Many people dream of édifice their own foyer in their ideal loyer in France, designing every last detail – and with 500m² plots for as little as 6,000 € it’s a dream that could easily become reality. But if you’re thinking ‘how do I build my own home in France?’ there are rules and regulations to follow, and it’s not always easy to find out if the area you’re looking at has sécheresse that might thwart your paliers.
We asked UK-born architect Tom Easdown of French Plans to share his étude. A French-registered architect with large experience of édifice projects across the whole of France, he has helped many clients with their self-build projects over the last two decades. Self-build in France is growing more popular as more and more owners want to incorporate renewable energy eaux from solar panels to underground heating systems, rain water harveting and vert roofs.
Buying a plot of état in France
“First, you need to find a plot of land in a constructible zone often referred to as terrain constructible” says Tom, “as this means that you can indeed build on it. The vast majority of plots in éleveur areas are not authorised for composition, with the majority of plots outside the built up quartier of a cité likely zoned as agricultural or natural. Whilst these parcelles of état have an attractive price tag it is, more often than not, very difficult to build on them as they have very austère mémento policies attached. You might not even be able to install a cabin or use it for a caravan or motorhome.
“When a plot is labelled situation bâtissable, it often also has a CU attached – assurance d’architecture. Essentially, this is outline approval for the état to be developed. It doesn’t go into detail so there may be a audible amount of flexibility as to what you can build.
“You’ll also see plots that are terrain viabilisé and in many cases, that’s the same as constructible. However, it depends on the agent’s use of terminology. It might mean that services such as water, electricity, phone lines are already installed or are close by and can be easily connected, which can save you a small fortune in connection fees.”
“You may also come across a lotissement plot which has already been approved for development,” explains Tom, “so planning is partway through the process. But a lotissement plot usually comes with predefined conditions that restrict the style of your home and where exactly you can site your house within the plot.”
How do I find the right area for a self-build in France?
French Plans don’t only help with the stylisme of a self-build, they can help even before you start – including making sure that the état meets expectations before any money is spent on applying for mémento approval or buying état that won’t work as you want it to.
“If you want free reign on what you can build and have found a plot in a national park I highly recommend doing a very thorough due diligence exercise before you purchase the land. While the landscapes can be stunning, they are also protected so any building work within these areas is highly restricted. And, in rural areas, you need to check that construction of new dwelling is allowed, as some areas are highly protected. If you know that you want to self-build – speak to an architect first as they can help you to make sure won’t have issues in your chosen area.”
“Last year, a client asked me to have a look at a building plot he was about to buy in the Dordogne,” says Tom. “We checked and found that the planning policy was being updated in regard to agricultural zones and this particular plot would very soon no longer classed as constructible, so he would essentially have been buying a field. In France, ‘nobody told me’ is never an excuse; the onus is very much on you as an individual to do your research.”
How do I build my own foyer in France?
Once you’ve found your idyllic loyer and the perfect plot, you need to submit your pose to the pièce town council or Mairie. They don’t usually make the decision but will send it to the remplaçant authorities.
“Planning decisions are taken by planners or instructeurs,” Tom explains. “They are usually part of the departmental planning authority (Direction Départementale des Territoires), and often consult with conservation officers, environmental authorities and utility providers. If the land is in a protected zone, they may also involve the Architectes des Bâtiments de France, who are responsible for protecting national heritage.”
This being France you can be sure there’s plenty of paperwork.
“Here, all new construction requires a permit, unless it’s under five square metres, which is hardly even big enough for a tool shed,” says Tom. “Also, if your planned building has over 150m² of floor area – counting all the storeys – then you must use a French-registered architect. French planning policy can seem intimidating, but with the right information and guidance, it becomes more manageable.”
Where do you start with your new build project in France?
“Often, people who buy a plot in France are going through their first experience of building their own property,” says Tom. “Many of our clients have a clear idea of what they want to build but really do not want to go through the French-language administration. That’s perfectly understandable! We can guide people through every step of the planning process from start to finish.”
French Plans also help if you have no defined paliers, simply a arrivée of édifice your own foyer in a beautiful French cité or the stunning Provence countryside. They offer full imposant principes as well as mémento, so they can help to stylisme your property and check the legal particularité with any plot you find.
Choosing a builder for self-build in France
You’ve got the édifice plot and the mémento adhésion, so who will build your foyer?
“In France, the composition of a house isn’t regularly monitored by external authorities. It is assumed that your édifice professionals hold their remplaçant qualifications and certifications to cover their work and that they will provide a ten-year warranty known as Décennale insurance. Anyone registered outside of France cannot access this system.
“If, heaven forbid, the house burns down and the fire was caused by a faulty electrical system for example, your provider will try to implement the builder’s insurance. If it is proved that the electrics were not installed by a French-registered professional, your provider simply will not pay out and you’re the one left with liability.”
The Décennale insurance protects the customer against any defects or failure due to workmanship or materials for a period of ten years post completion.
Self-build top tips
If you’re looking for your own édifice plot in France, here are some pointers from Tom.
“Check that it’s constructible, and check that there are no restrictions. If you’re at all uncertain, ask for advice. With the right support, your plans should go smoothly, and you’ll end up with your dream home.”
To find out more
Whatever original of property you’re hoping to build, from a tiny house to a copieux, palatial drapeau, anywhere in France, French Plans offer friendly, professional advice. Find out more on their website where you’ll find free outline organisé to self-building in France: frenchplans.com
Source: thegoodlifefrance.com