Formerly unloved, mocked, underrated, the Creuse is now on the rise.
Thanks to the health crisis and containment, the department is attracting more and more city dwellers wishing to invest in a house with a garden in the countryside.
In recent months, the agencies have been making visits and sales.
REPORTAGE
The Creuse takes its revenge.
Often mocked as being a rural land on the diagonal of the void, the department is today facing an unprecedented renewal of interest.
In recent months, the real estate sector has experienced a real boom.
A boom of locals who take the plunge to become owners, but above all a rush from all over France, especially the big cities.
In the Creuse, houses with gardens at very affordable prices are attractive.
Real estate agents are rubbing their hands.
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80 to 100 emails per day, 16 sales agreements in one month
Another visit to Aubusson this morning, in the city center.
“I work at home, so I need space, an office and two bedrooms,” explains Karine, visiting a 200 square meter building, priced at 60,000 euros.
The eyes of the Parisian, 45 years old, light up.
La Creuse, she hadn't thought of that before.
It must be said that the territory is very isolated and the supply of transport is not the most extensive, admits Karine, but this is the price to pay to have such a preserved countryside.
A refuge away from big cities and the Covid, this is what the new owners are looking for in this Creuse long remained unloved.
At the head of three real estate agencies in the department, Emmanuel Marcon has received between 80 and 100 emails per day since June.
Admittedly, he is overwhelmed with work, but the visits follow one another, and they end in sales.
Last month, no less than 16 sales agreements were signed during the month.
In normal times, "it is rather between five and seven", he said at the microphone of Europe 1. A resurgence of activity which now forces him to recruit a new real estate agent.