For British and other international buyers, Normandy combines easy access from the UK with the best of rural and coastal French living. Whether you’re drawn by its quiet countryside, rich history or unbeatable ferry links, buying property in Normandy appeals to both second-home seekers and permanent relocators.
Famous for cider orchards, half-timbered cottages and dramatic seaside cliffs, Normandy offers the tranquillity of the French countryside with a dash of Parisian elegance – especially around hotspots like Deauville and Honfleur.
This guide explains everything you need to know about buying property in Normandy in 2025, including regional house prices, buying steps and specialist tips to make your French property dream a reality.
Contents
- Why you should be buying property in Normandy
- What can you buy in Normandy?
- Property costs in Normandy
- How to buy property in Normandy
- Extra costs to consider in Normandy
Buying property in Normandy can mean a home in the beautiful medieval town of Bayeux
Why you should be buying property in Normandy
Normandy’s blend of rural charm and coastal sophistication makes it one of northern France’s most versatile regions for property buyers. Situated just across the Channel, it is one of the easiest parts of France to reach from the UK – giving buyers the freedom to visit more frequently or manage the home themselves with less hassle.
With over 600 kilometres of coastline, Normandy’s seafront ranges from elegant resorts like Deauville to wild stretches of cliff-backed beaches. Inland, find rolling pastures, apple orchards and picturesque villages, many untouched by mass tourism. Areas such as Suisse Normande and Pays d’Auge are packed with rustic homes, making them favourites with those seeking nature and tranquillity.
Culturally rich, Normandy played a huge role in French and European history, with heritage sites like Mont Saint-Michel and the D-Day landing beaches drawing global interest. Cities such as Rouen and Caen offer the buzz of historic urban life with a fraction of the cost of Paris.
Thanks to its popularity among Parisians for weekend retreats, Normandy is well-served by train connections and road infrastructure. The ferry ports of Cherbourg, Caen and Dieppe make it especially attractive for British buyers who want to drive over without relying on flights.
For a deeper look at purchasing property abroad, claim your free copy of our France Buying Guide:
What can you buy in Normandy?
Normandy’s property market caters to a broad range of preferences and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a lock-up-and-leave apartment in a port town, a coastal villa or a characterful farmhouse with outbuildings, the region has plenty of choice.
On the coast, elegant towns such as Honfleur and Trouville-sur-Mer offer traditional seaside townhouses and charming apartments, many with harbour views and within walking distance to local markets and restaurants. Expect more competition here – and higher prices – as these locations are popular both with French buyers and international second-home owners.
Move just inland and prices typically become more affordable. In the Orne and Manche departments, you’ll find country cottages, stone-built farmhouses and equestrian properties, often with generous plots of land. The further from the coast you go, the more space you can get for your money.
Areas like Beuvron-en-Auge – officially listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages – offer properties that are ideal as future retirement homes or rental investments. You might pay as little as €100,000 for a renovation-ready village house in a rural hamlet, especially if you’re prepared to take on some DIY.
Normandy is also home to urban hubs offering modern conveniences. Rouen and Caen both have relatively affordable flats and terraced houses suited for first-time buyers or people seeking strong infrastructure and cultural attractions.
Costs of buying property in Normandy
As of 2025, Normandy remains competitively priced compared with other parts of France like Provence or the Côte d’Azur. The average property price per square metre depends largely on location:
- Urban areas: €2,800–€3,200 per m² in cities like Rouen and Caen
- Popular coastal towns: €3,000–€4,000 per m² in Honfleur and Deauville
- Rural countryside: €1,500–€2,000 per m² across much of Orne and southern Manche
To give a sense of budget, €200,000 may buy a renovated townhouse near Bayeux or a modest holiday flat in Dieppe. With €300,000–€400,000, you could secure a family-sized home with land in the countryside, or a traditional villa closer to the coast.
Renovation properties still exist under €100,000, although demand means they now sell quickly. If you plan to restore a historic property, be sure to factor in the cost of local artisans found via the French business directory.
How to buy property in Normandy
Buying a home in Normandy follows the same process as the rest of France, but there are key steps that international buyers should understand.
1. Define your needs: Be clear on whether you want a holiday home, investment or permanent move. Decide your location preferences, budget and timeframe.
2. Plan your finances: Get mortgage advice early, especially as non-residents often need a 20–30% deposit. Speak to a currency specialist to avoid exchange rate surprises. Book a call with Smart Currency Exchange to explore your options.
3. Search with expert help: Use bilingual estate agents familiar with international buyers. Trusted agencies may know of off-market properties or sellers willing to negotiate. Take a look at all our expert partners in France.
4. Visit properties in person: Arrange a scouting trip to view shortlisted homes and meet local agents. You may want to book a virtual property viewings or attend in person. If you plan to travel, download our free Viewing Trip Guide to learn more.
5. Make an offer: Offers in France are not binding until a preliminary contract (compromis de vente or promesse de vente) is signed through the notaire. At this point, you’ll pay a deposit (usually 5–10%).
6. Legal due diligence: The notaire performs official checks on title, charges and planning permissions. Language help is essential at this stage. Ask for translated documents if needed.
7. Final signing: Typically 2–3 months later, sign the final contract (acte de vente) and pay the remaining balance. Afterwards, the home is legally yours. Mortgage arrangements and currency transfers should be completed by this date.
Buying property in France is secure and heavily regulated. Using a bilingual notaire and aligning with experts for tax and inheritance advice will help you avoid potential hold-ups or hidden costs.
Extra costs when buying property in Normandy
When budgeting for your Normandy property, remember that the sale price is only part of the overall cost. Additional fees are standard and should always be accounted for upfront.
Notaire fees and taxes: These vary depending on whether the property is new or second-hand. For resale homes, expect to pay around 7–8% of the purchase price in notaire fees and transfer taxes. For new-builds, the cost is lower – around 2–3% – but VAT (20%) is often included in the sale price.
Estate agent commission: Agency fees are usually 4–8% of the sale price. In most listings, it will be stated whether the price is including (FAI – frais d’agence inclus) or excluding these fees. Always confirm with the agent.
Currency exchange risk: For British and non-euro buyers, currency fluctuations pose a hidden risk. In the months between offer and completion, the exchange rate may shift. Speak to foreign exchange specialist Smart Currency Exchange about fixing your rate early using a forward contract or discussing market options to avoid this risk.
Renovation and upkeep: Farmhouses and older buildings may need extensive upgrades, particularly to meet the latest energy efficiency standards, known as the DPE rating. Work with a property surveyor or builder before making an offer to understand potential renovation and heating costs.
Ongoing property taxes: France has two main annual property taxes – taxe foncière and taxe d’habitation. These are based on property size and location. As a second-home owner, you will usually pay both unless the local mairie grants an exemption.
Understanding these costs in advance allows you to plan with greater confidence. Working with a local property consultant will help you make realistic financial decisions from the start.
To get help planning your move, book a free consultation with one of our Normandy experts today.
