You don’t need to be a millionaire to buy a castle in France. Here’s a taste of some of the stunning châteaux for sale for less than €1million

Owning a fairy-tale castle needn’t be just a dream if you go house-hunting in France, where an abundance of rustic property and deflated prices are causing a surge in property purchases.

In the 12 months to May 2017, the number of resale property transactions in France surpassed the pre-crisis peak of 2016 and rose 10 per cent compared to the previous year, according to recent figures from France’s association of notaries (Notaires de France).

At the same time, in the first three months of this year average property prices across France increased 2.7 per cent compared to the same period in 2016. Values have risen most in cities and urban areas, while country homes, including châteaux, have been slower to recover, making them more attractive to British house-hunters.

President Emmanuel Macron’s recent promise to spare 80 per cent of households from the annual taxe d’habitation, thereby cutting ownership costs, is adding to the appeal of a French home. Buyers could also benefit from the cheap mortgage rates available from French banks right now. Depending on circumstances, a 20-year mortgage with a rate between 1.40 per cent and 2.15 per cent could be achievable, requiring a deposit of just 10-15 per cent.

Some savvy, cash-rich British buyers are taking advantage of current conditions and opting for a euro mortgage. This way, they reduce their exposure to today’s poor exchange rate and once Sterling strengthens, it should cost them less to repay their French mortgage than it would have cost them to buy their French property outright at the outset. Visit the Currency Zone to learn more about exchange rates and making currency transfers.

Traditionally, Dordogne, Bordeaux, Provence, the Loire and Languedoc-Roussillon have been the most popular hunting grounds for castles. We’ve looked beyond these regions, to tempt you with five châteaux on the market for less than €1million.

Sarthe
A stunning property on the edge of a village in the Marçon area of Sarthe, this seven-bedroom château oozes elegance and is in fine condition throughout. Set in around two acres, it includes a heated indoor pool and gym. The price tag is an enticing €642,000. For more info, click on the image above.

Gers
Tucked away in the pretty countryside of the southern Gers department, 45 minutes west of Toulouse, this medieval château dates from the 13th Century. It has most of its original features in place and has been partly restored, leaving a bit of work for any new owner. Coming with around six hectares of land, it has a price tag of just €595,000.

Deux-Sèvres
Carefully renovated to a high standard, this charming château 30 minutes from Poitiers effortlessly marries the property’s original features with more modern luxury fittings. It comes with a hectare of gardens, including a pool, plus meadows and three hectares of woodland. There are also barns and a guest cottage. All this for an asking price of €884,000.

Indre
This grand property dates from the 19th Century and comes with a large pool, lake and around 4.5 hectares of grounds. As spectacular inside as it is from the outside, its restored interior is styled in keeping with the period. Located in the Châteauroux area, it’s on the market for €960,000.

Aveyron
At the centre of a medieval village near Rodez, you’ll find a château that has been beautifully restored and is currently split into guest suites, living accommodation and a gîte. Its attic and basement are yet to be renovated. Coming with a large garden, pool, well and speaker’s platform once used for village announcements, its asking price is €999,000. For more info, click here.