From its legendary forests and rugged cliff paths to charming harbours and lively towns, buying property in Brittany (Bretagne in French) offers the chance to enjoy an authentic slice of French life. With a strong sense of regional identity, a milder climate than the south, and access to both beautiful coastlines and tranquil countryside, Brittany has long been popular with British, Irish and other international buyers.

Nestled in the far northwest of France, Brittany covers more than 27,000 square kilometres – that’s larger than Wales. Despite its size, you’re never more than a short drive from the sea. The region’s four départements – Finistère, Côtes-d’Armor, Ille-et-Vilaine and Morbihan – offer something for every taste and budget.

This article explains why Brittany remains a top choice for second homes, retirement properties and relocation, including what to expect from property prices, where to look and how to navigate the French property buying process in 2025.

Contents

• Why buy in Brittany?
• Property prices in Brittany
• Best locations for property in Brittany
• Understanding the buying process
• Costs of buying property in Brittany

You can live in a historic town like Rochefort-en-Terre by buying property in Brittany

Why buy in Brittany?

Brittany’s appeal lies in its distinct cultural heritage, slower pace of life and diverse landscapes. Unlike France’s more commercialised southern coastlines, Brittany offers a more traditional, untouched feel. Fishing villages, castles and wild heather-covered hills are common sights here. And while the area has tourist hotspots, most towns and coastal areas remain rooted in local life year round.

With over 1,500km of coastline, Brittany is a paradise for outdoor lovers. You can walk the GR34 coastal path, sail in sheltered bays, or surf the Atlantic swells at Quiberon, Crozon or Locquirec. Summer temperatures now regularly exceed 30°C, but the region still offers cooler weather compared to southern France. Most days enjoy a refreshing Atlantic breeze, and nights typically cool down for comfortable sleep. Winters are mild but often wet, perfect for those seeking lush green landscapes.

The region also enjoys excellent transport links. High-speed TGV trains reach Rennes from Paris in under 90 minutes, and Brittany’s road network connects towns efficiently. There are regional airports in Brest, Rennes and Lorient, plus ferry ports with connections to the UK and Ireland. These links, along with greater flexibility around remote working, have made the region even more appealing since the pandemic.

Another major draw is affordability. With property offering better value than many other French regions, especially those further south or closer to major cities, Brittany remains ideal for those seeking a lifestyle change without overstretching financially.

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Property prices in Brittany

Brittany’s property market in 2025 continues to attract buyers looking for space, character and value. According to Notaires de France data, the average resale property in Brittany costs around €2,700 per square metre. However, regional variation is significant. Inland properties in rural settings may be priced below €1,500 per square metre, while prestigious coastal homes in areas like Dinard or Carnac can reach €6,000 or more per square metre.

Here are sample property prices as of late 2024:

• Brest: Average house price – €242,200
• Rennes: Average apartment price – €3,940 per square metre
• Morlaix (rural inland town): Three-bedroom cottage from €90,000
• Dinard or Roscoff: Modern sea-view home from €450,000+

Renovation projects remain plentiful inland, with some livable homes under €80,000 – ideal for buyers with a DIY mindset. Meanwhile, restored farmhouses, traditional longères or stone-built coastal homes typically range between €250,000 and €500,000 depending on size, land and location.

If your dream includes a sizeable garden or a sea-view property close to amenities, make sure your budget reflects regional nuances. A local estate agent or property consultant can help target the right area based on your priorities.

Best locations for buying property in Brittany

Brittany offers hundreds of characterful towns and villages to explore. From buzzing cultural hubs to sleepy fishing ports, there’s a wide range of environments to suit different lifestyles.

Rennes: As Brittany’s administrative capital and a major university city, Rennes combines historic flair with modern vibrancy. Its cobbled centre is packed with timber-framed houses, while new eco-neighbourhoods attract younger residents. The city is ideal for those wanting urban comforts with easy train links to Paris.

Saint-Malo: Known for its incredible walled old town and historic seafaring past, Saint-Malo is a magnet for tourists, especially in the summer months. The wider Saint-Malo area contains quieter suburbs offering good value with proximity to beaches and services.

Dinard: Sitting across the estuary from Saint-Malo, this elegant seaside resort boasts Victorian mansions, art galleries and palm-lined promenades. It’s among Brittany’s most expensive locations, especially for period homes with views of the Rance River.

Lorient, Roscoff and Lannion: These mid-sized coastal towns offer beautiful maritime settings without the summer crowds of better-known destinations. Regular markets, decent transport links and active community life make them excellent year-round bases.

Inland gems: Towns like Pont-Aven (famous for its association with Gauguin), Huelgoat (near the Brocéliande forest) or Josselin (with an iconic castle and riverside setting) are great for culture lovers. With generous plots and lower prices, inland properties offer fantastic bang for your buck.

Whether you’re drawn to surfing hotspots, artists’ enclaves or historic market towns, Brittany offers a wealth of variety – and you’re never far from the sea.

Buying property in Brittany lets you visit historic towns all over the region

Understanding the buying process

The process for buying property in Brittany follows the same legal structure as elsewhere in France, with some practical considerations for international buyers. Here’s how to proceed in 2025:

1. Define your search area and goals: Start by prioritising what matters most – coastal, rural, investment or lifestyle? Align your budget accordingly by region. Follow our money-saving tips when buying property in France.
2. Set up professional support: Work with a bilingual estate agent and a notaire (independent public lawyer). If you’re not fluent in French, consider hiring an English-speaking legal adviser or property consultant to manage translations and urgent questions.
3. Check financial readiness: If you require a mortgage, pre-approval helps strengthen offers. French lenders typically ask for a 20–30% deposit for non-residents. You’ll also need translated income documentation.
4. Currency planning: Locking in exchange rates with a forward contract can eliminate uncertainty if your funds are in another currency.
5. Make an offer: Verbal offers often precede the formal compromis de vente. Once signed, you’ll have a 10-day cooling-off period before the transaction becomes legally binding.
6. Complete the sale: This usually occurs 2–3 months later when the acte de vente is signed at the notaire’s office. Final payment is due at this point.

Remote buyers may arrange to assign power of attorney to the notaire to finalise paperwork on their behalf. It’s also possible to handle much of the process online with the right support council. For a stress-free experience, use approved bilingual specialists familiar with international buyers in Brittany.

Costs of buying property in Brittany

In addition to the purchase price, buyers in Brittany should budget for several other upfront and ongoing costs. In most cases, fees are comparable to elsewhere in France:

• Notaire fees: Around 7–8% for existing homes and 2–3% for new builds. These cover the notaire’s services, legal paperwork and stamp duties.
• Estate agency fees: Often included in the listed price, but this should be confirmed in advance. If excluded, expect fees of up to 5%.
• Mortgage costs: If financing in France, you’ll pay arrangement fees (typically 1%) and may need life insurance. Brokers may charge a 0.5–1% fee too, but their advice often leads to better terms.
• Legal representation: If using an independent solicitor or translator, budget €1,500–€3,000 depending on services provided.
• Annual taxes: Expect taxe foncière and taxe d’habitation (on second homes). Rates vary by local authority – check in advance.

If you’re planning rental income, speak to a tax adviser early. French tax rules for furnished holiday lets differ from long-term rentals and can affect profitability.

As ever, good planning saves money. Working with specialists approved by Your Overseas Home will help you avoid surprise fees and secure the best overall deal for your Brittany home.

Need personalised advice?

Whether you’re still exploring the region or ready to organise viewings, Your Overseas Home can help. Our experienced property consultants, vetted estate agents and currency partners make buying safer and simpler. To begin your journey, book your free consultation with our team today.