Buying Property in the Languedoc: Property Grants

If you have friends in high places, read on. If you are fluent in French and Occitan, and an expert in dealing successfully with functionaires, read on. Otherwise, forget all idea of worthwhile grants, without strings. Some grants that you might like to investigate if you have time to spare are given below.

It is theoretically possible to obtain local authority grants for building work in exceptional circumstances, but such circumstances are rare. It is possible to obtain grants from the Gites de France if you create a gite from dilapidated farm buildings. You will however be tied to them for years, and unable to let through any other organisation.

It is possible to obtain grants to convert buildings for letting to those on social security. Up to 90% grants are available, and the rents suposedly guranteed, but the property must be available to the local authority ten years. This sounds a reasonable deal, but a number of horror stories are circulating. I'd be grateful for facts that anyone can provide about this scheme.

It is possible to obtain grants from the Agence National d'Amelioration d'Habitat (ANAH), which contributes towards the improvement of buildings over 15 years old. It must be your principal residence, and remain so for for nine years after the work is complete.

It is possible to obtain grants for listed buildings from the Batiments de France. In theory these can be significant, 40%, but by the time you have allowed for the fact that only certain structural works qualify, that various conditions apply even to those, and that that 40% is a theoretical maximum, and that in any case they might unexpectedly run out of money, then allow for the extra work involved in producing proposals and options for their Lordships' perusal, paying for specialist architects, engineers and geologists - you are likely to be out of pocket. If you are thinking of buying in the Aude, avoid listed buildings at all costs, as your life will be blighted by the functionaires of Carcassonne, who are considerable worse than useless. I'd be grateful for facts that anyone can provide about other départments in the région.