Squeezed between the Loire Valley and the Pyrenees, Dordogne is synonymous with hilltop villages, fairytale châteaux and gourmet restaurants. It’s still surprisingly affordable for international buyers too.
The Dordogne countryside (Photo: Nabih El Boustani via Unsplash)
This idyllic region in the southwest of France is a popular spot for gite family holidays and second homes. Easy to reach from Bergerac, Toulouse, Limoges, Brive, Bordeaux and Rodez, the region is home to more expats than any other department. The region’s capital, Périgord Noir, is one of the most popular places to buy, thanks to its proximity to picturesque historic villages like Sarlat and its gourmet scene, but there are even better bargains to be found further afield.
For anyone wanting to purchase property in Dordogne, the good news is that there are few restrictions for international buyers. Once you’ve put in your offer d’achat, you’ll need to sign a preliminary contract, pay your deposit and provide the required documentation. For this reason, we recommend working with a reputable agency that will be able to help guide you through the process. There are dozens to choose from, so we’ve selected three recommended companies that can help you find your homes and property in Dordogne, France.
Prestige Property
Founded more than two decades ago, Prestige Property Group has a proud history of finding discerning international buyers beautiful homes in some of Europe’s most desirable locations, including the French Riviera, Monaco, Tuscany and the Italian Lakes. The team works with an extensive network of partner agents, who can provide invaluable local expertise in the area. Services are free for clients, with no hidden costs or commission either. Currently, there are 90 homes listed in the region, ranging from three-bed country houses to a 15-bedroom chateau.
Hogan-Lacroix Immobilier
British-owned Hogan-Lacroix is based in Sarlat and specialises in a wide range of properties, including chateaux, manoirs, stone houses and land. Michael and Francoise Hogan-Lacroix founded the business in 1974 and have lived in the Dordogne valley since 1985, so they know the area intimately. Pierre and Cecile now run the company, with help from a large team of multilingual real estate specialists. The website is easy to navigate, though it’s worth reaching out to the team directly to see if there are any properties in the pipeline that might fit the bill.
Beaux Villages Immobilier
This award-winning real estate agency offers properties in some of France’s most beautiful towns. Founded in 2016, the company is now an exclusive International Associate for Savills, so they’re experts in helping international buyers to navigate the buying process. The team undergoes extensive and accredited training every year to ensure they can deliver the best service, supported by a legal team, dossier team and marketing team. Plus, they’re happy to help post-purchase, with foreign exchange, mortgages, advice on utilities transfers and other services. There are currently more than 300 properties listed on the site, many with private swimming pools.