Haute-Marne Property Insight

Haute-Marne is a French department located in the Champagne Ardenne region, north east of France. It was created during the French Revolution i.e. on March 4 1790 from some areas of Champagne, Franche Comté and Lorraine. It is surrounded with the Aube, Marne, Meuse, Vosges, Haute Saone and Cote d’Or departments.

Overview

From the north to the south, villages and towns of Haute Marne offer authenticity and rich history. Do not miss some areas such as Arc en Barrois, Bourbonne les Bains, Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises, Nogent and Chaumont amongst others. Little-known, Haute Marne is though a charming department when you take time to visit it. Whether you are a nature or culture lover, whether you want to have fun or to escape riding a horse, by foot or by bike, you will find many ways to satisfy your curiosity in the department.

In Bourbonne les Bains, you will find the only spa of Champagne Ardenne. Its waters’ properties have been renowned for 2,000 years. Taking care of you is very important, but it is even more pleasant when you are in an amazing and lovely area. Although Haute Marne is not renowned, it boasts some delightful produce. Wine, dairy product (Langres cheese), sweets and the truffe de Bourgogne are worth tasting.

By plane, Haute Marne is reachable from Paris, Strasbourg or Reims airports. The latter offer regular flights from and to the UK, a major asset if you are looking to buy a property in this French department. By train, you can take the Eurostar from London to Paris and then access the town thanks to regional trains.

Haute Marne Immobilier & Property Market Trends

In 2009, a property in France is sold €3,197 /sq m on average. In Haute Marne however, prices are lower and a house or an apartment cost about €1,164 /sq m. Properties there should thus be affordable and bargains can always be driven. With more than half of the inhabitants being tenants, this is also an interesting location if you plan to rent your property. In this case, note that 4-room properties are slightly more sought-after than 3 and 5-room properties

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

5 Reasons to Buy a Property in Haute Marne

• Hunting: one of the typical aspects of Haute Marne is that it boasts huge and numerous forest which enable hunting. Thus, if you are a hunter, you will find great areas in the department. With 250,000 ha of woods (40% of Haute Marne’s territory), the department is renowned for being home to a huge number of games.

• Economy: the main economic sector of Haute Marne is wood work. Indeed, this is one of the most wooded departments of France (9 out of 96 departments). Thus, for many towns and villages, wood is the major economic resource. Haute Marne is also farming and produces cheese. Finally, industry also plays an important role: metallurgy, and especially foundry. The Haute Marne department is renowned for its craft industry, especially basketry (in the south) and cutlery (in the north). Thanks to its numerous natural richness i.e. water, wood, iron-ore and sand, many metallurgy companies set up in the area.

• Nature and environment: huge woods, plains, flowers, rivers… Haute Marne boasts a gorgeous nature and a diversified wildlife. Nature in the department is present everywhere, and this is an idyll for nature lovers. Living in the area will let you benefit from the tranquillity and beautiful landscapes which are displayed all over the department. With its numerous lakes and long rivers, this is also an ideal location for fishing lovers.

• Cultural events: festivals and celebrations are organized all year long in Haute Marne. The festival of graphics and posters is probable the most famous one. It takes places in Chaumont in spring. Attending it will let you discover old and modern posters, a very typical kind of event which attracts many foreigners! In summer, concerts are also organized and make the department a dynamic and lively one. In autumn, the photo’s festival is also worth seeing (over 30,000 visitors in 4 days).

• Rental opportunities: Haute Marne being a popular tourist destination and housing 57.8% of tenants, it offers good rental opportunities either from seasonal short term lets or long term lets. Thus, if you are looking for a buy-to-let investment, this French department could be the ideal location for you.

Local Property Market: 2 Popular Towns

• Chaumont property: the prefecture of the department, Chaumont boasts a rich history. Its graphics and poster festival is internationally renowned and attracts numerous French and foreign visitors each year. Renting or buying a property in the town is worthwhile, and the local real estate market is good.
• Nogent property: renowned for its cutlery, this town has so much on offer. Greenery and beautiful surrounding villages are its main assets. Property prices are, like in the department, quite low and investing in Nogent will let you benefit form great landscapes, scenery and tranquility.

Property Styles and Architecture in Haute Marne

Properties in Haute Marne do not have any particular architectural style. The main property types that you will find there are apartments and houses for sale:

• Apartments: they are numerous in the department and are ideal for those who are looking for a buy-to-let investment. Furthermore, tenants being numerous in the department, it should be easy to rent your property. Bargains can be driven as regards apartments: however, you may have to do some works in the flat.

• Houses: they may be of different kinds depending on the location. Indeed, in villages you will find many town houses but in the countryside detached houses, villas, cottages and one-storey properties are more numerous. They are perfect if you want to settle in the Haute Marne department. They come in general with a piece of land, garage, terrace and sometimes outbuildings.

Click here for more info about the Architecture in Champagne-Ardenne.