It's not quite the famed '€1 homes', but a local authority in central France is selling off 12 homes starting at €80,000.

The département of Loiret has announced that will be selling off 12 canal-side homes - former lock-keepers' cottages which are no longer required due to the mechanisation of the Orléans canal.

The cottages - originally intended for a lock-keeper and their family - all require some renovation, but have a desirable and peaceful situation along the side of the canal.

The préfecture in Loiret had converted some former lock-keepers' homes into tourist sites, but due to the "fragile budget situation", the authority has announced that the remaining 12 will be sold to private buyers.

Prices are expected to range from €80,000 to €180,000, depending on the size and the amount of work needed.

They are located in the Orléans and Montargis area, spread across seven municipalities: Fay-aux-Loges, Vitry-aux-Loges, Combreux, Chailly-en-Gâtinais, Presnoy, Chevillon-sur-Huillard, and Montereau.

Buyers will put in an offer to the préfecture, where "elected officials will review the offers received according to the schedule set for each house and make decisions based on several criteria (price, proposed project, conditions precedent, etc.)."

Official sale listings are scheduled for August and September, with site visits to follow in September, details will be published on the Loiret préfecture website and social media channels. Purchase offers are expected to be submitted by the end of October, allowing officials to select buyers between late 2026 and early 2027.

It's not unusual for French local authorities to sell homes at reduced prices - usually those that require work doing and are difficult to sell, in areas that are suffering from population decline.

Some municipalities offer "€1 homes" - although these normally need expensive renovation work and many come with conditions such as a commitment to live in the area and complete the renovations by a certain date.

READ ALSO: Where can I find France's €1 homes?

Other areas offer reduced price of subsidised housing to try and attract doctors to the area, or preferential rates for people wanting to set up businesses such as a boulangerie.

Authorities in Loiret have not specified any conditions for purchases of the lock-keepers' cottages, but they are likely to prefer people who intend to live there year-round, rather than purchases for a second home.

There is no requirement to be a French citizen or resident.