Luxury Property For Sale in Montpellier​

Montpellier is in the southwest part of France, and it’s part of the Occitanie region, which was created in 2016 when the Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées regions were combined. It’s just three hours from Paris and easy to access via train or plane. As mentioned, transportation links within the city are also strong, making it unnecessary to buy a car if you move here.

Montpellier has a desirable Mediterranean climate, characterised by warm summers, mild winters and 300 days of sunshine a year. With the sea on one side and the mountains on another, you’ll never be at a loss for gorgeous views or outdoor adventures.

While some people visit Montpellier on holiday as it’s close to the sea, it’s not nearly as popular a tourist spot as other cities or seaside towns, keeping it a somewhat hidden secret – which residents are thankful for. Locals love everything Montpellier offers, including art, museums, orchestra performances, music festivals, fantastic nightlife and late-night restaurants. Being close to the sea means you can sunbathe on the sand or engage in watersports, and you’re near the mountains too, where you can head for a weekend of skiing, snowboarding or hiking.

Écusson, the historic district, is popular with pedestrians, making it a prime space to stroll, stop at a cafe or boutique, and appreciate the 17th-century mansions (a lot of them host tours, too). You can see more than 2,500 plant species at the jardin des plantes, which is run by the University of Montpellier and dates back to 1593, making it the oldest botanical garden in the country. Another iconic spot in Montpellier is the Promenade du Peyrou, home to historical monuments and known for hosting antique markets and musical performances. For fresh produce to take home with you, make sure to visit the Halles Castellane covered market.

There’s a lot of variety when it comes to property for sale in Montpellier. The private residencies of Old Town date back to the 17th century, and there are also stone houses set on several hectares of land, vineyard property, and apartments in the heart of the city. It’s common for houses to come with outbuildings, too, like standalone apartments that are perfect for renting out or hosting your visitors.

Homes here run the gamut from charmingly rustic to sleek and modern. Mixing the old with the new, many properties in Montpellier have retained 17th-century features, like barns or towers, while also being outfitted with modern luxuries, such as heated swimming pools and jacuzzis. Mansions often have regal features, like high ceilings, tiled floors, original fireplaces and grand reception rooms.

Since it’s a university city, Montpellier is a prime location for rental property – both apartments and houses can be rented to university students. You’ll also find some holidaymakers interested in renting, as they can be close to the sea without dealing with the crowds of more tourist-heavy destinations.

You’ll find a lot of Haussmann-style buildings in Montpellier, named after the famous architect. These homes are known for their lovely balconies and facades that are purposely designed to complement surrounding buildings. There’s also hotel property for sale in Montpellier. If you’re interested in running a B&B, you can offer your visitors privacy, a serene outdoor space with landscaped gardens, and a swimming pool.

What Does the Property Buying Process Involve in France?

It’s always a good idea to hire a property agent when searching for property for sale in Montpellier, as they’ll have in-depth knowledge of the area and the homes available. Additionally, agents often have unlisted homes that they can show you, which aren’t accessible to buyers who are looking on their own.

When you’ve found a Montpellier home that you’re interested in buying, you’ll make an offer in writing to the seller. If the seller accepts the offer, you’ll both sign the preliminary contract, called the Compromis de Vente. While the details may change when it comes time to draw up the deed, this initial contract will state the current agreement. You’ll also pay the deposit at this point.

Next, there’s a mandatory 10-day cooling-off period. During this time, you can change your mind about purchasing the property and pull out of the deal without any penalties or losing your deposit. Should you decide to move forward with the purchase, the conveyancing process will begin once the cooling-off period ends. Over the course of about three months, multiple home assessments will be carried out.

The last stage of buying property for sale in Montpellier includes having a deed, called an Acte de Vente, drawn up by the notaire. Both parties will sign the deed, and you’ll pay the balance and any fees that are due, which makes the home officially yours!