Riom Property Insight

Riom is a town of the Puy de Dome department, Auvergne, centre of France. Located 10 minutes north from Clermont Ferrand, Riom benefits from a privileged situation between the Volcans d’Auvergne chain and the Limagne plain. Is houses 18,818 inhabitants - called the Riomois - which make it the second town of the department in terms of population.

Overview

Riom is a Town of Art and History which boasts a gorgeous heritage. The town centre is worth visiting: Saint Amable church, Tour de l’Horloge, monument dedicated to the poilus… Learn more about the Bourbons dukes visiting the castles in the surroundings

But Riom is also an idyll for nature lovers. Indeed, we should not forget that above all, Riom is part of the Auvergne region, famous for its volcanoes and stunning landscapes. The Massif Central will offer you astonishing views and infinite tranquility.

Riom Immobilier & Property Market Trends

In 2009, a property in France is sold €3,197 / sq m. In the Puy de Dome department, property for sale cost €1,960 / sq m. Auvergne being one of the cheapest regions of France in terms of Property Prices, driving bargains should be possible. In Riom, a property will cost you €2,174 / sq m. this average is still affordable, even if slightly above the department price.

If you are looking for a buy-to-let and willing to buy an apartment, note that a flat is sold €2,304 / sq m in Riom. Though prices for apartments are higher than the department average, they are much more sought-after by tenants than houses. A house however is cheaper, since it cost €1,723 / sq m. This is ideal for those who want to settle in the area and who are looking for a second home.

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

5 Reasons to Buy a Property in Riom

• Culture, art and historical heritage: Riom boasts an amazing art heritage which is displayed in the Mandet Museum (Dutch and Flemish paintings amongst others, sculptures, art objects…). If you want to learn more about Auvergne, do visit the regional museum: you will be told the story of the 19th century. The town received the French label called Art and History Town. As a result, Riom is an idyll for history lovers.

• Gourmet food: the town boasts a great gastronomy by which you will be seduced. Taste the Gaperon cheese made of cottage cheese, salt, pepper and garlic. If you are a wine lover, enjoy the local wine made with Gamay, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Walnut oil is also a specialty of the area: you can use it in your salad or dishes.

• Architectural style: architecture in Riom and the area is very typical. Stone lava, bricks, rammed earth and blond limestone are used for the local building. The area is attractive thanks to this typical architectural style which dates back from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and 18th century. Stone lava, sometimes called Volvic grey stone made the reputation of the town.

• Location – transport infrastructure: due to its closeness with Clermont-Ferrand, the best is to land in Clermont Ferrand international airport. The latter flies towards 28 destinations amongst which Lyon, Marseille, Paris and Amsterdam. By road, Riom is 3 ½ hrs from Paris, 4 hrs from Montpellier and 2 hrs from Lyon.

• Rental opportunities: Riom is a popular tourist location of the Puy de Dome department. Almost half of the residents rent their property. Thus, it offers good rental opportunities. If you are looking for a buy-to-let, Riom could be an interesting location; you should find a tenant quite easily.

Property Styles and Architecture in Riom

• Stone properties: as their name suggests, the main material used for such construction if stone. These properties may be of different kind: houses, small farmhouses, cottages, town houses… Some of them are renovated but others may need renovation (in this case, they are often cheaper).

• Prestigious properties and castles: villas, castles, maisons bourgeoises, maisons de maitre are on offer on Riom real estate market. Such property is luxury and often massive. Villas are also modern and luminous. Prestigious houses in general have numerous rooms, land, courtyard, garage, outbuildings and swimming-pool.

Click here for more info about the Architecture in Auvergne.