Murat Property Insight

Murat is a town located in the Cantal department, in Auvergne. It accounts for about 2,150 inhabitant called the Muratais. The town is situated in the valley of Alagnon, at the foot of the Cantal mountains. It is surrounded by 3 basaltic rocks which are the vestiges of ancient volcanoes: Bredons, Bonnevie and Chastel’s rocks.

Overview

Murat is one of the oldest town of the department. Its name comes from Celtic language and means ‘steep rock’. The town was a fortified place, its viscount being one of the most powerful seigniory of Upper-Auvergne and its castle was built before the 11th century.

The five biggest inputs to its economy are the following sectors: food industry, construction, conversion industry, health & medicine and tourism. This latter has become a more and more important factor for the economic growth of this medieval town.

Murat’s main assets are its natural setting, the large choice of activities it offers, as well as the medieval monuments and pleasant way of life. It is a significant town of Haute-Auvergne (Upper Auvergne). It besides offers plenty of events all year long. Music or literary festivals are on offer but the most original is probably the còrnas et cornets, a feast dedicated to ice-cream.

Murat Immobilier & Property Market Trends

When it comes to real estate market, Murat offers properties at affordable prices. Indeed, the department has an average price of €1,486 /square metre for a property to buy, which is really cheap in comparison with other French departments such as the ones located in the south of France, along the Atlantic coast and the French Riviera. In May 2009, the average price for a house to buy in Murat was €1,728 /square metre, which is higher than the department average but still affordable.

The majority of properties are main homes (72.7%), but there are still 14% of second homes in Murat. There are more detached houses than apartments: 52% against 42%. Most of the dwellings are properties with 5 rooms or more. There are very few studio flats: 3%. You are looking for a property in a quiet and rural area of France? So Murat is a good place to invest in. Have a look at our properties and make your choice!

To get updated info about the property prices in Cantal, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.

4 Reasons to Buy a Property in Murat

• Nature: located at the heart of the Cantal mountains and natural regional park of Auvergne volcanoes, Murat is definitely one of the most beautiful sites of Upper-Auvergne. Nature lovers can’t help loving this area composed of mountains, rivers, lakes… It is really relaxing to spend time in Murat, a quiet rural area. The maison de la Faune (‘House of fauna’) is located in a mansion and enables people learning many things about the local fauna.

• Location – transport links: Murat has a central location within the Cantal department. It belongs to the touristiest area of Cantal which includes Saint-Flour (subprefecture), Salers (typical village) and Chaudes-Aigues (thermal town) amongst others. It is situated 40 minutes from Aurillac, 20 minutes from the volcanic site of Puy Mary and 30 minutes from the A75 motorway ( Clermont-Ferrand / Béziers ). The local train station offers regular trains to Paris (4 a day), enabling people to reach easily the French capital or other French cities from Murat.

• Activities: as regards leisure activities, holiday makers have a wide choice: fishing in rivers or lakes, hiking in the mountains, discovering the wonderful fauna and flora of teh area, riding a horse or a mountain bike, playing tennis, swimming in the pool and so on. Moreover, the town is situated only 10 minutes from the largest ski resort of Auvergne (Lioran). Just make your choice ! The town also houses outstanding religious monuments with many Romanesque churches. It is also interesting strolling in the streets of Murat and admiring the beautiful houses with roof in Lauze and local materials.

• Medieval heritage: Murat is home to numerous houses from the medieval and Renaissance periods. Seven monuments are listed as historical monuments: the pavillon des Halles, Notre Dame des Oliviers church and the maison du baillagee, etc. Only a few vestiges remain for the fortifications which protected the town during the Middle Ages: two towers called tour du Bon Secours and tour des Tournellles.

Property Styles and Architecture in Murat

• Farmhouses and barns: they often need renovation but have a great value, especially once restored. Farmhouses are large rural properties coming with a peace of land and outbuildings. They are constructed of stone and beams may be visible inside the property. Located in quiet areas, farmhouses offer great landscapes and views over the area.

• Stone properties: there are many stone properties in the area around Murat. Full of character, these houses offer great dimensions and are perfect properties for B&B or gites. Most of them have Lauze roofs and come with a piece of land.

• Town houses: as the name indicates, these properties are located in the town centre, so close to all amenities (school, shops, etc). They have a practical layout and come with a garden, a garage and a cellar or an attic. Town houses are sought-after amongst families or young couples.

Click here for more info about the Architecture in Auvergne.