You've been dreaming of it for a long time... a second home by the sea. Synonymous with a change of scenery and vacations, this haven of peace will also be an investment for the future. A very effective way of combining business with pleasure. So don't wait any longer. Do as nearly 3 million French people have done, and make your dream come true.
The right real estate choice
As with your principal residence, take the time to ask yourself a few "essential" questions, especially if you plan to rent out your second home outside of your personal stays. Consider :
- location. Vacations are synonymous with a change of scenery, but don't forget that for your quality of life on vacation, it's best to avoid being too far from transport links and shops. If you're thinking of selling your vacation home later, or just renting it out, the distances involved can be prohibitive.
- the condition of the property. Second homes don't have to be old buildings. New-build properties can be an option if you don't want to have to carry out major renovations. But whether you're looking for a new or an old property, it's important to choose a second home in good structural condition.
- surface area. In your dreams, you already see yourself with family and friends. But be careful not to think too big. That could lead to additional costs, particularly in terms of purchase and maintenance.
A special place to get together
For you, vacations are the ideal time to get your little "tribe" together. You wouldn't have it any other way. Buying a second home will enable you to create a rallying point where you can bring your family together for vacations and special occasions. And what could be more comfortable than to do it at home for a weekend, a week, two or three days... with no rental constraints. And at a lower cost than a hotel stay. Second homes also often have a very strong emotional side that goes far beyond the value of the stone. People are attached to it, and it's passed down from generation to generation. Country house, vacation home... a place to relax or get away from it all, the second home also offers a convivial space for entertaining friends, or a cocoon where you can seek peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities.
Brittany: a privileged location
France is the country with the most second homes in the world. And Brittany alone boasts almost 2,600 more every year. Second homes account for 13% of the region's housing stock, compared with just 9.5% for the rest of mainland France, or an average of 1 in 5 homes. Some seaside resorts, such as Carnac and Saint-Cast-le-Guildo, have as many as 60%.
A source of additional income
Owning a second home entails expenses (insurance, maintenance, etc.). To cover these costs and make the most of their investment, many owners turn to occasional rentals. This also avoids having a house that's closed for long periods, with charges that don't stop when the vacations are over. The average occupancy time of a second home is 6 weeks a year. Renting out your holiday home can therefore become a source of additional income, and help you to pay your fixed expenses. Please note, however, that certain conditions must be met (limited rental period, town hall formalities, etc.).
Thanks to the LGV
While Brittany 's tourist, architectural and cultural assets no longer need to be proven, the arrival of the LGV line has further boosted its attractiveness to both buyers and investors, especially in the Pays Malouin and on the Emerald Coast. In 2018, the combined effect of the LGV, low interest rates, a vast choice of properties on the market... and clement weather, saw sales increase by 48% (according to the Conseil régional des notaires de la Cour d'appel de Rennes). We can only hope that 2019 will also turn out to be a good year.
Property prices
In Brittany, second homes are all the rage!
The median price in Brittany is :
for an old apartment €2,990/m2
for a new apartment €3,800/m2
for an old house €188,000
The median price on the coast is in the following departments of Brittany:
Côtes-d'Armor Finistère Ille-et-Vilaine Morbihan
House €165,000 €140,000 €3,240/m2 €3,140/m2
Apartment €2,480/m2 €1,820/m2 €232,500 €240,000
Sources : Insee - Conseil régional des notaires de la Cour d'appel de Rennes
Top 10 towns with more than 2,000 second homes
Brittany is one of the most sought-after regions in France, with 426,000 second homes. Here are the top 10 towns and seaside resorts in Brittany with more than 2,000 second homes:
La Baule €13,002
Saint-Malo €8,433
Pornichet €6,449
Sarzeau €6,163
Carnac €6,080
Quiberon €5,419
Dinard €5,281
Arzon €4,965
Pornic €4,772
Saint-Brévin-les-Pins €3,774
There are 3.4 million second homes in France. Their geographical distribution and type of property show that most of them are located by the sea.
Type of property
Houses Apartments
57 % 43 %
Geographical location
Seaside 40
Countryside 26
in the city 17
in the mountains 15
Marie-christine Ménoire