Is ‘the good life’ still popular? What smallholding buyers in France want in 2025

Almost exactly 20 years ago we moved to France and bought a smallholding. We have since moved to a smaller house, still with a large, productive garden, and continue to love the benefits of growing our own fruit and vegetables and keeping hens. 

In the past we also raised ducks, rabbits and kept bees. 

However, I am curious to know whether this desire to live ‘the good life’ – ie. aspire to self-sufficiency – is still popular among people moving to France. If so, what criteria do these property hunters have in 2025?

To find out, I went back to the agency who sold us our original property.

Helen Robinson, who in partnership runs Beyond Immobilier, moved to France at about the same time as us. 

She insists the good life still has enormous appeal, but that people are now much more aware of climate change and the environment and this influences search criteria.

“Lots of clients are looking for a vegetable plot and fruit trees. Woodland is often not requested, but is seen as a bonus, especially for those with wood-burning stoves.” 

Helen adds that wells (puits) are increasingly specified for irrigating gardens. You can also install a supply within the house for use in toilets or for washing clothes.

If you want to be independent as far as water is concerned, consult an expert who can install a treatment system and check the supply for potability, as there is always the risk of chemical pollution. 

Outbuildings are also still desirable. We have always had more than we needed.

When we moved to our current property we demolished an unattractive open-sided barn (you need permission to do this) but kept the original cow byre, pigsties and winery, which are all very attractive in their own right. 

Not only are they good for storage, but they have development potential – something, Helen reminds me, is still a real plus with buyers. 

However, she cautions that there is a sweet spot when it comes to outbuildings. If they are in good repair and could be converted then they are a plus, but too many dilapidated buildings can be off putting.

Finally, we discuss the environment. Being immediately adjacent to vineyards can be seen as a disadvantage because, historically, they have been associated with high use of pesticides. 

However, more and more vineyards are becoming organic and legislation has curbed the use of chemicals within agriculture generally.

France is still a wonderful place in which to create your own smallholding – whether you want to go completely off-grid or just want to supplement your weekly shop with home-grown fruit and vegetables. 

I still remember our excitement as we drove down the lane leading to the house we eventually bought all those years ago. I am so glad we had the courage to make the move.