Taking climate change into account before starting your French property search

There are inevitably 101 things to think about when looking to buy a home in France and there will also always be those things you forget to consider however carefully you have done your planning. Now however, there is increasingly something else to think about; climate change and how that might impact any property you buy now and in the future.

Wildfires, droughts, flooding, and extreme weather events seem to be increasingly regular occurrences which can only lead to a greater emphasis not just on how we live but also where.

In the past, many people, particularly those from more northern climes, have dreamed of owning a house in the sunshine of the Côte D’Azur or amongst the lavender fields of Provence. Demand, however, is now strongly shifting towards regions with more rainfall and less extreme summer heat as everywhere gets hotter and drier and weather patterns more pronounced.

Of course, nowhere is immune from climate change but, when deciding where to buy a property, it is worth looking at the average temperatures throughout the year, particularly the peaks and troughs as well as the yearly rainfall in order to get an idea of the weather trends in the area. Check out recent fire and flood history in the region too.

In terms of choosing a house, for both extreme heat and cold, old stone properties have much better natural insulation thanks to the thick, stone walls meaning they stay much cooler in summer than new houses, but they also retain the heat better in winter. Plus, shutters are not just to look pretty, they do a fantastic job of keeping the heat out or in depending on the time of year. A north facing terrace in summer is also vital; much as it is lovely to sit and face south, looking at the mountains in winter, in summer you will appreciate being able to relax in the shade on the northern side of the house. And don’t buy a house on a flood plain!

So just a few more things to think about when choosing a region and a house either for a permanent home or a holiday house.

If you would like some help in narrowing your search area and finding your perfect house, please get in touch: nadia@foothillsoffrance.com