The Drôme and Ardèche : between the Alps and the Mediterranean

A town on a human scale on the banks of the Rhône, Valence and its region are drawing a growing number of buyers wanting to distance themselves from large neighbouring towns.

Immo de France covers the entire valley of the Rhône with 12 agencies and 105 employees, shared out between L’Ardèche, La Drôme, L’Isère and Le Rhône. A member of the Groupe VALRIM, the Immo de France agency in Valence is run by Caroline Graziano.

“We focus on rentals, rental management, trusteeship, and sales, within a radius of 25 kilometres around Valence. Apartments account for the bulk of sales, with an average price - in the first quarter of 2022 - of 180,000 €. This budget usually gives access to a 2-bedroomed apartment of 75 m2 in a residence less than 10 years old.”

Caroline Graziano - Immo de France VARLIM. (04 75 55 75 75)

Offerings are, however, limited. At the end of the first lockdown, prices rose by about 10 % and are still on a slight upward trend. Since the pandemic, demand for properties with outdoor areas soared. “The most sought-after locations are neighbourhoods such as Châteauvert, Avenue Maurice Faure and Avenue Victor Hugo.” Valence’s neighbouring communes, in the Ardèche, and those lying east of the town such as Chabeuil and Montélier, are also meeting with real enthusiasm.

“Whether actively employed or rental investors, the majority of our buyers are local,” adds Caroline Graziano.

Specializing in the marketing of properties and estates of character, the new Espaces Atypiques agency in Valence is run by Jean-Paul Vincent and Pierre Vallon.

“Launched 15 years ago, our network has about 60 agencies in France. From architect designed houses to properties benefiting from contemporary renovation, but also old houses built of stone, our agency in Valence orchestrates sales of unusual properties within a perimeter encompassing La Drôme and L’Ardèche. Our team of six specialists includes four estate agents shared out in the two départements plus an assistant.”

Pierre Vallon - Espaces Atypiques Drôme Ardèche. (04 75 59 21 48)

The team awards special importance to assets that distinguish the properties they offer for sale, together with the quality of their surroundings. “The average price of our sales ranges from 600,000 to 700,000 €. Wanting to leave large towns, buyers now aim to settle in protected environments.

The rise in demand for properties in La Drôme and L’Ardèche is inciting owners to post higher prices. Some of our clients set their sights on the region around Valence due to its closeness to the motorway and TGV line, while others prefer to distance themselves from urban areas and the nuisances they imply.”

Most of the clients of Espaces Atypiques Valence already own properties of character. They offer them for sale in order to move to a natural environment, or even develop a B&B or guest-house activity by acquiring a large property in vast grounds.

These articles might interest you :

Update on the borderline market

Whether in Le Pays de Gex or Upper Savoy, the real-estate market on the border with Switzerland is still in good shape. For both new and old properties, buyers have a wide choice. Possibly a little too wide ?…

 

Le Pays de Gex, a privileged location

At the gateway to Geneva with its airport and international institutions, Le Pays de Gex appeals for its natural, quiet and residential setting. Benefiting from efficient transport networks, shops and amenities, this area in the north-eastern part of...

 

Annemasse, a very buoyant market

An average-sized town with 32,000 residents, Annemasse offers the advantage of a convenient location on the Franco-Swiss border, 2 km from the canton of Geneva. Its very lively property market mainly revolves around acquisitions of year-round homes b...

 

Le Pays de Gex, a market in its own right

Lying in the midst of luxuriant landscapes between the Massif du Jura and Lake Geneva, Le Pays de Gex offers immediate proximity to the border with Switzerland as its N°1 feature. This strategic location endows its with a unique and persuasive argume...

 

The Franco-Swiss region known as “Le Pays de Gex”

Between the Jura mountains and Lake Geneva, the main assets of Le Pays de Gex are its magnificent green scenery and, above all, its immediate proximity to the cantons of Geneva and Vaud. A strategic position, boosted by very efficient transport netwo...

 

La Chautagne, an authentic region

At the north-western tip of the département of Savoy, La Chautagne consists of 8 communes on the banks of Lake Bourget, the largest natural lake in France.