The average price of a building plot in France in 2014 was €78m², an increase of 7.7% over 2013, but with large variations between regions.

The table below shows the average prices for building land in each region of France for the past four years.

As can be seen, there are significant variations between the regions, with the highest average prices in the Ile-de-France (€218m²) and the lowest in Limousin (€20m²).

These variations mean that the cost of the land in proportion to the total cost of acquisition (land and construction) varied from around 20% in the Limousin to 47% in the Ile-de-France. The national average was 33% land to total cost.

Accompanying the overall increase in land prices was a reduction in the average size of the plots, down from 1,015m² in 2013 to 969m² in 2014, the fourth consecutive year in which plot sizes have fallen.

In large measure this continued reduction in plot size is due to a change in the structure of sales, with a growing proportion of new plots in urban over rural areas.

For the third year in succession the percentage number of new building plots in rural areas fell, down from 50% of total transactions in 2010 to 41% last year.

Perhaps not surprisingly the smallest plots were in the Ile de France (averaging 674m²), with the largest in the Limousin (averaging 1,980m²).

The figures come from the annual review of building land prices carried out by the statistical service of the French government.

As always, although the figures are a useful benchmark, within each region there are substantial differences in prices, and those in the table reflect the majority of sales based in urban areas.

Accordingly, you might expect to pay less for plots in rural areas, although as always the price will depend upon scarcity and location and your negotiating skills!