Haute-Vienne Property Viewing Checklist

A practical checklist for buyers visiting properties in Haute-Vienne and rural France

When viewing property in Haute-Vienne, it is important to look beyond the charm of the house and carefully assess the structure, services, and surrounding environment. Many properties in this region are traditional stone houses, farmhouses, or renovation projects, so a structured checklist can help ensure nothing is overlooked.

Use this checklist when viewing each property so you can easily compare properties later.

1. First Impressions and Location

☐ What is your first impression of the property?

___________________________________________________________________________________

☐ Does the property feel well maintained ☐ or neglected? ☐

☐ Is the property south facing or well positioned for sunlight?

☐ Are there pleasant views or overlooking neighbours?

☐ How close are neighbouring houses? ______________________

☐ Is the location quiet ☐ or near busy roads ☐?

☐ Are there farms nearby (possible smells or machinery)?

☐ Is the property accessible via a good road?

☐ Is the access suitable in winter or bad weather?

☐ How far is the nearest:

• bakery ______________

• supermarket ______________

• doctor _____________

• pharmacy ______________

• hospital _____________

• train station ______________

• airport _____________

☐ Is the property located in a flood zone?

2. Exterior of the Property

☐ What condition is the roof in?

• slate roof _____________

• tile roof _____________

• visible sagging ____________

• signs of leaks? _____________

☐ When was the roof last replaced or repaired?

☐ What is the condition of the chimneys?

☐ Are there signs of cracks in the stone walls?

☐ Are the walls showing damp patches?

☐ Is the property rendered ☐ or exposed stone ☐?

☐ What condition are the gutters and drainage in?

☐ Are there signs of structural movement?

☐ Are windows:

• single glazed

• double glazed

• wooden or PVC?

☐ Are shutters functional?

☐ What is the condition of doors and frames?

3. Interior Structure

☐ Are floors level?

☐ Are there visible cracks in internal walls?

☐ What condition are the ceilings in?

☐ Are there exposed beams and are they structurally sound?

☐ Are there signs of woodworm or termites?

☐ Does the house smell damp or musty?

☐ Is insulation present in:

• roof space ☐

• walls ☐

• floors? ☐

☐ Is the staircase safe and solid?

☐ Are rooms a practical size?

☐ Is the layout suitable for modern living?

4. Heating and Energy

Heating is important in Haute-Vienne where winters can be cool.

☐ What heating system is installed?

• wood burner ☐

• oil central heating ☐

• electric heating ☐

• heat pump ☐

☐ Is there more than one heating source?

☐ When was the boiler last serviced? ______________

☐ Are radiators modern?

☐ Does the property have double glazing?

☐ Is insulation adequate?

☐ What is the energy rating (DPE) of the property? _____________

5. Water, Electricity and Utilities

☐ Is the property connected to mains water?

☐ Is the water pressure good?

☐ What condition is the electrical system in?

☐ Is the wiring outdated?

☐ Are there enough power sockets?

☐ Is the property connected to fibre broadband or good internet?

☐ Is there good mobile phone signal?

6. Drainage – Very Important in Rural France

Many rural properties in Haute-Vienne have septic tanks.

☐ Is the property connected to:

• mains drainage ☐

• septic tank (fosse septique) ☐?

☐ When was the septic system last inspected?

☐ Does the septic system meet SPANC regulations?

☐ If not compliant, what is the likely replacement cost? _____________

Replacement costs can typically range from €8,000 – €15,000.

7. Outbuildings and Land

☐ Are there barns or outbuildings?

☐ What condition are they in? ______________

☐ Could they be converted into living space?

☐ Is planning permission required for conversion?

☐ How large is the garden or land?

☐ Is the land flat or sloping?

☐ Is the land suitable for:

• vegetable gardens ☐

• animals ☐

• a swimming pool? ☐

☐ Are there boundaries clearly defined?

☐ Are there any rights of way across the land?

8. Renovation Requirements

☐ Does the property require:

• cosmetic updates ☐

• new kitchen or bathrooms ☐

• full renovation? ☐

☐ Are there structural works required?

☐ Does the roof need replacing?

☐ Is rewiring necessary?

☐ Are windows or insulation needing upgrade?

☐ Estimate renovation budget:

• €10,000 – €40,000 cosmetic

• €40,000 – €120,000 interior renovation

• €120,000+ major renovation

9. Running Costs

Ask the agent or owner about annual costs.

☐ Taxe Foncière (property tax)

☐ Heating costs

☐ Electricity costs

☐ Water costs

☐ Insurance

☐ Maintenance costs

Typical annual costs:

Property Type	Annual Cost Estimate
Village house	€1,500 – €2,500
Country house	€2,500 – €4,000
Large stone property	€4,000 – €7,000

10. Legal and Administrative Questions

☐ Is the property freehold?

☐ Are there any rights of way?

☐ Are there agricultural tenants?

☐ Are there building restrictions?

☐ Have all extensions been properly declared?

☐ Are property diagnostics available?

These usually include:

• energy performance (DPE) ☐

• asbestos ☐

• lead ☐

• termites ☐

• electrical safety ☐

11. Lifestyle Considerations

Finally, consider whether the property fits your long-term lifestyle.

☐ Could you live here year-round?

☐ How far is the nearest village? __________

☐ Is there a sense of community?

☐ Is the property too isolated?

☐ Would you be comfortable driving these roads in winter?

☐ Could the property work for:

• permanent living ☐

• holiday home ☐

• rental property ☐

• gîte business? ☐

Property Viewing Notes

Property Address: ___________________________

Village / Town: ___________________________

Price: ___________________________

Agent / Seller: ___________________________

Key Positives:

Key Concerns:

Overall Rating (1–10): _______