Acquiring an abandoned house that's being given away can be an excellent opportunity to get real estate for free or at a very low price. However, these houses are often in poor condition and require specific procedures to be legally claimed. Here's how to proceed.
1. Where can I 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, particularly in rural areas, offer free houses in exchange for a complete renovation.
- Consult the town hall website or municipal newsletters.
State auctions
- Abandoned houses are sometimes sold for a symbolic sum at judicial auctions .
- Check out the websites Agorastore , Notaires de France , or local authority auctions .
Vacant estates and ownerless property
- A house with no known heir becomes state property after 30 years.
- You can contact the State Property Directorate (DIE) to buy back this property or attempt to claim ownership.
2. How to claim ownership of an abandoned house?
If you find an abandoned house and wish 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 an unclaimed estate .
2. Submit an acquisition request to the State
- If the house belongs to the state, you can ask to buy it back at a very low price.
- Contact the prefecture or town hall to begin the purchase process.
3. Claiming ownership through adverse possession (acquisitive prescription)
If you have been occupying an abandoned house for 30 years (10 years if you have an incorrect occupancy title), you can claim ownership in court .
💡 Example : If a house has been abandoned and unoccupied since 1994, and you have maintained it and resided in it without opposition for 10 years, you can initiate proceedings to become its legal owner.
3. What are the costs and obligations?
Even if a house is free , it involves costs and obligations:
- Mandatory renovation (sometimes imposed by the town hall)
- Property taxes payable upon acquisition
- Notary fees (even if the property is given away, approximately 7-8% of the estimated value of the property)
- Home insurance required
💡 Tip : Some renovations can be financed by grants from ANAH or local aid.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
1. Is it really possible to get a house for free?
Yes, but this usually implies an obligation to renovate or a minimum investment in work.
2. How long does it take to claim ownership of an abandoned house?
If you go through adverse possession, it takes 10 to 30 years . With the state or the town hall, it can be faster (a few months to 2 years).
3. What assistance is available for renovating an abandoned house?
- ANAH : up to 50% of the cost of the work
- Zero-interest eco-loan for insulation and energy renovation
- Local and regional aid (varies depending on the municipality)
Conclusion
Acquiring an abandoned house that's being given away is a rare but achievable opportunity. You need to identify the right opportunities , complete the legal procedures , and budget for renovations . With the right contacts and a little patience, you can become a homeowner without having to invest a fortune.
