Houses sell for average of €550/m²: discover France's cheapest village
Property prices in Haute-Marne village, some three and a half hours from Paris, are lowest in France according to latest ranking
Houses are spread out across large areas of land.
Anaïs Otabide Agence Orpi
For many people, owning a home feels like an unattainable dream, as high down payments and large loans can quickly become overwhelming.
However, according to a recent ranking on SeLoger.fr, Romain-sur-Meuse in the Haute-Marne region challenges that perception, with an average property price of around €550/m², making it the cheapest in France.
This is roughly five to six times lower than the national average and around 17 times lower than in Paris.
At the lower end of the market, some homes in this small village of 91 residents can sell for as little as €244/m².
Many of these properties are listed as habitable, requiring little to no renovation, and often include features such as double glazing, a garage, and a garden.
As explained by Anaïs Otabide, a real estate agent at theOrpi agency in Chaumont in a recent interview with The Connexion:
“We have many properties around 200 euros per square metre. For example, I currently have a house for sale in Clinchamp (Haute-Marne region) for €49,000, with 250 square metres of living space. It is habitable, with land, a garage, and double glazing.”
She also added that this was not an isolated case. “Many of the properties in this price range are truly habitable. You can move in tomorrow.”
In the last three years, she has sold 14 houses in the area. According to her, “many of these properties are ready to live in immediately.”
In fact, Ms Otabide's most recent sale was an approximately 120/m² property, with land, double glazing, and central heating, roughly €340/m² overall, which sold for €40,000.
Who are the buyers?
According to Ms Otabide, a significant proportion of buyers are foreigners, particularly Belgians, Dutch, and Germans. Dutch buyers are especially drawn to the region because of the large plots of land available, which are rare in their home country.
These buyers are often attracted by the region’s peaceful environment, green landscapes, and spacious properties.
Quality of life and advantages
In general, the main appeal of these villages is the quality of life. Residents enjoy a quiet, rural environment with little noise and minimal traffic. Shops and essential services are only a short drive away.
For those seeking a second home or a retreat from urban life, the area offers space, tranquillity, and a strong connection to nature.
Downsides to consider
However, there are disadvantages.
Employment opportunities are limited compared to urban areas. As a result, the region could be considered more suitable for second-home buyers than permanent residents who need local work opportunities.
Families may also face challenges, particularly regarding education, as schools and higher education institutions are located in larger nearby towns.
Healthcare access is also limited, with fewer doctors and medical facilities in the immediate area.
Remote work and future prices
Despite the rise of remote work since the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms Otabide does not expect property prices to increase significantly in the near future.
Housing characteristics
Most properties in the area are old village houses. Many are heated using oil systems and therefore have low energy efficiency ratings.
