Le Mans Property Market and Real Estate Guide

(Le Mans, Pays de la Loire, France)



Picture showing a street in Le MansFounded 2,000 years ago in the lovely Pays de la Loire region, Le Mans boasts many spectacular remnants of its glorious past. Medieval Vieux Mans, the old town, with its quaint half-timbered homes, attracts many visitors, but the city's long-standing claim to international fame is its motor sports connection.

Le Mans is centrally located for travel, with its ring roads linking with autoroutes to the capital and several other major cities, including Rouen and Bordeaux. Daily, 40 TGV express and regional train services, as well as an express bus service, connect Le Mans with Paris, and the nearby Le Mans-Arnage Airport serves flights from other French and international cities.


Beautifully-preserved Vieux Mans is the true heart of the city, set along the banks of the Sarne River, adjacent to the busy downtown central area with its shops, hotels and apartment blocks and the new business district of Novaxis. Prices here, although high in comparison with lesser-known locations, have stabilised in recent years, and in the surrounding countryside the rental market is strong.

Many different property styles are available in and around Le Mans, from modern apartments and houses, to conversions in heritage properties, tiny mancelle terraced homes and larger town houses. Traditional thatched chaumieres, 'longere' houses and farmhouses with barns, land and stables are also available in rural areas.

Renting Serviced Apartments

The few serviced apartments available in Le Mans are located in renovated aparthotels near the train station, in the business district. Basic facilities in these studios include fully-equipped kitchenette, shower room, convertible sofa-bed, TV, telephone and Internet access, but do not usually include car parking, disabled persons' access, air conditioning or a restaurant.

Buying Apartments and Houses

There are no restrictions on foreign property ownership in Le Mans and the purchasing process is straightforward, with the realtor conducting price negotiations between buyer and seller. Once a price has been agreed, a legally binding pre-sale contract is signed by both parties.

A deposit, usually of ten percent, is held in the notary's account until the final contract is signed. When the buyer receives the deeds and land registry is completed, the balance of the purchase price is paid. Charges for services are about 12 percent of the purchase price.

New properties attract VAT, payable at 19.6 percent - this can be avoided by using a legal leaseback scheme which allows the short-term letting of the property when the owner is not in residence.

Real Estate Agents

A number of British-owned and run realtors offer properties in the area, ensuring an English-language service. It is best to shop around for an agent that you feel comfortable working with.

Check out the following Le Mans real estate agents:

Properties in France
Address: 23 Rue de la Vincenderie, Vernoil-le-Fourrier, F-49390, France, FR
Tel: +33 0241 52 02 18
Email: sam@propertiesinfrance.com
Website: www.propertiesinfrance.com
This English-owned agency specialises in diverse properties in the north Loire Valley, including the Le Mans area.

Archard Immobilier
Address: 12 Rue de l'Hotel de Ville, Chateau de Loire, F-72500, France, FR
Tel: +33 0243 44 32 54
Email: admin@northloire.com
Website: www.archardimmobilier.com
This British-owned agency has a bilingual staff and website, and offers a professional, friendly service including after-sales care.

Agence Valle des Rois
Address: 23 Rue de l'Hotel de Ville, Beaufort-en-Vallee, F-49250, France, FR
Tel: +33 0241 45 22 22
Email: agency@loireproperty.com
Website: www.loireproperty.com
This agency has mostly rural properties in the Loire Valley, including Le Mans.