Key cities for buying in Pays de la Loire
Nantes: dynamic and attractive capital
Nantes attracts with its economic dynamism (with 18,429 notarized transactions in 2024 in Loire-Atlantique), its cultural life, and its still competitive real estate market despite an average price above €3,600/m² in the city center.
The selection of houses and apartments in Nantes shows that the average demand is for properties of 165 m², at €2,212/m² according to Green Acres.
Foreign clientele, mainly German, is increasingly interested in the city with 41 transactions in 2024 and an average purchase price of €345,000 (law of supply concerning quality of life, schools, or contemporary services).
- Popular neighborhoods: Graslin, Bouffay, Île de Nantes
- Developed transport (tramway, TGV, airport)
- Average price per m²: above €3,600 but down 4% overall in the department compared to 2023
Angers: green environment and more accessible real estate
Angers combines quality of life and real estate accessibility with an average price of around €3,100/m² in the city center. According to real estate opportunities in Angers, the most sought-after properties show a price per m² of €2,488 for an average area of 242 m².
In 2024, the Maine-et-Loire department saw 9,377 sales with a departmental average price of €198,000 (average area of 92 m²). The market particularly attracts British buyers (40% of foreign purchases).
Prices are stable, showing a slight estimated decline of -1% over a year.
- Dynamic but peaceful student city
- Stable average departmental price, good perception among first-time buyers
- Modern infrastructure and recognized historical heritage
Investing on the Vendée coast
Les Sables-d’Olonne, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, Pornic
The Vendée coastline continues to attract strongly with 16% of transactions dedicated to second homes in 2024 (compared to 3 to 6% in urban areas).
Stations like Les Sables-d’Olonne (average price €3,316/m²), Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (4,271 €/m²) and Pornic (6,404 €/m²) are seeing price appreciation for seaside properties.
In Vendée, the average price remains attractive at €212,000, but foreign buyers – mostly Belgian – show strong enthusiasm (55 sales in 2024, average price €276,000).
- High rental potential, especially in peak season
- Average acquired area: 89 m² for primary residence, 113 m² for secondary residence by foreigners
- Limited price drop of -2% despite high summer demand
Second homes, seasonal rentals, access to the sea
The coastline remains sought after by rental investors as well as those wishing to acquire a second home. The Green Acres site notes a strong demand for villas and apartments with a view, driven by tourist seasonality and medium-term appreciation prospects.
Choosing the right location
Balance between budget, quality of life, and accessibility
Your choice will primarily depend on your priorities – family life, rental investment, retirement project. Urban centers like Nantes offer continuous activity and modern infrastructure, but the market remains demanding on the budget side.
Conversely, seaside resorts, while being more seasonal, offer attractive returns and a valued quality of life. Prices can vary significantly: from €2,212/m² for sought-after properties in Nantes to over €6,400/m² on the Pornic market.
- In the city: multiple professional opportunities, slightly correcting prices
- On the coastline: dynamic secondary residence market and strong rental potential
- Check accessibility, appreciation potential, and seasonality before deciding
