Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, located in eastern France, is a region rich in heritage, gastronomy and tranquil countryside living. For international buyers looking to escape busy cities and embrace an authentic French lifestyle, it offers a compelling mix of affordable homes, historic towns and natural beauty. If you’re considering buying property in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in 2025, let us explain everything you need to know – from where to buy to navigating the legal process smoothly.
Contents
- Why buy in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté?
- Housing market overview
- Lifestyle and attractions
- Steps to buying property
- Property buying costs
Buying property in Bourgogne-Franche-Comte could mean a home in Besancon
Why you should be buying property in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté?
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté stretches from the Swiss border to the edges of central France. Formed from the merger of Burgundy and Franche-Comté in 2016, the region represents some of the best value for property hunters seeking authentic France. Not yet overrun by tourists, it appeals to buyers who want wide open spaces, traditional architecture and a slower pace of life.
The region is known worldwide for its wine production, particularly from names like Chablis, Mâcon and Côte de Beaune. Alongside the wine, you’ll find peaceful canals, pastures home to Charolais cattle and hamlets full of charming cottages, many still priced under €100,000. It’s ideal for buyers priced out of more saturated areas like Provence or Dordogne.
Whether you dream of owning a vineyard, starting a B&B or simply spending summers in a stone farmhouse, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté offers opportunity. Property types range from timber-framed homes to townhouses in cities like Dijon. Interest among foreign buyers is growing steadily, but there’s still space to find a bargain.
For a fuller look at purchasing property abroad, claim you free copy of our France Buying Guide:
Housing market overview
Property in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté remains some of the most competitively priced in the country, particularly in rural areas and undervalued departments like Nièvre and Haute-Saône. While prices have risen slightly since 2023 due to broader inflation and demand shifts post-COVID, they still undercut most other French regions by a wide margin in 2025.
You’ll find farmhouses needing renovation from around €60,000 and modernised family homes or apartments for under €150,000. Even in vibrant cities like Dijon, the average house price hovers around €260,000 – less than half the cost of a similar home in Lyon. As a comparison, Auxerre, a northern Burgundy town with UNESCO-listed architecture, offers three-bedroom homes for under €180,000.
If you want rural character with amenities nearby, consider areas like Louhans, Vézelay or Buxy. These towns combine a relaxed atmosphere, quality healthcare and weekly markets with solid property options. Dijon, the region’s historic capital, mixes half-timbered houses with museums, shops and reliable public transport links. You’ll also be within a couple of hours of both Paris and the Alps by TGV or car – ideal for second-home owners who travel frequently.
Unlike regions dominated by British or Dutch communities, this part of France is quieter when it comes to foreign ownership. Nièvre, however, now sees over 5% of its housing stock owned by non-residents. That means you’re unlikely to face inflated “expat” pricing structures but still benefit from an increasingly international flavour.
Lifestyle and attractions
Life in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is defined by the seasons. In spring, villages host flower festivals and wine tastings. In summer, the countryside is alive with bike tours, canal boating and music events. Come autumn, vineyards burst into colour and winter brings fresh produce markets and skiing trips to the Jura Mountains.
The region is home to a range of cultural landmarks and heritage sites. The Abbey of Cluny, one of the most influential monastic centres of medieval Europe, dates back to 910. Besançon, famous for its 17th-century citadel and watchmaking tradition, has been designated a UNESCO site and has earned a reputation as France’s greenest city.
For food lovers, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is unbeatable. Dijon is renowned not only for mustard but also its high-quality regional cuisine and thriving café scene. The town of Mâcon is a must for wine tourists. It hosts the annual Grands Vins de France fair and is surrounded by rolling vineyards. Think duck confit, escargots and creamy sauces – with wine, naturally – and you get a flavour of daily life here.
This is a region where agriculture and tourism are the main industries. Buyers who want to build a business or base themselves long term will find regular job opportunities in wine production, rural tourism, food export and artisan crafts.
Steps to buying property in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Whether you’re buying a second home, investing or planning a permanent move, here’s how to approach buying in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in 2025:
1. Know your budget and goals: Define what you need – size, location, lifestyle preferences – and think about long-term goals like renting out or retiring.
2. Research the area: Use online property portals, explore local listings and attend one of our virtual events to understand market behaviour.
3. Speak to a currency expert: Exchange rate fluctuations can greatly affect your costs. Using a forward contract allows you to lock in a rate in advance. Learn more by speaking with Smart Currency Exchange.
4. Book viewing trips: Choose properties to visit and plan a viewing stay. Download our Viewing Trip Guide to learn how to make your expedition a success.
5. Engage a bilingual notaire: All sales must go through a notaire. Choose one with experience helping international buyers. For added protection, speak with an independent solicitor too.
6. Secure your finances: If you need a mortgage, apply through a bank or broker familiar with non-resident applications. Be ready with income documents, and expect a required deposit of 20–30%.
7. Make your offer: Offers are made in writing and often accepted below asking price. After your offer is accepted, you’ll sign a preliminary contract – either a compromis de vente or promesse de vente – and pay a 5–10% deposit.
8. Complete the sale: Several months later, you’ll sign the final deed (acte de vente) at the notaire’s office. That’s when you pay the remaining balance and get full ownership.
Plan ahead and seek support from approved local experts to streamline the process. At Your Overseas Home, our consultants are always ready to guide you through each stage.
Costs when buying property in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Understanding the true cost is vital. In France, buyers pay the notaire’s fees, which cover taxes and legal administration. These fees normally add 7–8% to the property price for older homes and around 2–3% for newly built ones. This includes transfer tax, land registration and the notaire’s own compensation.
Check whether the advertised price includes the estate agent’s fee (commission d’agence). If not, expect an additional 3–6%, though many estate agents build this into their pricing. Get clarification before making an offer.
Other property ownership costs include:
- Taxe foncière: An annual land tax. Typically based on property size and local rates.
- Taxe d’habitation: This tax has now been phased out for most primary residences but may still apply for second homes, depending on the commune.
- Home insurance: Mandatory in France, even for holiday homes.
If you plan to rent the property, speak to a French accountant or tax adviser. Depending on your income and rental type (long-term vs touristic), you may benefit from simplified tax regimes or expense deductions.
To avoid surprises and lower long-term costs, get clear tax guidance before signing. Many of our recommended professionals can assist with both the paperwork and ongoing reporting requirements.
To begin your journey, speak to a property consultant today.
