Typical Property

Maisons de Village and Maisons de Ville are old terraced houses found in villages and towns. Often built out of local stone, these properties boast lots of character and charm and vary tremendously in size. The majority do not possess an outside area; when they do it is generally a balcony (or two!), (roof) terrace or otherwise a courtyard. Occasionally they possess a garden, but note that this may not be directly attached to the property! For more details, see Property - Explanation of some Common Terms.

Maisons de Caractere are usually large village/town houses with character features both inside and out, plus land. Normally located on the edge of villages or towns.

Villas are generally modern houses, their red rooves and ochre-coloured walls instant reminders of their location here in the South of France. However the inside can have a contemporary or traditional feel to it. Traditional usually translates as wooden balustrades, exposed beams (often in pine or dark wood) and a fireplace. Villas can be large or small, detached, semi-detached or even terraced, on one or more levels. They comprise a garden or land accordingly, sometimes with pool. They are usually found on the edge of villages and towns – either set in amongst other villas or in their own grounds. Note that many new-build developments are villas.

A typical Catalan Mas is a spacious old property which can date back to the 10th century! Built out of local stone and oozing character inside and out, they are often set on a sizeable plot of land away from immediate human contact and come with outbuildings. Sometimes they resemble a farmhouse in style.

Pavillons are small bungalows, modern or with character, usually with a small garden attached. They are usually found on the edge of towns and villages, set in amongst villas.

Pavillons de Vacances are holiday homes on the coast and can be referred to as villas just to confuse the issue! They are usually modern, purpose-built properties, terraced or semi-detached, and often feature a first-floor mezzanine area that can be used as a bedroom, play area or study. The size of a pavillon de vacances varies from property to property. They normally come complete with a paved patio and are usually sold furnished.

Properties such as Maisons de Maitre (literally ‘the Master’s House’ – large, grandiose houses in towns incorporating period features), Batisses (often listed buildings - former convents, priories, etc), Maisons de Campagne (Country Houses close to rivers) can also be found, but to a lesser degree.

Granges or Remises are barns usually for conversion and occasionally one comes across a Bergerie (a former sheep shed!).

Contemporary and new-build apartments exist principally on the coast and in the mountains (where they are normally sold furnished) as well as in Perpignan itself, of course. They generally have an outside area such as a balcony or covered loggia and in the case of a mountain chalet, a small garden.

Ruines i.e. old properties which have been left to decay or former hunting lodges, mills, etc are rare - the majority of them having been renovated and put up for re-sale at magnificent prices.