In recent years, the appeal of the Hauts-de-France region has grown steadily among international buyers looking for a peaceful rural life within easy reach of the UK and northern Europe. Bordering Belgium and sitting just north of Paris, buying property in Hauts-de-France means a home that combines rich history, sandy coasts and charming towns – all with property prices well below the national average.
Whether you’re seeking a countryside retreat, a city apartment near Lille or a holiday home on the Opal Coast, Hauts-de-France has something for every kind of buyer. This article will take you through everything you need to know in 2025, from market trends to the legal process and location-specific tips.
Contents
- Why buy in Hauts-de-France?
- Hauts-de-France property market overview
- Top places to buy property in Hauts-de-France
- How to buy a home in Hauts-de-France
- Extra costs and fees to consider
Buying property in Hauts-de-France puts France’s most beautiful northern towns on your doorstep
Why buy in Hauts-de-France?
Hauts-de-France is often overlooked by international buyers heading deeper into the country, but for those in the know, its location is one of its strongest assets. With Eurostar links to Lille, reliable ferry connections from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk, and Paris less than two hours away by car or train, this northern region is ideally placed for regular visits or spontaneous weekend getaways.
More than just convenient, Hauts-de-France offers an authentic French lifestyle. Think lively regional markets, coastal walks, historic battlefields and forested trails, all without the crowds or inflated prices found in the south of France. From the pretty seaside resort of Le Touquet to mediaeval Montreuil-sur-Mer, every corner of the region oozes history and Gallic charm.
The climate is milder than southern France, making it suitable for those who prefer fresher summers. It’s a region where Parisians often retreat for holidays, and where you’ll also find an established community of British, Belgian and Dutch homeowners.
For a deeper look at the purchasing process, claim your free copy of our France Buying Guide:
Hauts-de-France property market overview
As of 2025, Hauts-de-France stands out as one of the most affordable and stable housing markets in France, especially for buyers coming from abroad. Average prices remain significantly lower than in regions like Île-de-France or Provence. According to Notaires de France, the average price per square metre in the region is around €2,000, compared with nearly €11,000 in central Paris.
The five departments that make up Hauts-de-France – Nord, Pas-de-Calais, Somme, Oise and Aisne – offer varied opportunities. Lille, as a regional economic centre with universities and excellent transport connections, commands higher prices, with flats fetching around €3,800/m². In contrast, rural farmhouses and village homes in departments like Aisne or Somme can often be found from €120,000 to €200,000.
Many international buyers are drawn to the Opal Coast for its beaches, seafood restaurants and scenic cycle routes. Le Touquet, Berck-sur-Mer and Wimereux are particularly popular. Prices in these coastal hotspots are driven up by Parisian second-home buyers, with well-positioned homes near the sea starting around €500,000. Inland, however, you’ll find spacious homes and even renovation projects at a fraction of the cost.
The market here has shown resilience, with growing interest from expats post-Brexit. It’s well-suited to those wanting a slower pace of life without isolation or high costs. Whether you’re buying for holidays, permanent relocation or investment, the region offers reliable value and a strong rental market in high season.
Top places buying property in Hauts-de-France
Choosing the right location is key to a successful property purchase. In Hauts-de-France, you can choose between urban living, seaside relaxation or countryside tranquillity. Here’s a closer look at a few of the best-known areas to consider in 2025:
Lille: A lively cultural and business hub with fantastic rail links. Great for students, professionals and investors. Expect modern apartments and loft-style conversions.
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage: A chic seaside resort with belle époque villas and smart restaurants. Popular with French and international second-home owners.
Montreuil-sur-Mer: A charming fortified town steeped in history. Affordable stone houses and quiet lanes make it popular with retirees and holidaymakers alike.
Arras: Known for Flemish-style squares, a vibrant arts scene and direct train lines to Paris. Property here is relatively good value, with townhouses from €250,000.
Rural Pas-de-Calais & Somme: Perfect for those seeking a farmhouse, barn or smallholding. You can find larger homes with land starting from €150,000 depending on condition.
Smaller villages across Aisne and Oise offer access to rolling countryside, historical landmarks and wildlife parks. These areas benefit from lower prices and growing local investment in amenities. If you’re looking for long-term value, they deserve a closer look during your viewing trip.
How to buy a home in Hauts-de-France
The legal and administrative process to buy in Hauts-de-France is the same as elsewhere in France. It is safe and transparent, with notaires ensuring legal protection for both parties.
Here’s how the buying process works:
- Define your brief: Clarify your needs, budget and deal-breakers. Book a call with our property consultants to refine your shortlist much faster than searching alone.
- Research and arrange viewings: Attend one of our virtual events or book a viewing trip. Meeting estate agents and seeing properties in person helps build local knowledge. Grab your copy of our Viewing Trip Guide for more detail.
- Talk to a currency expert: Exchange rates can fluctuate significantly over a few months. Secure a good rate early with a forward contract to protect your final budget. Learn more by talking to Smart Currency Exchange.
- Make an offer: Once you’ve found the right property, your agent will help you submit the offer and negotiate terms with the seller.
- Sign the preliminary contract: This is usually the compromis de vente or promesse de vente. A 5–10% deposit is usually required, held by the notaire.
- Legal checks and mortgage (if needed): During a cooling-off period, the notaire and your solicitor (if you appoint one) carry out legal and planning checks. This is also when mortgage funds are confirmed if you’re borrowing.
- Final contract and payment: Around three months later, you sign the acte de vente at the notaire’s office and pay the balance.
A bilingual notaire or solicitor is strongly recommended, even for fluent French speakers. They will ensure the translation of legal terms and local legislation.
Extra costs to consider when buying property in Hauts-de-France
When buying property in France, the sale price is just the starting point. The total cost includes several additional expenses that can significantly affect your budget.
Notaire fees, which cover both government taxes and the notaire’s services, typically add 7–8% to the price of an older home, while new builds may attract a lower rate of 2–3%. Estate agency fees are often included in the advertised price, but this is not guaranteed – always check early to avoid unexpected costs.
Property owners are also responsible for taxe foncière and taxe d’habitation, which vary depending on the location and value of the property, but can amount to several thousand euros each year. If you are taking out a French mortgage, you will also need to account for arrangement and broker fees, which usually total 0.5–1% of the loan.
Currency exchange is another key consideration. A small shift in the exchange rate can make a substantial difference to your overall spend. Working with a currency specialist like Smart Currency Exchange allows you to fix a rate in advance or receive alerts when the market moves in your favour – helping you stay in control of your budget.
Many of these costs can be planned for or reduced with the right guidance. At Your Overseas Home, our team offers tailored advice and can introduce you to legal, financial and mortgage professionals who understand the process and can support you at every stage.
Start your journey today
Hauts-de-France might just be the most underrated region for buying property in France. With a blend of coastal towns, city living and countryside peace – all under three hours from London – it’s time international buyers gave this area the attention it deserves.
Ready to begin your property search? Book a free call with our team to find out more.
