Compact homes in the centre of a village, often attached to neighbours on one or both sides.

• Services: Usually connected to mains water and mains drainage.

• Parking: Limited — often street parking or a small garage.

• Gardens/Land: Often a small courtyard or modest back garden (50–300 m²).

• Lifestyle: Ideal for buyers wanting to be part of a community, within walking distance of boulangeries, cafés, and markets.

A long, single-storey stone farmhouse, often dating back several centuries. These homes usually feature thick stone walls, wooden beams, and an attic that may be convertible.

• Services: Most are on septic tanks (fosse septique), not mains drainage.

• Parking: Typically plenty of space, often a gravel courtyard or barns for covered parking.

• Gardens/Land: Anywhere from 1,000 m² to several hectares. Many come with orchards, fields, or woodland.

• Lifestyle: Perfect for those who want rustic charm, privacy, and the potential to renovate or extend.

Found in larger towns like Laval, Mayenne, and Château-Gontier. Elegant, taller properties often with period features such as fireplaces, tiled floors, and wrought iron balconies.

• Services: Almost always connected to mains water, gas, and mains drains.

• Parking: May have a driveway, garage, or on-street parking.

• Gardens/Land: Usually a private walled garden (200–800 m²), sometimes with outbuildings.

• Lifestyle: Convenient for schools, shops, cultural life, and train connections — good for families or those relocating permanently.

A farmhouse with outbuildings and some land, often no longer used for commercial farming but perfect for hobby farming or self-sufficiency.

• Services: Septic tank is typical; mains water may be supplemented by wells.

• Parking: Ample parking and barns for vehicles, machinery, or workshops.

• Gardens/Land: Usually 1–5 hectares, suitable for keeping animals or creating a large garden.

• Lifestyle: Best suited to buyers who want rural living with space and independence.

Former agricultural barns, either converted into stylish modern homes or sold ready for conversion.

• Services: Varies; if already converted, usually septic tank unless connected to mains.

• Parking: Ample, often in courtyards or alongside the property.

• Gardens/Land: 500 m²–2 hectares; depends on the parcel sold.

• Lifestyle: Popular with buyers wanting contemporary open-plan living inside historic stone walls. A “blank canvas” for creative projects.

Modern homes built from the 1970s onwards, often single-storey (bungalow style) or with one upper floor.

• Services: Nearly always connected to mains drains, water, and electricity.

• Parking: Usually a driveway and garage.

• Gardens/Land: Plot sizes typically 500–2,000 m², often fenced and easy to maintain.

• Lifestyle: Low-maintenance, practical homes — ideal for those who prefer comfort and efficiency over renovation projects.

A farmhouse with a full set of agricultural buildings, often still in use.

• Services: Usually septic tank; may have wells in addition to mains water.

• Parking: Extensive — barns and hangars provide covered space for vehicles and machinery.

• Gardens/Land: 5–50 hectares depending on sale, often including arable land or pastures.

• Lifestyle: Suits buyers looking for a working or hobby farm, equestrian use, or large-scale renovation projects.

Built by wealthy landowners, these are prestigious town or country homes with symmetrical layouts, marble fireplaces, sweeping staircases, and high ceilings.

• Services: Typically mains water; drainage can be either mains or septic, depending on location.

• Parking: Private drives or courtyard parking; sometimes stables or coach houses.

• Gardens/Land: Usually 1,000–5,000 m² of landscaped grounds.

• Lifestyle: Stylish and refined — great for those who love period character but want something more manageable than a château.

Elegant country residences, often from the 16th–19th century, featuring stone façades, tall windows, and original features such as staircases or vaulted cellars.

• Services: Usually on septic tank unless modernised; mains water is standard.

• Parking: Sweeping driveways, carriage entrances, and outbuildings.

• Gardens/Land: Typically 5,000 m²–10 hectares; landscaped gardens with parkland or woods.

• Lifestyle: Grand living with history and space — but maintenance and heating costs can be significant.

From medieval fortresses to 19th-century romantic castles, the Mayenne has a surprising number of châteaux.

• Services: Often on septic tanks; upgrading to modern systems can be expensive.

• Parking: Extensive courtyards and outbuildings.

• Gardens/Land: Usually 5–50 hectares, often with lakes, forests, or formal gardens.

• Lifestyle: Ultimate prestige and history — but comes with high running costs, often suited to business ventures (weddings, events, chambres d’hôtes).

Buying in the countryside is exciting, but it pays to check a few essentials carefully:

🔌 Mains Services

• Electricity & water – Check connections and age of systems.

• Sewage – Rural homes often rely on septic tanks instead of mains drains.

🚽 Septic Tanks (Fosse Septique)

• Most countryside properties use them.

• The diagnostic report will tell you if it’s up to standard.

• If not, budget for upgrades (a new system can cost several thousand euros).

⚡ Electrics

• Many older homes still have outdated wiring.

• Look for modern protections like circuit breakers and earthing.

• Rewiring is doable but disruptive in thick stone walls.

🏠 Roofs & Insulation

• A structurally sound roof is essential — repairs are costly.

• Many traditional homes weren’t insulated until recently. Good insulation makes winter far more comfortable.

🔥 Heating

• Common systems: log burners, oil or gas boilers, electric radiators, or modern heat pumps.

• Ask about the age of boilers and annual running costs.

📑 Reports & Paperwork

• The Dossier de Diagnostic Technique is your friend.

• Read it carefully before you commit.

💶 How much are notaire’s fees and other costs?

• Notaire’s fees: Around 7–8% of the purchase price (slightly less for new builds). This includes taxes, registration, and administrative costs.
  
  

• Deposit: Typically 5–10% of the purchase price, paid when signing the compromis de vente.
  
  

• Estate agent fees: Usually included in the asking price, but always confirm whether they are paid by the seller or buyer.
  
  

• Diagnostics & surveys: Some reports may be included in the sale; others (optional surveys, specialist inspections) are paid by the buyer.
  
  

• Mortgage fees: If taking a French mortgage, banks may charge arrangement fees, valuation fees, and insurance.
  
  

Who pays what:

• Most of the fees (notaire, registration, taxes) are paid by the buyer.
  
  

• Estate agent fees are often included in the price and typically borne by the seller in France, but this can vary.

🏡 Can foreigners buy property in France?

Yes. There are no restrictions — UK, US, and international buyers are welcome.

🏦 Can I get a mortgage in France as a non-resident?

Yes, but banks often ask for a larger deposit (20–30%) and extra paperwork.

⏳ How long does the process take?

Usually 2–3 months from offer to keys. 

🤝 How much can I negotiate?

About 5–10% is common, depending on the property and seller’s situation.

📑 What surveys are compulsory?

Energy, asbestos, lead, termites (if applicable), electrics, and septic tanks.

🗣️ Do I need to speak French?

Not necessarily — many notaires and agents speak English. But learning some basics will make your life easier.  If you are not fluent in French it is required that you have a translator present at the final signing to ensure you fully understand the contents of the final deed before signing.

📉 Are property taxes high?

In fact, rural property taxes are often lower than in the UK or US. But be sure to check, as property tax rates can vary between regions. 

1. Research online & dream a little.

2. Shortlist your favourites.

3. Book viewings.

4. Explore the village lifestyle.

5. Make your offer.

6. Sign the compromis de vente.

7. Review reports.

8. Wait while the notaire completes checks.

9. Sign the acte de vente.

10. Move in & celebrate with cider!

Finding your French home is easier when you have the right base. Our holiday gîtes are perfectly located for exploring the Mayenne, meeting agents, and visiting properties — without long drives.

After a day of house-hunting, relax in comfort, enjoy local food and cider, and get a real feel for the lifestyle you could soon be living.

👉 Book your stay with Mayenne Holidays while you search for and buy your dream home