Buying a plot of land in order to build your own property is a very attractive option in France. This is a huge country with a lot of land still for sale in many areas and buying your own piece is often a cheaper option than buying an existing property, even when you add the costs of construction to the cost of the land itself. 

Further to that, you have pretty much carte blanche to design your own house to your own specifications and budget. It is important to sort out the various planning permissions you may require and to decide whether to design the whole project yourself, use an architect or employ a builder.

The good news is that the majority of land for sale in France comes with planning permission in place but even if it does not, normally it will be sold with a view that you will be applying for a “Certficat d’Urbanisme”, which gives permission for building works on the land you have bought. If planning permission does not come with the land, your best bet is to ask at your local “Mairie” who will be able to help you with all the paperwork required and should be able to advise on connections for all utilities.

When you decide on what you want to build, you will need to obtain a “Permis de construire” and for this, you will have to supply detailed plans and drawings. Again, your local Mairie will help you with this. Check with them also that the land you are buying covers what you want to build and also what rights of way may be in place over your land, such as a public footpath.

Employing the services of an architect is essential if the property measures over 170 square.metres and may well serve you well in any event since the architect will be able to carry out the checks needed for your potential design.  You can still put in your own suggestions and plans for him to incorporate.
When it comes to building your property, you can either self build or buy from a new build company.

Self build does not necessarily mean you physically building the property but rather you commissioning and managing the project from the design to drawing up the plans, budgeting and overseeing your builders, often with the help of an architect. Buying from a new build company will mean you choose a design from plans they already have and is an easier option although you may not end up with the exact style you had in mind. 

If you do decide to take a read made plan you will be required to sign a “contrat de construction d’une maison individuelle” and you must ensure the builder is covered by insurance and financial guarantees. You will need to agree a schedule of payment with your builder which is normally around 15 per cent at the start of the work, 25 per cent when the foundations are in, 60 per cent when the roof is in place and the balance when all the heating, plumbing and carpentry is done and the project is finished.

It is important to employ a known and trusted builder who is from the locality.  Compare quotes with at least two. Make sure you are clear about what you will be providing in terms of kitchen and bathroom fittings. A general building firm should be able to cover most of the work and will likely have their own electrician and plumber.

Buying land is a popular option in France – after all, there is a lot of it!  As long as you do your homework and keep within the rules of your commune, you will find great satisfaction in building the home you always wanted.

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