“You really have to check it for yourself” – Lessons from a buyer in rural France

When Mike and his wife sold their second home in Devon, they weren’t chasing profit. “We had two houses and only needed one,” he explained. “We said, ‘Why don’t we do what we always promised we’d do and buy a house in France?’”

The couple had no intention of subletting or turning a profit –they simply wanted a place to enjoy life. “We’ll lend it to friends, free of charge, but we’re not doing this to make money.”

Now, the couple spend up to four months a year at their Napoleonic stone house in Duras, Lot-et-Garonne, a peaceful village surrounded by vineyards, sunflower fields and gentle hills that remind them of the Cotswolds.

Mike calls it “a lovely little hamlet – just a few houses and lots of farming.” Their home sits just beneath a historic château on the hill, and Mike describes the winding approach: “We drop down to our house and then we go up again – it’s quite hilly around there, which is nice.”

A house full of charm and character

They viewed several properties before finding the one – a south-facing Napoleonic house with a new roof, a private swimming pool, mature trees for shade, and a barn big enough for a ping-pong table for the grandchildren. “It ticked a lot of boxes,” says Mike.

The home had been renovated by a French family, but one part still needed finishing. Knowing it can be a challenge to find tradespeople in France, especially with the language barrier, they hired a local English builder.

Over time, they built a dependable team of locals: “We’ve got a handyman who’s brilliant, a guy who mows the lawn with a ride-on, and a cleaner who comes in before we arrive, opens all the shutters and gets rid of the cobwebs.” The handyman had previously built a pergola on the property, and their cleaner had worked in the house for former owners – connections that proved invaluable.

If you’re planning similar improvements, read our guide on how to renovate your property in France. For longer-term upkeep, our article on managing your French property covers what you need to know.

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A smooth purchase with Smart Currency Exchange

The home cost around €500,000 – a significant investment, but one they had already planned for. “We sold our second home in Kingsbridge and had the cash,” Mike explains. “It just felt like the right time.”

To transfer the funds safely and avoid exchange rate shocks, they used Smart Currency Exchange. Mike said the process “went smoothly” and described the service as “professional” throughout.

If you’re budgeting for your own dream home, make sure you understand the costs of buying property in France and explore our money-saving tips for making your money go further.

French quirks and practical advice

Mike quickly discovered that buying in France comes with its quirks. “In the UK, you’d get a survey done – but in France, they don’t do that,” he says. “You really have to drill down and ask questions yourself. Does the sewage pipe work? Does the boiler work? How old is the hot water tank?”

Even with a largely renovated property, they had surprises. “The hot water tank had corroded, and the pool pump was too small for the size of the pool – it was noisy and overworked. We had to replace both.” He adds that they were lucky to find locals who already knew the house well, but warns: “Don’t assume somebody else has checked. You’ve got to be hands-on or have people who know what they’re doing.”

If you’re planning to buy, our full guide to the French property buying process is a must-read. Not sure where to begin? Learn how to find a property in France with our helpful search strategies.

Enjoying village life in France

Life in Duras has brought the couple a slower pace and simple pleasures. “It’s calm, it’s sunny, and it’s just lovely,” Mike says. “We end up doing more walking there than we do here in Devon.”

Though some early friendships with neighbours faded – one neighbour sadly passed away, and another returned to the UK – they’ve found it easy to meet new people. “There’s a big expat community in Eymet, about 20 minutes away,” Mike adds, noting that they’ve made friends with both French and English residents.

Above all, their second home is a place to relax. “We’re not trying to sublet or flip it,” he says. “It’s a space to enjoy with family and friends.”

Mike’s tips for second-home buyers

• Be hands-on: Ask questions and don’t assume the house has been properly inspected.
• Build a local network: They have trusted people for cleaning, maintenance and small jobs – and it makes all the difference.
• Focus on enjoyment: They’re not trying to sublet or flip the house. They simply love being there.

When asked if they’d do it all again, Mike’s answer is simple: “No regrets.”

Whether you’re dreaming of a rural hideaway like Mike’s or a chic city apartment, knowing where to buy property in France is the first step. Once you’ve found your perfect location, our complete guide on how to buy property in France will walk you through the process. Ready to take the next step? Book a consultation with one of our expert property consultants today and start planning your move with confidence.