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When buying in France, Ile de Re property offers an opportunity to buy some of the most beautiful real estate available amid truly spectacular landscapes.

Ile de Re property can be found throughout this stunning island located just off the west coast of France. The island is part of the Poitou Charentes region in the department of Charente Maritime, and Ile de Re property can be found both by the sea, with long, sandy beaches on the doorstep, or inland, amid beautiful pine forests and gently rolling hills.

All Ile de Re property conforms to building regulations, which means that, wherever you choose to buy, Ile de Re property is truly picturesque with traditional whitewashed walls, and green shutters painted to match the tranquil pine forests. There is also a ban on building any property higher than two storeys, which gives Ile de Re property a picturesque beauty and unique character all of its own.

The climate of the ‘Golden isle’ boasts as many hours of sun as the famous southern coast of France, yet with a gentle and refreshing breeze that sweeps in from the sea making the temperatures much more comfortable for all buying Ile de Re property. Akin to the Cornish coast, the island possesses a rare clarity of light, which has, for generations, drawn artists to the island, many of which, both in modern and past times, have bought Ile de Re property. There are many galleries on the island, exhibiting dramatic local landscapes, tranquil seascapes and views across the many harbours.

Ile de Re property can often be found amid the bustling harbourside villages. Fresh seafood, especially oysters and mussels, are a local speciality and numerous restaurants can be found throughout the island. Seafood can also be bought direct from the quays, or in the daily markets in the main towns, alongside fresh fruits and vegetables, crafts and general wares.

Ile de Re property is easily accessible from the UK via the nearby town of La Rochelle located on the mainland. Regular flights run direct from the UK, and Ile de Re is only a short boat ride away, or a short drive across the toll bridge that links the island to the mainland.

As a general rule, Ile de Re property is cheaper inland, away from the beaches, but all locations on the island offer an excellent potential for rental income. While the coastal locations offer picturesque harbours and long sandy beaches offering many opportunities for watersports, inland Ile de Re property can be found nearer to the many cycle or hiking routes that pass through the most breathtaking landscapes Ile de Re has to offer. However, whether you choose coast or inland, the bustling harbours and sunlit beaches are never more than a short journey away.

There are 10 communes in which to buy Ile de Re property, each of which has something different to offer. From east to west these are Rivedoux-Plage, La Flotte, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, La Couarde-sur-Mer, Loix, Ars-en-Ré, Saint-Clément-des-Baleines and finally, Les Portes-en-Ré.

The most vibrant area to buy Ile de Re property is within the lively port of St. Martin, which is not only the main port on the island, but also the centre for nightlife. Nearby La Flotte offers a wide variety of shops, many of which are open late. These two centres offer the largest and most extensive choice of facilities, such as restaurants and café-bars, and sports and leisure activities. Ile de Re property also offers a chance to buy into a lifestyle of warm summer days on the beaches, and moonlit walks along the quayside to the music of the numerous buskers.

Though Ile de Re’s economy is based largely on seafood and shellfish, and, in modern times, tourism, much of the Ile de Re property is in style, if not always in age, based on a traditional style which bears testament to the long cultural history of the island.

When the Romans first came to the island they found an archipelago of three islands- the waters between have now been reclaimed by natural silting and human activity. Since the occupation of the Romans, the island has been governed by many varied individuals and nations, including, briefly, the British in 1627. Soon after this the port of St Martin, where Ile de Re property can be found, was heavily fortified. The remains of these fortifications can still be seen to the present day, and led to its usage as a depot for convicts on their way to penal colonies.

The Germans, too, added fortifications and bunkers which now dot the island to safeguard against a seaward invasion in WWII. These defences show how strategically important the island once was, and, as the bridge linking the island to La Rochelle was not built until 1987, accounts for the distinct island feel of Ile de Re and its culture, though it is situated only 2km from the French mainland.

Though some Ile de Re property can be fairly expensive, this is solely due to the islands popularity both with the French and the wider world, attracting visitors as diverse as presidents and film stars. Ile de re property offers a chance to buy on a beautiful island with outstanding sandy beaches and picturesque fishing villages with all the facilities of the 21st century, and all in a beautiful sunny climate.

Buying a Property in France

1. Signing the Agreement (Compris)

On finding a property you wish to purchase you will need to negotiate the terms, price and conditions of the sale with the owner.

The next step, once you are in agreement, is to sign the preliminary contract (Compromis de Vente). This is a legal document and after ten days will be binding on both parties. Rules change frequently in France and it is best to consult with your notary about when this period starts. Generally the compris will be signed in France with the Agent.

Variants can be included in the compris, for example an Acte (clause) can be added if the name or names to go on the title deed have not been finalised. If a mortgage will be required to purchase the property, the details for this, including the name of the mortgage company, must be on the compris.

2. Paying the Deposit

Generally the deposit will be 10% of the agreed purchase price. This will normally be paid to the notaire. There are exceptions to this, if the agent holds a carte professionelle, is bonded and fully registered then you may pay them, but do not hand over the deposit to anyone else. If for some reason the purchase does not go through, for example, if you write to the notaire and the agent that you do not wish to go continue with the purchase before the contract is binding (within seven days of signing the compris), then your deposit would be repaid. This would also apply if a condition had not been met, or the mayor or S.A.F.E.R. (a government agency that has the right of first purchase on most rural property that comes onto the market in France) could oblige the purchaser to give way. If you decide after the seven days 'cooling off' period that you do not wish to complete the purchase and pull out of the sale you would lose your deposit. If however the vendor pulls out of the sale then you will receive your deposit back plus the same amount from the vendor.

3. On Completion

Generally it will take around two or three months to complete the purchase.

During this time the balance of the purchase money must be paid into the account of the notaire, this must be done well ahead of the completion date. The notaire will prepare the documents, check that the deed of sale (Acte de Vente) is in order and have the legal title ready to be signed over. It is possible to have someone sign on your behalf if you give them power of attorney. An interpreter may be of use at this point if your French is not very good and many Notaires will suggest (or insist) that an interpreter is with you.