Many would-be smallholders are attracted by the cheaper property prices in France

Ten years ago Richard and Sue Adams moved to France and bought a smallholding. In the intervening years Sue set up a marketing company, French Properties Direct, for people who want to buy and sell property in France privately, so avoiding the need to pay estate agency fees, which can typically be around 6% of the value of the property. The company offers several inexpensive advertising packages which the seller pays for. When a potential buyer contacts the company they are then put in touch with the property owner directly, cutting out the estate agent. For those looking for an affordable smallholding this is a real boon.

Sue explained: “Buying a property with land and outbuildings is prohibitively expensive in many parts of Britain now, whereas in France you can acquire a small farmhouse with outbuildings, established fruit trees and space for a few sheep or hens comparatively cheaply. Many people have taken advantage of this situation and I have seen lots of buyers who have retired from an urban lifestyle in the UK to live the good life in rural France.”

Apart from property prices the warmer weather means a wider variety of fruit and vegetables can be grown and – as anyone who has visited a French market knows – there is a tradition of low food miles, recycling or upcycling, self-sufficiency and locally grown fruit and vegetables. To find out more about properties Sue is currently selling visit the company’s website www.frenchpropertiesdirect.com or email Sue at:sue@frenchpropertiesdirect.com

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