Acquiring an abandoned house for sale can be an excellent opportunity to buy real estate at a low price. However, it requires a good understanding of administrative procedures, potential costs, and precautions to take. Here’s how to proceed.
1. Where to find an abandoned house for sale?
Abandoned houses are not always easy to identify, but there are several ways to spot and buy them at a good price.
Real estate listing sites
Some properties in poor condition are sold at low prices on general platforms:
- Leboncoin, SeLoger, Bien’ici, Logic-Immo
- Specialized agencies in atypical real estate (Barnes, Patrice Besse)
Public auctions and judicial sales
When a house is abandoned and seized for debts, it can be put up for sale through:
- Notarial auctions (Notaires de France website)
- Auctions by local authorities and the State (Agorastore)
- High courts (judicial sales)
Vacant estates and properties without heirs
If a house is abandoned with no known heir, it reverts to the State after 30 years. You can contact the State Real Estate Department (DIE) to buy it at a reduced price.
The land registry and the town hall
Some abandoned houses are registered at the town hall or land registry services. You can:
- Request information about a spotted property.
- Contact any potential owners or heirs.
- Make a purchase offer if the property is for sale.
2. What are the steps to buy an abandoned house?
1. Check the legal status of the house
- Consult the land registry to find out the official owner.
- Check if there are any debts, mortgages, or ongoing procedures.
- Ask the town hall if the property is at risk (which may involve renovation obligations).
2. Contact the owner or heirs
If the property still belongs to an owner or heirs, you can contact them and make a direct purchase offer.
3. Buy through an auction or a State transfer
- If the owner is unknown or if the State has recovered the property, it can be put up for public sale.
- You will then need to participate in the auctions or make an official acquisition request.
3. What budget should be planned for purchase and renovation?
Even if an abandoned house is sold at a low price, you must anticipate additional costs:
Average price of an abandoned house for sale
- Ruined or very dilapidated house : €10,000 to €50,000
- House with major work : €50,000 to €150,000
- Habitable house with minor renovations : €150,000 and up
Cost of work
- Minor renovation (painting, electricity): €200 to €500/m²
- Complete renovation (roof, insulation, plumbing): €1,000 to €2,500/m²
💡 Calculation example: A 100 m² abandoned house sold for €30,000, with €1,500/m² renovation, will cost €180,000 in work, totaling €210,000.
Additional fees to anticipate
- Notary fees (about 7-8% of the purchase price)
- Property taxes
- Mandatory home insurance
- Architect and compliance fees if the property is at risk
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
1. Can the price of an abandoned house be negotiated?
Yes, especially if the property is in very poor condition. You can offer a lower price, especially if no other buyer comes forward.
2. Are there financial aids for renovation?
Yes, notably:
- ANAH aids (up to 50% of the work)
- Zero-interest eco-loan
- Tax credits for energy renovation
3. Can an abandoned house be squatted?
Yes, if it remains unoccupied for too long. It is advisable to secure the property quickly after purchase.
Conclusion
Buying an abandoned house for sale can be a profitable and unique opportunity, but you need to be careful and well-informed. By exploring auctions, vacant estates, and local opportunities, you can acquire a house at a reduced price and renovate it to make a solid investment.
