Is a French chateau a good investment?

If you're looking to buy a property in need of TLC, knock it into shape and put it back onto the market, in the hope of earning a quick profit, a château may not be the right choice. Not only because of the reasons mentioned above but also as they tend to stay on the market for a long time before finding a new owner.



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Why are so many French châteaux empty? Because it costs a fortune to maintain them. The heating and electricity and water bills alone are astronomical, never mind maintenance of old stone structures and upkeep of the land.

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There are several websites that specialize in listing historic properties for sale, and many chateaus will also have their own website. Once you've narrowed down your search to a few properties, schedule a visit.

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Fees and taxes There are no restrictions for foreign investors buying a house in France, even non-residents. All investors need is a French bank account and a valid ID. Besides your deposit, you can also expect to pay notaire's fees.

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Chateau comes from the French word, château, which derives from the twelth century Old French word, chastel, meaning castle. Usually, chateau is pluralized in the French manner, chateaux.

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You will potentially have to add, for example, estate agent's fees (if the sale is concluded through an agent), Notary fees, land registration fees, possibly exchange rate surcharges, loan fees, and lawyer's fees. Be careful not to pay cash to the seller in order that the seller pays lower taxes.

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Germany has the most castles, with at least 20,000 castles, including the beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle and Heidelberg Palace. Most castles in Germany are over 100 years old. Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country.

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