INTERVIEW
Karen Tait speaks to estate agent Freddy Rueda to find out what his region of Languedoc has to offer to property buyers
How long have you worked as an estate agent in France?
I started in January 1995 as a property broker buying and selling properties and then qualified as an agent a few years after.
Which area of France do you cover?
Hérault and Aude departments (both in Languedoc, now renamed Occitanie).
Describe your region in five words
Sunshine, sea, mountains, food, wine.
Why do people love your area?
We have everything here – the coast, rivers, lakes, mountains – and all this with an average of 300 sunny days.
Is the area easy to reach?
Very easy, with low-cost airlines flying to Beziers, Montpellier, Carcassonne, two motorways (A9 and A75) for quick access to everywhere.
Is it suited to those seeking a holiday or permanent home?
It’s really ideal for both. Property prices are still competitive compared to Provence or other expensive areas, there’s sunshine even in winter, allowing you to have breakfast and lunch outside. There are nice towns and different landscapes within a short distance.
What’s your favourite corner of the region?
The famous triangle between Pézenas, Béziers and St-Chinian, which is known for its microclimate.
Are there any local hotspots?
Yes, the St-Chinian area was elected the fifth best place in the world to retire in the US CNBC Overseas Retirement Index. The Pézenas area is also very much in demand and all the villages around Béziers would suit retirement or holiday homes.
What kind of properties can homehunters find?
Winemakers’ houses are the most typical, then of course you have stone houses and new bungalows, or at higher prices, domaines with vineyards.
What would these budgets buy in your area?
• Under €100,000: Village house, with no (or very small) outside space.
• €100,000-€250,000: Village house with a terrace, garage, courtyard or new bungalow on a small plot of land.
• €250,000-€500,000: The perfect budget to purchase a house in our area; you could get a larger house with a garden, pool, views, sometimes with gîtes as well.
• €500,000-€750,000: All the above, but bigger.
• €750,000-€1m: Sumptuous character property, small domaine, stone mas, private mansion in a historic town.
• €1m+: Former farm or winemaking property, or a superb contemporary villa with indoor pool and sea views, or large domaines.
What’s the cheapest property you have on your books?
€54,000 – a small house with four bedrooms located on a quiet square, for sale furnished (see listing below). In a village with grocery and tabac, five from a
