According to the most recent estimates, France has around 45,000 castles. This important but unofficial figure hides great disparities because the very notion of a castle is fluctuating. There is nothing in common between Chambord, a 14th century fortified castle, and a half-timbered Norman manor. This diversity of styles, periods, sizes but also conditions is an asset because everyone can find what they are looking for, according to their means. However, acquiring a castle is not easy since it will have to be maintained over time. It is therefore better to mature your project and not fall for machicolations, water moats or painted woodwork without weighing the pros and cons.
All real estate agents specializing in the sale of castles, such as Patrice Besse, Le Nail Immobilier or Mercure Forbes Global Properties, affirm it: you don’t need to be a multimillionaire to become a lord. Although some large historic residences are offered for more than 5 million euros, the bulk of the market remains relatively accessible. Most properties fall in a range between 400,000 and 1.6 million euros, the price of a large studio or a beautiful family apartment in Paris.
Close to cities but far from neighbors
Geographic location is an essential criterion. With equal architectural qualities, a castle easily accessible by road and not far from major urban centers will sell for much more than one – although full of charm – located far from everything. In addition, certain regions such as Périgord or Provence are preferred to others which, such as Hauts-de-France or the Grand Est region, are a little neglected. The style and period of construction must also be taken into consideration.
Classic castles from the 17th and 18th centuries are more sought after than 19th century buildings or the often uncomfortable buildings of the Middle Ages. The surface area of the park and the land surrounding the castle also comes into play. By becoming lords, buyers want above all to live peacefully, far from neighborhood nuisances. However, underline the aforementioned agencies, an area that is too extensive and cumbersome to manage can prove dissuasive. Finally, certain castles are registered or classified as historic monuments or benefit from a label issued by the Heritage Foundation attesting to their architectural interest. This status plays a determining role for certain buyers because it influences the taxation of renovation and maintenance expenses.
Possible public aid
Each year, 3,000 castles are offered for sale in France and 400 to 500 find buyers. Advice is required before any signature with the notary: you must make a precise estimate of the renovation and modernization work to be considered, and calculate the annual maintenance costs. This prerequisite is essential because if you have the impression of having gotten a good deal, you are likely to be disillusioned when you receive the invoices from the craftsmen. Especially since Covid, the price of materials has exploded. Furthermore, the renovation of a beautiful historic home has nothing to do with that of a bourgeois house. You will have to call on specialists, use noble materials, use old techniques and think in terms of surface area. Thus, the roof to be completely covered by a pretty fortified castle with its turrets and corbels can quickly represent more than 1,000 square meters, which inflates the bill!
This is where the inscription, classification or label of the Heritage Foundation is of real interest. If your castle does not fall into any of these categories, all expenses are your responsibility and it will be difficult for you to obtain public aid. Conversely, if it is registered, classified or labeled, you will be able to obtain subsidies from the State, the region, the department or the municipality, but above all you will benefit from a favorable tax regime. Depending on whether you reserve the use of the property, open it for visits or draw revenue from it, your maintenance and restoration costs may be partially or entirely deducted from your taxable income, without limitation of amount, which may reduce your income tax to zero. For certain heavily taxed taxpayers, the status of castellan then presents substantial advantages!
.