and historic buildings including the Abbey of Saint-Savin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Charente originally earned its wealth from salt and then Cognac. Until the 20th Century the river provided transport links with coastal shipping routes and from the 18th century paper products also became an increasingly important contributor to the economy, creating a population peak in 1851. In 1872 the disease Phylloxera devastated the Charantais wine industry and this, and the wars of the 20th century, caused a decline leaving much of the area undeveloped. Today Cognac is still the most important industry with 95% produced for the export market. The regional aperitif Pineau is also produced locally from fermented grape must and Cognac eau-de-vie, but just for local consumers.

The river Charente is still navigable for 171km from Angoulême to Rochfort and there is fishing both here and in the exquisite Marais Poitevin marshland nature reserve where visitors can enjoy flora, fauna and over 64 species of birds from a glass bottomed boat. There is over 100km of cycle routes from which to enjoy the diversity of the local area. The area also boasts five golf courses including the international standard Golf Club de la Prèze.

Angoulême has its own airport, but Charente property owners can also fly to Poitiers, Limoges, Bordeaux and La Rochelle, all of which operate excellent low cost flights to the UK and other parts of Europe. For rail users, the TGV runs from Lille direct to Angoulême in just 4 hours. Angoulême to Paris by car is 5 hours.

The Charente area offers a wealth of features for the discerning property purchaser; beautiful landscape, a wonderful climate, picturesque villages, ancient heritage, and accessibility to the cities and the coast.

Buying a Property in France

1. Signing the Agreement (Compris)

On finding a property you wish to purchase you will need to negotiate the terms, price and conditions of the sale with the owner.

The next step, once you are in agreement, is to sign the preliminary contract (Compromis de Vente). This is a legal document and after ten days will be binding on both parties. Rules change frequently in France and it is best to consult with your notary about when this period starts. Generally the compris will be signed in France with the Agent.

Variants can be included in the compris, for example an Acte (clause) can be added if the name or names to go on the title deed have not been finalised. If a mortgage will be required to purchase the property, the details for this, including the name of the mortgage company, must be on the compris.

2. Paying the Deposit

Generally the deposit will be 10% of the agreed purchase price. This will normally be paid to the notaire. There are exceptions to this, if the agent holds a carte professionelle, is bonded and fully registered then you may pay them, but do not hand over the deposit to anyone else. If for some reason the purchase does not go through, for example, if you write to the notaire and the agent that you do not wish to go continue with the purchase before the contract is binding (within seven days of signing the compris), then your deposit would be repaid. This would also apply if a condition had not been met, or the mayor or S.A.F.E.R. (a government agency that has the right of first purchase on most rural property that comes onto the market in France) could oblige the purchaser to give way. If you decide after the seven days 'cooling off' period that you do not wish to complete the purchase and pull out of the sale you would lose your deposit. If however the vendor pulls out of the sale then you will receive your deposit back plus the same amount from the vendor.

3. On Completion

Generally it will take around two or three months to complete the purchase.

During this time the balance of the purchase money must be paid into the account of the notaire, this must be done well ahead of the completion date. The notaire will prepare the documents, check that the deed of sale (Acte de Vente) is in order and have the legal title ready to be signed over. It is possible to have someone sign on your behalf if you give them power of attorney. An interpreter may be of use at this point if your French is not very good and many Notaires will suggest (or insist) that an interpreter is with you.

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