Opinions on this house in the Dordogne

Opinions on this house in the Dordogne

Author
Discussion

a13x

Original Poster:

58 posts

212 months

Sunday 18th September 2016
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Guys, appreciate your thoughts and comments on this property

http://www.frenchestateagents.com/french-property-...

Completely different to the original spec of traditional French and also no pool but looks well built easy to lock up and leave. Keen to have the keys to somewhere by Christmas.

Thanks in advance

paulwirral

3,405 posts

142 months

Sunday 18th September 2016
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It looks great . Depending on your financial status , if it's a cash buy and your going to use it yourself and or family and friends , go for it . It's new , modern and if you don't get on with it , it will be saleable to the French market .
Don't rely on rental for mortgage payments , although that will rent out well .
I lived in the Dordogne for a couple of years a dozen years ago , the English people I met there laughed at us for buying a lovely but small modern house , but we were testing ourselves and ultimately didn't like living there so we sold up and made a small profit even after tax ,and kept a piece of land next door that I've built a new house on that's for jollies and not for rent , search French self build on here .
My neighbours son is trying his best to raise the money to buy my new build but he can't quite get there . I've seen a few people come unstuck by buying the small chateau , large country house .
I'd do new every time in France , it will always be saleable to the French market , the English get hung up on selling to the English, there's a lot of French people in France ! in my experience if you make sure the place appeals to a European wide market if you need to get out you'll be ok . If it's a big old property that's sorted out the French won't be interested as its old and expensive and the English - Dutch - German market will try to steal it or buy a wreck and make it into something similar , good luck if you go ahead , I love the Dordogne region .
I'm guessing you've visited the property ? If your just browsing the web get yourself down there , there's a few bargains to be had at the moment .

AndrewCrown

2,324 posts

121 months

Sunday 18th September 2016
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A13X

Hi, we've got a place a few miles east of this house..

Location
Close but not too close to the A89..brilliant for Bordeaux airport, which in my opinion is much more flexible than Bergerac, though it depends where in the UK you are.
Also great connection to Bordeaux itself and the myriad of excellent towns and vineyards just on your door step...especially St. Emilion.
I can't get enough of the area, so relaxing, so very very agreeable...

Pool
You noted there is no pool...I would build one if you buy this...this summer we had 5 weeks of between 29C and 43C....it's essential just to cool off. I know an excellent firm in Perigueux.

Price
I think it's strong, one can get an awful lot for your money round there, not withstanding its lock up and leave potential, I'd do some benchmarking on Green Acres. As Paul says, there are some bargains to be had, especially in these times of uncertainty.

Style
I think it's rather nice, much better than the faux Roman villas or characterless boxes the French are so keen on building. Good to see aircon and a car port... I'd also add some covered dining space...

I'd go for it...

Cheers

A

a13x

Original Poster:

58 posts

212 months

Monday 19th September 2016
quotequote all
Thanks both. Yes visited and think and will put an offer in. Need to factor a pool and separate garage. Land adjacent is owned by the local farmer who is keen to sell, which is a plus as can keep a few animals on too.

I thought price wasn't too bad given high new build costs. What is a fair price? No mortgage etc.

paulwirral

3,405 posts

142 months

Monday 19th September 2016
quotequote all
I'd do a bit background searching and try to find out how keen they are to get out and why . Don't forget that the agent will probably have a hefty commission in that price , if you haggle the house price down you may be able to still get a few grand off the agents fee , they charge the buyer seperate in France , keep this one quiet for the initial negotiation , no agent in France in their right mind won't do a deal on their fees these days .
Good luck .
And as mentioned , a pool is almost essential in the summer , it does get unbearably hot these days

Croutons

10,788 posts

173 months

Friday 23rd September 2016
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Under offer, was it you?

a13x

Original Poster:

58 posts

212 months

Saturday 24th September 2016
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Signed and hoping to be completed and in end of November.

Croutons

10,788 posts

173 months

Saturday 24th September 2016
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Excellent!

Dare one enquire as to the deal?

Croutons

10,788 posts

173 months

Wednesday 14th December 2016
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Are you in?

a13x

Original Poster:

58 posts

212 months

Wednesday 22nd March 2017
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Yes I'm and settled with xmas out of the way. Currently a mini digger on hire repairing collapsed drains and enough extra gravel to be shovelling for weeks.

Coming back as now needing to find competent builders/artisans to make some changes. First is to change the kitchen and installation of 2 bathrooms. First quote for a kitchen is coming back pretty expensive and wondering whether it's safer to put it out to a UK firm to supply

Russwhitehouse

962 posts

138 months

Thursday 23rd March 2017
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I had my kitchen custom made by Hand made Kitchens in Dorset. Solid oak and well put together. Even with the cost of delivery to SW France it saved a fortune over similar in France. Worth a thought perhaps?

smifffymoto

4,771 posts

212 months

Thursday 23rd March 2017
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We used Cuisinella in Bergerac,Lionel is a nice guy and not crazy prices.We chose the factory built rather than flat pack and was still reasonably priced.