How to Buy a Smallholding in France- Long-time smallholder Lorraine Turnbull looks at the practicalities of moving to rural France

Aspiring smallholders are continually thwarted by the prices of smallholdings and property with land located within the UK. Even the humblest croft in Scotland comes with a substantial price tag and conditions which would make even an adventurous wannabee consider carefully. But all is not lost. For those willing to take the adventure of a lifetime, there is always Europe, and one of the most popular places is France.

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Aspiring smallholders are continually thwarted by the prices of smallholdings and property with land located within the UK. Even the humblest croft in Scotland comes with a substantial price tag and conditions which would make even an adventurous wannabee consider carefully. But all is not lost. For those willing to take the adventure of a lifetime, there is always Europe, and one of the most popular places is France.

The climate varies with the North being temperate, similar to Cornwall. South of the Loire (about half way down to the West), it enjoys short mild winters and long warm summers. Near the Spanish border it is hot in summer, but the Pyrenees offer the chance to enjoy skiing and the land is watered well with meltwater creating many rivers and streams. Moving East into the more touristy area of the Riviera and Provence, prices are higher and country properties snapped up by the wealthy summer visitors, but further North there are many old fermes or maisons with land for a fraction of the cost of a similar property in mainland UK.

The author on her French Smallholding

The country enjoys proper seasons and on average a longer growing season than anywhere in the UK, allowing those who wish to grow their own food to produce more, for longer and of a greater variety. Keeping livestock is similar to Britain, as the UK was formerly part of the EU and shared the regulations and rules. The language is of course different, and the bureaucracy can be a bit of a chore, however most officials speak some English and there are many social media groups to help.

Can i move to france since brexit?