Dordogne Property Viewing Checklist
- For Sale in France
- Jan 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 28
A practical, on-the-ground checklist for buyers viewing homes in the Dordogne
Use this checklist during viewings to compare properties objectively, avoid costly surprises, and stay focused on long-term livability, not just first impressions.
1. Location & Setting
☐ Village, hamlet or isolated countryside
☐ Year-round access (roads, lanes, winter conditions)
☐ Distance to nearest-
Bakery / shop:
Market town:
GP / pharmacy:
Hospital:
☐ Noise levels (roads, farms, tourism)
☐ Neighbours visible or nearby
☐ Flood risk (especially near rivers)
☐ Mobile phone signal
Ask:
Is the area lively year-round or seasonal?
How busy is it in July–August vs winter?
2. The House Itself
☐ Orientation (light, sun exposure)
☐ Overall layout practical for daily living
☐ Ceiling heights and room proportions
☐ Number of bedrooms usable year-round
☐ Storage space
Key structural checks:
☐ Roof condition and age
☐ Gutters and drainage
☐ Signs of damp (walls, floors, smell)
☐ Cracks in stone or plaster
☐ Condition of beams and floors
3. Heating, Utilities & Comfort
☐ Heating type-
Oil
Gas
Electric
Wood / pellet
Heat pump
☐ Age and condition of boiler
☐ Insulation (roof, walls, windows)
☐ Double glazing or single glazing
☐ Hot water system capacity
☐ Water source-
Mains:
Well (potable?):
☐ Septic tank (fosse septique)-
Compliant?:
Last inspection date?:
Estimated upgrade cost if non-compliant:
4. Outbuildings, Land & External Areas
☐ Barns / garages structurally sound
☐ Conversion potential (planning permission?)
☐ Boundary clarity and fencing
☐ Garden maintenance level
☐ Trees near house (roots, shade, risk)
☐ Access for vehicles
☐ Swimming pool-
Condition:
Safety compliance:
Running costs:
5. Renovation & Future Potential
☐ Cosmetic refresh only or major works needed
☐ Electrical system age and conformity
☐ Plumbing condition
☐ Windows and doors replacement needed?
☐ Ability to extend or reconfigure layout
If renovating:
☐ Planning experts required?
☐ Local artisans available
☐ Estimated renovation timeline
☐ Budget contingency allowed (always add 15–20%)
6. Costs & Ongoing Expenses
☐ Asking price realistic for condition
☐ Property tax (taxe foncière)
☐ Utility running costs
☐ Heating fuel costs
☐ Maintenance expectations
☐ Estimated notaire costs (approx. 7–8% resale)
☐ Furniture included or excluded?
7. Legal & Administrative Checks (via Agent/Notaire)
☐ Clear title and boundaries
☐ No outstanding planning issues
☐ Diagnostics provided-
DPE (energy rating):
Asbestos:
Lead:
Septic report:
Electrical / gas:
☐ Any rights of way across land?
☐ Zoning restrictions (especially rural land)
8. Lifestyle Suitability Test
☐ Would you live here in February?
☐ Comfortable without tourists?
☐ Suitable for ageing in place?
☐ Space for visitors without disruption?
☐ Internet speed suitable for remote work?
Try this:
Sit quietly for 5 minutes
Walk the immediate area
Drive away and return after dark
9. Rental or Income Potential (If Relevant)
☐ Location attractive to renters
☐ Parking availability
☐ Separate guest accommodation
☐ Seasonal vs year-round demand
☐ Local rental regulations
☐ Cleaning and maintenance logistics
10. Final Decision Questions
☐ Does this property match your lifestyle goals?
☐ Are compromises practical or emotional?
☐ Would you still like it without the view / pool / stone walls?
☐ Does the area feel like home, not just a holiday?
Pro Tip for Dordogne Buyers
Limit yourself to 3–4 viewings per day.
Dordogne homes are emotional purchases — fatigue leads to poor comparisons.
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