building a gite

[Raygraham]

We are currently looking at property in the limousin area, the properties that we like have oodles of land and pool etc.. but no outbuildings, would planning be difficult to have gites built onto the land ourselves, and can anyone give us any information about the average costs that might be incured to have this done, or alternatively, if the property had barns for renovation, is planning needed for change of use and the running of power,services etc.. are renovation costs expensive? are the workers required for such a project readily available..

[Goo_Rat]

Hi Ray

Some friends of mine nearby had one of those prefab timber-frame houses built. Total cost was about 60,000 euros for a small 3 bedroom.

[Ianhaycox]

[quote]We are currently looking at property in the limousin area, the properties that we like have oodles of land and pool etc.. but no outbuildings, would planning be difficult to have gites built onto the ...[/quote]

Planning does differ from area to area but the only 'sure-fire' way to know is to visit the Mairies office before you sign or buy anything. The Mairie will be able to tell you if planning is likely to be accepted for new or renovation projects. If necessary you can get a condition written into the house purchase contract that makes the sale conditional on getting planning permission for gites.

I don't know limousin but in 22 we have found planning to be very similar to the laws in the UK and in some cases more strict.

You do need planning for renovation and possibly change of use. It depends on the current classification of any out-buildings. Again, check at the Mairies on the cadastral plan to see. If the building is classified as a dwelling (rule of thumb, has it got a fireplace ?) then life is a bit easier.

Renovation costs are quite expensive. Our experience has shown building new is most cheaper than renovating if you exclude the cost of the land. It's very finger in the air but don't be suprised if you spend 50,000 euros per gite.

I'm sure other people have different experiences but in general common sense does apply.