Imagine being able to spot, in just a few clicks, the perfect abandoned house for your project, passion, or curiosity. On this page, you will find the most detailed maps by department, specially designed to help you quickly locate the most fascinating forgotten sites in France. Whether you dream of bringing a house back to life, exploring neglected heritage, or simply fueling your imagination, you are in the right place.
1. Where to find an abandoned house to give away?
Although rare, some abandoned houses can be given away for free under certain conditions. Here’s where to look:
Municipal announcements and programs
- Some municipalities, especially in rural areas, offer free houses in exchange for complete renovation.
- Check the town hall website or municipal bulletins.
State auctions
- Abandoned houses are sometimes sold for a symbolic amount during judicial auctions.
- Check the sites Agorastore, Notaires de France, or local government auctions.
Vacant inheritances and ownerless properties
- A house without a known heir becomes state property after 30 years.
- You can contact the State Real Estate Department (DIE) to buy this property or attempt a claim.
2. How to claim an abandoned house?
If you find an abandoned house and want to claim it, here are the steps:
1. Check its legal status
- Go to the land registry or town hall to identify the owner.
- If no one has paid property taxes for several years, the property may be in vacant inheritance.
2. Submit a purchase request to the State
- If the house belongs to the State, you can request to buy it at a very low price.
- Contact the prefecture or town hall to start a purchase procedure.
3. What are the costs and obligations?
Even if a house is free, it involves costs and obligations:
- Mandatory renovation (sometimes required by the town hall)
- Property taxes to be paid from acquisition
- Mandatory home insurance
💡 Tip: Some renovations can be funded by ANAH grants or local aid.
Discover abandoned houses thanks to our maps!
By browsing our maps by department, you are now ready to spot the abandoned house that best fits your project. Whether it’s a potential gift, a renovation opportunity, or simply an inspiring discovery, each place holds a unique story.
