Q & AMoving/Living/WorkingCheap property in France

Question:

My husband and I are looking to relocate to Europe in January. We currently own property in the US but would like to sell and purchase a small cottage/farm that we can renovate and give charm, preferably in Burgundy or the outskirts of Paris (somewhere affordable). Alternatively, we wouldn't mind some of the Spain bordering areas as well. We would not like anything more than 35K US. Are we dreaming or is this possible?

Answer:

It would be very difficult to find a property in France for under 35K US, unless you are looking for a real big fixer upper far away from any city or a studio apartment. The combination of French real estate going up and the dollar going down doesn't help at all. In general the farther you move south, i.e. towards the sunny parts of France the higher property values. Over the last few years there has been an explosion of expats moving to France, mostly Brits who find France relatively cheap. This has really driven up property in France.