Buying a house on the Île de Ré feels like a dream. Sea air, bicycles leaning against whitewashed walls, oysters for lunch without even checking the time. And yes, it can be a dream. But I’ve seen enough buyers regret it to say this plainly: the island forgives nothing. People rush in, make hasty decisions, overlook details… and it gets expensive—fast.
Before you sign anything, take a deep breath. Let’s go over the common mistakes people make. The ones no one tells you about during your sunny July viewing.
Second point—and this is where things start to get serious: at some point, you’ll need concrete local information, not just a gut feeling. Checking sites like https://immobilier-ile-de-re.fr early on will help you understand how the island’s real estate market actually works, village by village—not just the idyllic image people have of it. Trust me, it completely changes how you look at listings.
1. Falling in love too fast (a classic, but deadly)
It happens all the time. You walk into a house in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the light is perfect, there’s a fig tree in the garden… and boom—rational thought disappears.
Honestly, I get it. But buying on the Île de Ré is different from buying elsewhere. Prices are high and the margin for error is tiny. Ask yourself the essential questions before you give in. Is it usable year-round? Is there storage? Parking? Is it exposed to the wind? Because that charming little patio could easily turn into a full-on wind tunnel nine months of the year.
I love this place—no doubt about it. Just don’t let it blind you.
2. Underestimating year-round life on the island
Summer is noisy, lively, vibrant. Winter is… quiet. Very quiet. Some villages feel almost asleep from November to March.
Many buyers only visit during peak season. Bad idea. Shops close early, and some don’t reopen until spring. Access to medical care can be hit-or-miss, as can schools. If you’re planning to live here year-round—or even stay for long stretches off-season—you absolutely need to experience the island in January. Grey skies, empty streets, salty wind. Still okay with that? Good sign.
3. Ignoring local regulations (and assuming “it’s France, so it’s simple”)
Short answer: it’s not simple.
The Île de Ré has strict rules. Very strict. Renovations, extensions, locations—even the color of shutters in some cases. Some areas are protected; others are heavily regulated.
I’ve seen buyers design their dream extension… only to find out it was forbidden. Others assume short-term rentals will cover the costs, then run straight into regulatory roadblocks. Before buying, check zoning rules, local planning documents, and location restrictions. It’s not fun—but skipping this step is worse.
4. Forgetting the real costs (not just the purchase price)
The listed price is just the starting point. Notary fees, taxes, renovation costs (often higher on the island), maintenance, insurance… And don’t forget flood-prone areas—insurance premiums can be eye-opening.
Old houses have charm, sure. But charm comes at a price: roofs, stone walls, damp, and repair bills. Build a safety margin into your budget. And then a bit more. Seriously.
5. Choosing the wrong village “because it was cheaper”
Price differences between villages on the Île de Ré are very real. Ars-en-Ré, La Flotte, Sainte-Marie—each has its own vibe, constraints, and long-term value.
Cheaper isn’t always better. In some areas, it’s harder to rent, resell, or live year-round. Ask yourself: why is it cheaper? Noise? Accessibility? Flood risk? Lack of services? Sometimes that’s fine. Sometimes it’s a quiet red flag.
6. Not thinking about resale from day one
You might be thinking, “This is forever.” Maybe. But life changes. Kids grow up. Priorities shift.
Properties that are too specific, poorly located, or hard to access can be difficult to resell. Think about resale—even if it feels premature. Orientation, parking, proximity to the village center: these seemingly small details matter far more than they appear at the time of purchase.
7. Going it alone without local expertise
It may sound obvious, but many buyers try to manage everything remotely—from Paris or abroad—thinking Google is enough.
It isn’t. Local real estate agents, notaries, tradespeople—they know the island’s quirks: tides, winds, seasonal risks, neighborhood history. That knowledge never appears in listings.
Getting advice on the ground can save you months of stress and a lot of money. And yes—sometimes it even saves you from hurting yourself.
Final thought
Buying on the Île de Ré can be an incredible experience. Truly. But it requires patience, curiosity, and humility. Ask questions. Visit off-season. Challenge your first instinct.
And if something feels rushed or too perfect… pause. The island isn’t going anywhere.