Meet Chris van Halewijn, our agent in the north Morvan area

Chris van Halewijn has lived with his wife Sanny in a small village in the Morvan (Burgundy) since 2019. In the Netherlands, he worked as an advertising photographer and as a restorer of classic sailing and motor boats. Once in Burgundy, he came into contact with Benjamin Haas of France4U, which led him down the path of brokerage.

What exactly does your work consist of?

‘My work as an agent has quite an international character. We sell houses to a broad, international audience, so no day is the same. Speaking several languages is therefore absolutely essential. That is exactly what makes this work so fascinating.

My working area is the Morvan, a vast nature reserve. So I am on the road a lot. Fortunately, I am never in a traffic jam here, rarely encounter traffic lights and always enjoy beautiful views on the way.’

What kind of properties are most in demand?

‘In the Morvan, you see that the typical search profile is fairly clear: people are looking for an old farmhouse in natural stone (‘en pierre’) with one or more outbuildings, located on a few thousand square metres of land. Preferably at the end of an idyllic country lane, with wide views.’

How is the demand and price situation developing in your region?

‘Since the corona crisis, interest in the Morvan has risen sharply, both from international buyers and from the French themselves - especially from urban areas. This has obviously affected prices.

However, last year saw another slight decline, partly due to rising interest rates and global uncertainties. For 2025, I expect stabilisation. In the long term, I see good prospects: the Morvan is a protected nature reserve two to three hours' drive from Paris and Lyon, with reasonable amenities and a slowly rejuvenating population. That makes it extra attractive, especially for people from the city.

What is striking is that buyers these days often have a higher budget, both for purchase and renovations.’

What is the most special property you have had for sale?

‘Right now, I have something really unique: an old train station, fully authentically furnished, including a wonderful collection of real trains. Think, for example, of a fully equipped sleeping car from the Orient Express and the famous TEE dining car ‘Le Mistral’. It is, of course, a maverick in the market, but precisely because of that, incredibly fun to work on.’

What makes your work so much fun?

‘The celebratory moments at the notary when the sale is completed. Or the moment when you think: this is the house for these people - and that turns out to be the case.

Over the years, you learn to judge clients well. I often know within a few minutes who I have in front of me and what they are looking for. It's always great to see people start their dream project. And then, years later, you meet them again and see what they have made of it. That gives a lot of satisfaction.’

Are there also less fun sides to your work?

‘Definitely. Sometimes you guide someone intensively, and they end up buying nothing. That's part of the job, but you have to be able to stand it. And French regulations are quite complex. The laws and regulations are constantly changing, so you really have to keep up to date. Fortunately, France4U organises mandatory training days every year so that our knowledge is always up to date.’

What are your favourite spots in the Morvan?

‘The beautiful valley of Anost, and the village itself: a dreamy place with all the amenities you look for in a village - even a cinema! I also love the area around Uchon, with the Roches de Carnaval and the cosy auberge La Croix Messire Jean, on top of the mountain with breathtaking views over the Morvan.’