Renovating a property in the Dordogne needn't cost the earth

OUR news article about the falling prices in new build property in France today prompted this post about the cost of renovating older properties.

With specific regard to property for sale in the Dordogne, old, stone properties with character attract more buyers.

The effect of the credit crunch and the falling pound has seen budgets slashed and an increasing number of people looking for property to renovate in the Dordogne.

But it's easy to underestimate the cost of renovation.

A client recently showed me a quote for a litre of paint from a shop in Bergerac. He wanted to stain the exposed beams in his restored barn. He was just adding the finishing touches.

He was quoted a staggering 27.63 euros (that's 22 pounds sterling at today's exchange rate). In the UK it's a fraction of the price.

Luckily, he hadn't started the work. He was still recovering from the shock and seriously contemplating getting the ferry to England to buy paint there and bring it back.

Unfortunately, it's illegal to import the cheaper and, arguably, better quality British paint.

However,as estate agents in the Dordogne, we tend to know how to source quality materials and artisans at reasonable prices.

We suggested he pay a visit to a little known paint factory in Bergerac that sell paint in any quantity to the public at the wholesale price.

Two days later I got a call from the same client. He had been to "the paint factory" and bought five litres of the paint for 26 euros, a massive 80% saving. And good quality too.

photo: Digital Vision