Buying a Second Home in Basque Country

Top Tips from an Expert Property Finder

A common theme with pretty much all my clients over the 22 years of running Beyond Biarritz is that they are all leading extremely busy lives and craving a holiday or retirement home to relax, unwind and live a healthier lifestyle, in a place that still feels authentic.

I can confirm that the Basque coast is a lifestyle upgrade! With its choice of beaches, mountains and a rich, cultural identity, the south west of France offers the perfect concoction of tranquility and vibrancy.

But before you start house-hunting (be it in cosmopolitan Biarritz, authentic Bayonne, quaint and white-washed St Jean de Luz or a tucked-away country village), here are my top tips to give you some insight before taking those first steps to a healthier lifestyle.

How to Find the Right French Property

1. Do your homework – get to know the area before you buy. Most clients have spent a holiday here prior to contacting me. In fact, my busiest time is straight after the summer holidays!

Explore the different areas because there is a lot of diversity in the region. Biarritz is chic and buzzing, Bayonne has a much more local vibe and then the villages of Espelette or Ascain and Sare offer peace and tradition. Try to spend time at different periods of the year as some areas are very quiet in the winter months whilst some buzz all year round.

2. Understand the local real estate market – the French Basque coast is so desirable and demand massively outweighs the properties available for sale. It is not like the Côte d’Azur where you have a larger choice if you miss a sale. Here you need to be ready to grab the property that has your name on it – mortgage in place if there is one etc.

Prices are strong on the coast, but inland areas like Cambo-les-Bains and Hasparren offer more space and better value and you are still close to the coast (half an hour driving).

With prices being high and demand never decreasing, the Basque coast is a sure and secure investment. I can safely say I have never had one client make a loss on resale.

3. Work with a local expert – France has its quirks and I would say from experience the Basque country has even more! Trying to navigate the market alone is not easy, especially if you are not fluent in French. Sadly though, we don’t have sharks in our waters, we do get them on the land occasionally!

4. Be aware of legal and tax considerations - buying a house is different in France. We use a notery to set up and complete the sale. Brexit has created the 90 day rule and taxes can depend on your place of residency. All this needs to be considered and I can help with this too.

5. Factor in the ongoing costs - often people come with a clear picture of their second home dream but they forget about the ongoing costs. So, often clients go for a property that's different to their initial dream.

The final picture is still a dream (don't get me wrong), but it's important to factor in the ongoing costs. A big garden requires maintenance as does a pool. You might need management all year round and apartment buildings have shared costs. There is also a non-resident tax. As you can see, there are lots of costs to consider before making a decision.

6. Consider access & transport - if you're hoping to visit regularly, bear in mind that sleepy mountain villages can be remote and hard to reach. The coast might be busier but access is easier too. Biarritz airport is close to town, but there are alternatives in Bordeaux, Bilbao and Pau. Local transport and trains are also excellent in France.

7. Think about how you're going to use the property -are you buying for holidays, future retirement, seasonal living or to rent? Your goals in this area will shape everything from location to size. Also important to bear in mind are the new rules for renting as a second home owner. Again, do your homework!

8. Think long-term value - your second home is a huge investment and money well spent. The Basque Country has strict planning laws and as mentioned, huge demand outweighs offers, so well-located properties hold their value strongly. Living locally for 22 years mean I can advise on the best locations in terms of investment - not just tourist appeal.

9. Be prepared for a slower buying process – having lived in France for over 35 years I can say that life is slower for the French. There are advantages to this – much less stress and a higher quality of life, but it’s important to know this before you embark on your venture.

Read more about the Buying Process

Buying property can take 2-4 months. The administrative side is a little heavy but it’s all part of the process. I’m here to ensure everything runs smoothly and on schedule

10. Enjoy the journey!This is the start of a brand new chapter in one of the most beautiful, diverse regions of Europe. Life here has a special rhythm – from strolling round the local markets to long lunches overlooking the ocean.

You feel you want to make some changes for a healthier way of life. It happened to me and I am truly reaping the benefits.

Think about learning a few words of French so you can integrate and chat with the locals. It is still very French here and the locals appreciate a few words in their language. Basque is still used widely so even the odd Basque word is appreciated. So embrace the lifestyle that comes with the new home and you will truly feel those worries and stresses dissipate into the ocean waves….

Buy a Property in Basque Country

Thinking of buying in the Basque country? As a local expert living here full-time, I help buyers from across France and beyond find their dream second homes in this magical region. If you’re thinking about taking the next step, get in touch — I’d love to help you navigate the buying process.

Need help locating a property in the Basque Country? Find out more about my Property Finding Services.