Looking for a pond for sale? Buying a pond is a move that attracts many people who love nature, fishing and peace and quiet. Whether for leisure, fish farming or even as a property investment, owning a pond offers many advantages. However, it also involves specific responsibilities and knowledge.
This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the essential steps involved in owning a pond, covering regulations, costs, maintenance and much more.
- A privileged natural area: A pond is a haven of peace where you can observe aquatic fauna and flora in a natural setting, all the more so if the pond is part of a wood or forest. It's a place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
- Varied activities: As well as fishing, a pond can be used for other activities such as hunting waterfowl, water sports or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of nature.
- Added value: A well-maintained pond can increase the value of a property and make it an attractive investment.
A pond is considered to be a piece of real estate. The purchase is therefore made by notarial deed, with duties and taxes similar to those for other real estate.
- Declaration of existence: The seller must provide a declaration of existence from the prefecture via the Direction Départementale des Territoires (DDT). If this document does not exist, regularisation is required.
- Conformity of works: The pond must have conforming infrastructures such as upstream and downstream screens for ponds on watercourses, an emptying device (moine) and a solid dyke.
- Protected areas: Check whether the pond is located in a Natura 2000 zone or classified ZNIEFF, which implies additional obligations in terms of environmental protection.
Ponds with legal title have a special status:
- Definition: These are ponds whose legal existence predates the French Revolution (1789).
- Advantages: They are considered to have a legal existence without the need for a new authorisation.
- Proof: The owner must be able to prove the age of the pond by means of historical documents (old maps, notarial deeds, etc.).
- Regulations: Although exempt from authorisation, these ponds must nevertheless comply with current environmental regulations.
Ponds created before 1993 also benefit from a special regime:
- Status: They are considered to be ‘regularly installed’ under the 1992 Water Act.
- Declaration: A simple declaration of existence to the DDT may suffice to regularise their situation.
- Upgrading: Upgrading work may be required, particularly to ensure ecological continuity.
- Spring-fed ponds: Ponds fed solely by springs located on the property and not in communication with a watercourse are generally considered to be enclosed waters, subject to fewer regulatory constraints.
- Open-water ponds: Ponds in communication with a watercourse are subject to fishing regulations and must comply with stricter standards in terms of ecological continuity.
Even for old or grandfathered ponds, it is strongly recommended to :
- Check the administrative status with the DDT.
- Obtain a certificate of conformity for the works.
- Ensure compliance with current environmental standards.
This process of regularisation provides legal security for ownership of the pond and avoids potential future complications, particularly in the event of sale or inspection by the environmental authorities.
- Proximity to towns and cities: Proximity to major towns and cities can influence the price.
- Immediate environment: Avoid nuisances such as motorways or factories that can affect your peace and quiet.
- Size: Large ponds (>10 hectares) can be more difficult to maintain but offer more space for a variety of activities.
- Depth: Adequate depth is essential for maintaining good water quality and balanced biodiversity.
- Aquatic flora: The presence of plants such as water lilies can be an aesthetic asset, but needs to be managed to avoid invasiveness.
- Fish fauna: The species present (carp, pike, trout) must be adapted to the environment to ensure a healthy ecosystem.
Subject to administrative authorisation, the average price of a pond varies between €5,000 and €20,000 per hectare. It fluctuates according to location, the state of the infrastructure and the quality of the hunting.
- Regular emptying: Essential to keep the pool clean and prevent algae build-up.
- Maintenance of banks and dykes: Necessary to ensure safety and prevent erosion.
- Additional developments: Installation of filtration systems or improvements to existing infrastructure.
- Insurance: Cover property-related risks (flooding, environmental damage).
Owning a pond is an investment that will require regular maintenance.
- Vegetation management: Control aquatic plants to prevent them from choking the water body.
- Water quality: Monitor regularly to prevent eutrophication.
Draining should be carried out every 2 to 5 years, depending on optimal hydrological conditions. This also allows for a more thorough inspection of the water body.
- Controlled introduction of species: Avoid invasive species that can unbalance the ecosystem.
- Monitoring fish populations: Ensuring a balance between the different species present.
To create a new pond, you need to comply with certain regulations:
- Administrative authorisation: Mandatory if the pond exceeds certain dimensions or if it is fed by a watercourse.
- Environmental impact study: May be required to assess the effects on the local ecosystem.
- Choice of site: Choose land with good water retention capacity.
- Efficient drainage system: Essential for managing water levels and avoiding flooding.
- Landscaping: Incorporate natural features such as reed beds to encourage biodiversity.
Buying a pond is an exciting adventure that requires preparation and thought. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the complex process of buying a pond. By complying with the regulations in force, ensuring regular maintenance and carefully planning your project, you'll be able to enjoy your aquatic space to the full while preserving its ecological balance. Whether for personal enjoyment or as a property investment, owning a pond offers a multitude of rewarding possibilities.
