France property news May 2025: Cheapest places to buy, market trends & must-see homes

Market shows green shoots as interest rates fall again

The latest report from Notaires-INSEE offers a cautiously optimistic snapshot of the French property market. As of February 2025, the number of existing property transactions rose to 803,000 in the previous 12 months—a welcome bounce from October’s low of 777,000. While that’s still 35.6% below the heady heights of 2021, the pace of decline has slowed dramatically. The worst appears to be behind us.

Prices are following suit, showing signs of levelling off. In mainland France, house prices fell by 2.1% year-on-year in Q4 2024. But over the last three months, prices were essentially flat (+0.1%), suggesting the market may be finding its footing. Forecasts point to a mild annual increase of 0.4% by May 2025.

Regionally, Île-de-France continues to see sharper declines than the rest of the country—particularly for houses—but even in Paris, prices are holding at around €9,500/m². The City of Light may be expensive, but for now at least, it's no longer getting pricier.

Spring traditionally brings a surge in real estate activity, and this year is no exception. A string of ECB (European Central Bank) rate cuts (the seventh since June 2024) has nudged borrowing rates down to 3.27%, improving buyer power. Mortgage lending is up 55% year-on-year, with notaries reporting a flurry of preliminary agreements—though some of this activity may be a race to beat impending property transfer tax hikes.

The outlook? Brightening, but not without clouds. Household confidence dipped in March, and global economic jitters persist. Sellers banking on lower rates alone to revive demand may need to temper their expectations. A little price flexibility goes a long way.

The cheapest place to buy in France right now? Try Creuse

Looking for space, serenity, and a price tag that won’t make your eyes water? Say bonjour to Creuse, officially the cheapest department to buy property in France this year according to the latest data from Kyero, with prices averaging under €700/m².

Nestled in the quiet heart of the Limousin, Creuse is a rural paradise offering everything from stone cottages with wooden shutters and rambling gardens to fixer-uppers and lovingly restored farmhouses—often for under €100,000.

 Renovation projects start at just €15,000, and tidy two-bedroom flats in Guéret can be had for around €50,000. Even move-in ready homes remain affordable: Aubusson’s picturesque stone houses can go for under €70,000, while Bourganeuf offers well-presented villas below €100,000, surrounded by green valleys and old-world calm.

Expect exposed beams, open fireplaces, and the kind of silence you only get 20km from the nearest motorway. Many properties come with land, barns, or outbuildings—perfect for hobby farming, gîte conversions, or letting the dog run wild. What Creuse lacks in big-city buzz, it makes up for in space, nature, and a deliciously slow pace of life. Think lakeside strolls, village fêtes, and markets brimming with local chestnuts and cherry clafoutis.

Towns like Guéret, Aubusson, and Bourganeuf offer the most variety, with family homes, cosy flats, and period townhouses all up for grabs. For retirees, remote workers, or anyone craving a more grounded lifestyle, Creuse delivers the French dream—without the price tag.

More French departments offering serious value in 2025

If Creuse isn’t quite your style, two more departments stand out for budget-conscious buyers, according to the latest Kyero data:

Charente

With over 1,800 properties listed on Kyero, this sunny southwestern region combines affordability with charm. Renovated countryside homes under €100,000 abound, and in Cognac—a town that smells as good as it sounds—you’ll find historic three-bed townhouses for under €150,000.

Cher

Tucked in the Centre-Val de Loire, Cher is classic France at half the price. Think castles, vineyards, and stone villages where €50,000 still gets you a slice of the good life. It's ideal for retirees or anyone seeking tranquillity within reach of bigger towns like Bourges.

Corsican beauty makes the world’s top beaches list

Santa Giulia Beach has claimed 46th place in the World’s 50 Best Beaches ranking, and it’s easy to see why. Nestled on Corsica’s southern coast, this crescent-shaped paradise boasts shallow, turquoise waters and dramatic maquis-covered hills.

With water sports, beach bars, and that unmistakable Corsican flair, Santa Giulia strikes the perfect balance between wild beauty and summer ease. Whether you're house-hunting or holidaying, it's one to add to the list. If you want to live near to this gorgeous beach, check out Kyero's properties for sale in nearby Sotta. 

Search for your dream home in Corsica. 

New train routes are on track for 2025

Good news for rail travellers: Trenitalia is ramping up its presence in France.
The Paris–Milan line was back in action last month, with two daily departures. From June 15th, the new Paris–Marseille route launches, offering four daily TGVs with stops in Lyon, Avignon, and Aix-en-Provence. A trip to the Med in just 3h20? Yes, please.

Trenitalia’s expansion brings welcome competition, lower fares, and swankier carriages, complete with chill-out zones and better service. With nearly 3 million passengers already on board, their goal to double that figure by year-end seems well within reach. 

Youth mobility scheme could ease UK-EU travel

The EU is softening its stance on a post-Brexit youth mobility scheme that could allow 18–30-year-olds to live and work in the UK and EU for up to a year—with possible extensions. France is among the key member states pushing for this “youth experience” programme.

If agreed, the scheme would open doors for young Brits and Europeans alike, restoring a touch of the freedom lost in the Brexit shuffle. Watch this space.

Paris tightens Airbnb rules

Thinking of buying in Paris and renting short-term? Take note: city authorities have reduced the legal rental period from 120 to 90 days per year for primary residences.

With over 95,000 short-term listings already crowding the market, the city hopes this move will free up more long-term housing. For buyers banking on Airbnb income, it's time to revisit your numbers.

France’s most welcoming towns revealed

Based on 360 million Booking.com reviews, the top three most welcoming towns in France are:

1. Roussillon, Vaucluse – a postcard-perfect hilltop village where property averages €4,350/m²

2. Arc 1950, Savoie – an Alpine ski gem with year-round charm

3. Riquewihr, Grand Est – a half-timbered delight on the wine route

Tourist-friendly and property-savvy? These towns are as charming as they are investor-friendly.

Property of the month: A thousand years of history in Sancerre

If you're looking for more than just a home — something closer to a legacy — this extraordinary château near Sancerre could be it. With 25 bedrooms, 72 rooms in total, and 180,000m² of private parkland, this is one of the oldest privately owned castles in France. Once home to the powerful Nicolaï dynasty — and even briefly Richard the Lionheart — it’s a living museum with fireplaces, a chapel, a library, and a private theatre waiting to be restored. Some areas are move-in ready; others offer pure restoration potential. It’s fully furnished, remarkably preserved, and just 2h30 from Paris.

A once-in-a-generation opportunity to own one of France’s most historically significant private estates.

Also on the market: A Riviera home with artistic pedigree and a château with royal ties

Nice, Place Charles-Felix 

Once home to Henri Matisse, this impeccably restored building now houses two elegant apartments combining Belle Époque architecture with contemporary luxury. Located just steps from the Promenade des Anglais and the iconic flower market, these spacious, high-ceilinged residences offer unbeatable access to the best of the Riviera.

Orthez, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

A sprawling Renaissance château with links to the court of Louis XIV, this estate includes a main residence, two guesthouses, a fortified farm, an orangery, and more — set within 6 acres of landscaped grounds. With space for weddings, rentals, or a grand family escape, it’s ideal for buyers with vision and a love of old stones and big skies.