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Interactive sales: suitable for rural properties?

Published at July 29, 2025 by Bernard
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Interactive sales: suitable for rural properties?

Interactive sales are revolutionizing the rural real estate sector in France. This new method of property sales offers a modern alternative to traditional negotiation. It combines the advantages of real estate auctions with the flexibility of an entirely digital process.

What is interactive selling?

Interactive selling is a type of online sale that allows for the rapid sale of real estate. It relies on a website where buyers can view listings and submit their offers.

Unlike traditional real estate auctions, the seller retains the choice of the final buyer. There is no mandatory adjudication to the highest bidder. This flexibility constitutes a major advantage for owners of agricultural properties.

Potential buyers visit the property beforehand. They then submit their offers on a secure platform. The seller can monitor the progress of the offers in real time.

Key steps of the process

Preparation of the file

The first step involves preparing all necessary documents. For agricultural land, this includes diagnostics, the cadastral map, and existing rural leases. The seller must also obtain urban planning authorizations and verify pre-emption rights.

Value estimation

It is advisable to carry out a prior estimation of the property. This evaluation determines the starting price for the interactive auctions. The starting price can, for example, be set 10 to 15% below the estimate to create competitive dynamics.

Organization of visits

Visits are organized before the opening of offers. For a rural property, this can include visiting agricultural buildings, land, and equipment. This allows buyers to discover the potential of the property before bidding.

Auction period

During the interactive auction period, approved buyers can submit their offers on the online platform. Each offer is visible to all participants, ensuring the transparency of the process.

Advantages for rural properties

Reduced sales time

Interactive sales usually allow for a shorter sales period. For owners of agricultural properties, this is a considerable advantage as the sale of this type of property can often take many months.

Optimized market price

Competition between buyers makes it possible to obtain the best market price. Interactive auctions create a dynamic that can drive prices above the initial estimate. The seller thus benefits from a real-time evaluation of their property.

Legal security

The entire process is overseen by a notary or a certified platform. Buyers must provide a solvency file before participating. This legal security reassures sellers of rural properties.

Expanded visibility

Interactive sale listings are broadcast on several specialized sites. This allows for reaching a wider audience, including investors and "neo-rurals." Agricultural properties thus benefit from national visibility.

Specific challenges for agricultural properties

Complex technical preparation

Selling agricultural land requires more extensive preparation. The seller must gather numerous documents: rural leases, specific diagnostics, and SAFER authorizations. This step can take several weeks.

Visiting constraints

Rural properties are often difficult to access. Land may be scattered over several plots. Organizing group visits becomes more complex than for an urban property.

Limited internet connection

In rural areas, the internet connection can be unstable. The seller must be able to follow the auctions in real time for 24 hours. Professional support is often necessary.

Pre-emption right

Agricultural land is subject to the SAFER pre-emption right. This condition can complicate the sale and extend deadlines. The seller must take this into account in their planning.

Types of properties concerned

Farms

Complete farm operations are well-suited for interactive sales. This includes land, buildings, and operating equipment. Buyers can quickly evaluate the value of the whole.

Arable land

Agricultural land alone can also be sold via interactive auctions. The price depends on soil quality and location. Land located near cities is particularly sought after.

Equestrian properties

Properties dedicated to equestrian activities easily find takers. Interactive sales allow for reaching horse enthusiasts throughout France. These properties often have a high value that justifies this sales method.

Forests and woods

Woodland and forest plots are also suitable. Forestry investors appreciate the transparency of auctions. The process allows for a quick estimation of the value of the tree species.

Squarimo, expert in interactive sales

Squarimo is establishing itself as the reference in interactive sales for rural properties. This platform offers three types of auctions adapted to agricultural properties.

Three auction formats

Progressive pricing allows buyers to submit upward offers. This method is suitable for high-potential properties. Declining pricing automatically decreases the price until a buyer comes forward. Open pricing lets each buyer submit their best offer.

Maximum security

Squarimo is a trusted third party with the FNTC (Federation of Digital Trusted Third Parties). This technical security reassures sellers of rural properties. Service fees remain attractive compared to traditional methods.

Personalized support

The Squarimo team accompanies the seller at every stage. They help prepare the file and choose the most suitable auction format. This assistance is particularly useful for complex rural properties.

Practical tips for success

Prepare your file well

Preparation is crucial for a successful interactive sale. The seller must consult all necessary documents beforehand. An incomplete file can cause the sale to fail.

Choose the right starting price

The starting price must be attractive without being too low. An expert can advise the seller on this delicate step. The base price directly influences the success of the auction.

Optimize visits

Visits should highlight the potential of the agricultural property. The seller can provide high-quality photos and detailed plans. Maintaining the land before visits is important.

Monitor auctions closely

On the big day, the seller must follow the auctions in real time. They can stop the sale at any time if the offers do not satisfy them. This flexibility is a unique advantage of interactive selling.

Growing institutional support

The French State encourages this innovation in real estate sales. The State website now uses auctions to sell its land heritage. This official recognition legitimizes interactive sales.

Transaction volumes via interactive sales increased by 30% in 2024. This growth testifies to the growing interest of owners in this method. Notaries themselves are increasingly integrating this option into their services.

Conclusion

Interactive sales represent a modern alternative for selling rural properties in France. It combines speed, transparency, and legal security. Agricultural properties can thus find a buyer more quickly than with a traditional sale.

This new method requires rigorous preparation and professional support. Platforms like Squarimo facilitate this process for sellers. The future of rural real estate sales seems to be moving toward these innovative digital solutions.