Buying Property in Creuse, Limousin
Thursday 04 April 2013
The department of Creuse in the Limousin region has the lowest average prices in the whole of France, so what is it like and what do you get for your money?
The department is located in the northern most area of the Limousin region.
It occupies a geographically central position in the country, being 350 km south of Paris, 350 km west of Lyon, and 315 km north-east of Bordeaux.
Crossed by the A20 north to south and the N145 east to west, that open to neighbouring regions, it sits between the serious industrialised north and relaxed southern world of the Mediterranean. The nearest airport is Limoges, about one hour away.
Creuse is a distinctly rural area, with a low density of population across a multitude of scattered villages and hamlets. 
The main urban nodes are the four towns of Guéret, the capital, La Souterraine, Aubusson and Bourganeuf.
It is a department with wonderful verdant countryside, where rolling hills predominate in the south-east, while the countryside relief in the north and west is higher.
The area is irrigated by numerous rivers, the main one from which the department takes its name, which crosses the department from north to south.
The department has a strong architectural heritage, and when coupled with beauty of the tranquillity of the department it is not surprising that is a popular tourist destination, for both French and international visitors.
The environment lends itself particularly to outdoor activities: hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, or simply the pleasure of walking in the countryside. The many streams, rivers and lakes also offer places for fishing and water sports.
The climate of the area is very contrasting, with a primarily continental climate in the north and east, an oceanic climate in the west and central areas, and a highland climate in the more mountainous south.
Although the department attracts a regular flow of international buyers, it still remains relatively undiscovered, with under 4,000 foreign resident nationals, nearly 80% of whom are of European nationality.
A great deal of the influx has occurred over the past decade, and owes much to the arrival of flights by Ryanair into Limoges airport, now from no less than five destinations in the UK – London, Liverpool, Bristol, East Midlands, and Leeds Bradord.
Fabrice Garrigues is an estate agent based in Creuse, part of the Transaxia network of 97 agents based in the Creuse and neighbouring departments. The group has over 5000 properties for sale on their books.
He considers that one of the great strengths of the area is its authenticity. "When I encounter British people over here I am struck by the regularity with which many tell me the department reminds them of an England of olde", he says.
So, not surprisingly, he says that in that search for authenticity most international buyers seek an older property in a rural location.
"Many also have budgets under €100,000, so the fact that prices in the Creuse have not risen as dramatically in the past decade as has been the case in most other areas of France is also attractive", says Fabrice.
According to the French notaires, the average price of a house in the Creuse is €75,000, the lowest prices in the whole of France. As always, however, there are substantial variations by size of property and locality.
So what might you expect to get for your money?
| €85,800 | €80,500 |
Well, typical of the type of property international buyers seek is this charming old farm house with barns, in over 3 hectares of land located near Chénérailles. The house has 150m2 of living space, with barns of 90m2 and 70m2. It is selling for €85,800. | In the same vein, in the popular and attractive parish of La Souterraine, Transaxia also have a small restored farmhouse with adjoining barn for conversion in half acre of land. Close proximity to a good range of services and facilities. The property is on the market for €80,500. |
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| €39,000 | €67,500 |
For those with smaller budgets Transaxia have for sale a 2 bed house of granite construction with a garden. Some work is required, but is has a new roof. The property is located near Aubusson. It is on the market for €39,000. | For around another €30,000 Transaxia also have a small farmhouse and attached barn for conversion, located in complete tranquillity at the end of a private road. Located near Boussac. The property sits in 2 acres of land and is on the market for €67,500. |
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| €141,700 | €39,500 |
For those who would prefer to buy a turnkey restored property, then Transaxia have a sweet old 3 bed farmhouse with barn and large garden, located near La Celle Dunoise. The property is on the market for €141,700. | Finally, a great value small stone built property near the village of Dun le Palestel. Large 26m2 living, one-bed, garden and double garage with conversion potential. Cellar. Great features. Some modernisation required. |
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You can contact Fabrice, and see other properties he has to offer, at Transaxia.
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