Buying in Normandy: what overseas buyers should know
Normandy, on the northern coast of France, is one of the closest parts of the country to the UK, reachable by ferry from the south coast of England in a matter of hours. That accessibility, together with its coastline, countryside and long-standing links to Britain, makes it a natural choice for UK buyers. Property ranges from half-timbered homes and manor houses in the Pays d'Auge to seaside apartments in the resort towns and farmhouses across the green interior. It suits second-home owners and full-time movers alike.
What buyers are looking for in Normandy
Normandy offers some of France's most recognisable regional homes, including timber-framed properties, stone farmhouses, manor houses and the grand villas of its Belle Epoque resorts. The coast, from the cliffs of the Alabaster shore to the sands of the Cote Fleurie, brings apartments and seaside homes, while the interior holds farmhouses, longeres and country properties with land. Demand is steady from Parisian second-home buyers and international purchasers, and prices remain gentler than in the south, with plenty of renovation projects for those who want one.
Buying as an overseas buyer
UK buyers can own property in Normandy freely. Since Brexit, visits are limited to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area without a visa, with a long-stay visa for longer periods. A notaire oversees the purchase, taking a deposit and observing a short cooling-off period, and fees paid through the notaire are higher on older resale homes than on new-build. Ongoing costs include the annual taxe fonciere, plus taxe d'habitation on second homes, and French banks lend to non-residents, usually with a larger deposit than a resident would need. Start your search to see property for sale in Normandy, or contact our team to be connected with a local partner agent.
Where to find property for sale in Normandy
The Cote Fleurie, taking in Deauville, Trouville, Honfleur and Cabourg, is the most sought-after stretch of coast, known for its Belle Epoque villas, seaside apartments and weekend appeal to Parisians. Inland, the Pays d'Auge is the classic Normandy of half-timbered homes, orchards and manor houses, while the Cotentin peninsula and the countryside around Bayeux offer stone farmhouses and rural properties at gentler prices. Rouen and Caen add city apartments and town houses.
Buyers looking for an easy UK connection often favour the areas near the ferry ports of Caen, Le Havre, Cherbourg and Dieppe. Property types run from coastal apartments and villas to farmhouses, longeres and manor houses with land, including many restoration projects. Explore our collections to shortlist by the way you want to live.