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Charente Property

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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.

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.

IMPORTANT - Disclaimer :
All information provided is believed to be current and provided free of charge. No liability can be accepted for the reliability of the information and statements made as this is obtained from 3rd parties. We always recommend you take legal advice from a fully qualified Lawyer or Notary before buying a property overseas.

51 properties

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Grand and beautifully maintained, this historic, extraordinary and authentic estate features a main Chateau, Chateau for entertaining, along with several outbuildings and additional accommodation. ......

2,950,000 EURREF: 248094

Magnificent 11 bedroom 19th Century Chateau, which is ideally located in the immediate vicinity of Cognac, within an exceptional setting with panoramic views over the Charente valley. Thoroughly ......

2,438,000 EURREF: 247951

Magnificent 9 bedroom Renaissance Chateau, which was extensively and sympathetically renovated in the early 20th Century in keeping with the original architecture. Situated in a quiet setting, yet......

2,500,000 EURREF: 247680

Great opportunity to purchase a wine estate located in a quiet setting in the Cognac area, with a total of 54.9 hectares of vines, which includ 2.57 hectares of Grande Champagne vines, around 24 he......

5,211,897 EURREF: 247557

Excellent income generating opportunity with this beautifully presented existing gite business, which is ideally situated in a quiet setting within the sleepy village of Villefagnan, with a swimmin......

449,440 EURREF: 247551

Beautifully presented and full of character and charm, this prestigious stone-built gite complex, which features 5 renovated gites and a distinguished 150m2 main house, is ideally set in a quiet an......

725,000 EURREF: 247307

Full of charm and character is this elegant 5 bedroom house with separate guest house and outbuildings, nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens, ideally located near all ameni......

873,600 EURREF: 247266

Spacious and newly renovated 5 bedroom farmhouse with outbuildings in a small hamlet in a quiet area,10 Km South of Barbezieux. The 5 bedroom property comes with 260 m2 of living space and numerou......

420,000 EURREF: 247197

Lovely and spacious family property with gite, recently renovated with taste, just a short walk from shops, schools and all amenities in the popular town of Mansle. Set in almost two thirds of an......

455,800 EURREF: 246917

Situated in a quiet area just 35 minutes from Angouleme and nestled in an exceptional setting, this magnificent 7 bedroom, 16th, 17th and 18th Century chateau has been beautifully and tastefully re......

1,272,000 EURREF: 246889

Full of character and charm, this lovely 3 bedroom stone built house with separate one bedroom guest house, is located in a quiet setting in Sainte Severe, just 15 minutes from Cognac. Nestled in......

434,600 EURREF: 246844

Grand, spacious and beautifully presented stone built Charentaise property, which is strategically situated close to essential amenities, with a boulangerie in the village and the town of Jarnac is......

405,980 EURREF: 246831

Very well presented spacious 5 bedroom Maison de Maitre, nestling in an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool and outbuildings, located near all amenities in Marsac. This large and hands......

715,500 EURREF: 246798

Full of character and charm and beautifully presented, this lovely property is made up of 2 independent houses, which are situated in a small hamlet close to Massignac. Boasting 3 bedrooms in the ......

449,950 EURREF: 246708

Superb stone built property, which is ideally situated in a quiet setting close to Nanteuil en Vallee, set on a plot of 60,755m2 with a swimming pool and lovely countryside views. Main house - sin......

560,000 EURREF: 246702

Excellent investment opportunity consisting of a spacious stone main house, 3 guesthouses (potential gites - subject to necessary permissions), and the option to create a wellness centre with a spa......

499,800 EURREF: 246573

Magnificent 4 bedroom estate, which beautifully offers a unique living experience right in the heart of nature, nestled within over 2.5 hectares of land with a stream and a working mill. This exce......

619,500 EURREF: 246433

Full of character and charm, this spacious 7 bedroom Charentaise syle house, which is currently divided in 2, each of which have their own water and electricity meter and entrances. Possibility t......

402,800 EURREF: 246398

Grand and spacious, this magnificent 9 bedroom 19th Century chateau, which is ideally situated right in the heart of the Grande Champagne region, near Jarnac (8 minutes) and Cognac (15 minutes), in......

848,000 EURREF: 246373

Charming 3 storey, 7 bedroom house with mature garden, ideally located near all amenities in the heart of Barbezieux Saint Hilaire. From the cellar to the attic, this delightful property offers al......

619,500 EURREF: 246366

Magnificent and beautifully presented 7 bedroom manor house, which is accessed via a majestic entrance gate that opens onto a beautiful courtyard adorned with an authentic dovecote and 400m2 of out......

795,000 EURREF: 246332

Lovely rural property with a main house, 3 gites, outbuildings, swimming pool and even its own truffle farm, set in almost 5 acres of land. The main house has been completely renovated and has un......

678,400 EURREF: 246270

Elegant 3 bedroom stone built manor house style property, which is ideally set in a small hamlet close to Hiersac, which offers basic amenities and the town of Chateauneuf sur Charente is just a sh......

549,000 EURREF: 246224

Exciting opportunity to develop this character farmhouse with outbuildings in an enchanting setting with almost 3 acres of land in a rural setting yet close to Barbezieux Saint Hilaire. This 6 bed......

424,000 EURREF: 246105

Grand and spacious, this beautifully stone built renovated 5 bedroom house is entered through wrought iron gates leading into a gravelled driveway. With a total living area of 275m2, this charming......

615,000 EURREF: 245955

Enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location near Angouleme, is this fabulous gite complex comprising of a charming house and 5 gites, nestling in 10 hectares of glorious lan......

1,255,000 EURREF: 245841

Spacious 6 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Cognac, Poitou-Charentes

Ideally situated in a quiet setting, yet just a short drive from the historic town of Cognac, this very large country house is set on over an acre of land and comes with a swimming pool. Ideal as ......

549,000 EURREF: 245696

Character 11 bedroom Complex for sale with lake or river view and countryside view views in Verteuil sur Charente, Poitou-Charentes

Ideally situated close to the thriving village of Verteuil sur Charente, this charming and magnificent rural riverside complex includes a 15th Century mill and 2 guest houses, all of which have bee......

1,951,750 EURREF: 245410

Character 6 bedroom Farmhouse for sale in Aubeterre sur Dronne, Poitou-Charentes

Spacious and versatile farm property located at the end of a tree lined lane with no close neighbours. The main house comes with all its original character and comprises a large sitting room wi......

440,000 EURREF: 245232

Bright 3 bedroom Villa for sale in Angouleme, Poitou-Charentes

Bright, spacious and unique 3 bedroom house, situated in an excellent setting in Angouleme. With top-of-the-range features and a living area of 204m2, features include, on the ground floor: spacio......

1,040,000 EURREF: 245093

9 bedroom Manor House for sale with Income Potential in Valence, Poitou-Charentes

Versatile and spacious 9 bedroom Maison de Maitre with income potential in a pretty riverside village with bar/restaurant, just 10 minutes from the town of Mansle in the Charente. This 350m2 pro......

396,900 EURREF: 244998

Grand 6 bedroom Manor House for sale in Angouleme, Poitou-Charentes

Superb, fully renovated Manor house with 6 en suite bedrooms, swimming pool, tennis court and set in almost 2 acres of land. Entered via large gates and gravelled driveway there is ample parkin......

775,000 EURREF: 244882

Character 5 bedroom house for sale with countryside view in Cognac, Poitou-Charentes

Stunning 5 bedroom stone built barn conversion, which is ideally set on the edge of a small hamlet, yet just a 15 minute drive from the historic town of Cognac. Wjith very substantial living accom......

798,000 EURREF: 244778

Character 7 bedroom house for sale in Nanteuil en Vallee, Poitou-Charentes

Superb stone Charentaise house with uninterrupted views over the valley, set in over 15 acres with over 4 hectares of woodland and 2 hectares of grassland, ideal for horse owners. Located just a ......

556,500 EURREF: 244744

Character 5 bedroom house for sale with panoramic view in Blanzac Porcheresse, Poitou-Charentes

Stunning 4 bedroom stone built Charentaise, which is immaculately presented and boasts a newly constructed swimming pool and amazing countryside views. Situated on a hill overlooking the sunflowe......

439,900 EURREF: 244696

7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Confolens, Poitou-Charentes

Nestling in nearly 11 acres of glorious land with a lake, is this beautifully restored 15th century French Chateau with separate 3 bedroom gite, barn and stables, enjoying far reaching countryside......

985,000 EURREF: 244636

Character 7 bedroom house for sale with countryside view and panoramic view views in Barbezieux Saint Hilaire, Poitou-Charentes

Stunning 7 bedroom property, which is ideally located in a quiet setting amongst the rolling hills of south Charente, on the edge of woodland, yet just a few minutes from Barbezieux Saint Hilaire a......

508,800 EURREF: 244612

Character 6 bedroom house for sale with countryside view in Angouleme, Poitou-Charentes

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Charente Property

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1. Signing the Agreement (Compris)

2. Paying the Deposit

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