Is a long-term burial plot a worthwhile investment?

Posted On 01 Mar 2020

A burial plot is a predetermined area within a cemetery, designated for the placement of a grave or a vault. Various types of plot assignments are available, with varying costs and durations. However, as many people believe that a grave is one’s final resting place, opting for a perpetual care plot may be a more compelling choice.

How much does a perpetual cemetery plot cost?

Purchasing a perpetual cemetery plot during one’s lifetime is an effective way to relieve heirs of the burden of funeral expenses. To do so, an application must be submitted to the town hall responsible for your chosen cemetery. They will also provide you with information regarding the costs associated with such a plot. Buying a burial plot in advance is a wise decision that not only protects your heirs from financial strain but also grants you the right to select your preferred location. Utilizing the services of a funeral home in Caen (14) will be invaluable in helping you find the ideal location within your chosen perpetual care cemetery and handle, on your behalf, both the application process and all related administrative procedures. Caen (14) is a city in Normandy, located in the Calvados department of northwestern France.

Pros and Cons

In certain traditions, all members of the same family are meant to be buried in the same grave. For this reason, they often prefer acquiring a perpetual plot over a temporary one. This allows their loved ones to rest side-by-side forever in their final resting place, preserving the family bond. However, two major obstacles can hinder the acquisition of such public land:

Due to a shortage of available plots caused by a rising death rate, obtaining a perpetual cemetery plot has become increasingly difficult, particularly in France’s major cities. However, it is still possible to be allocated a perpetual plot that has been abandoned or transferred by previous owners.
The cost of a perpetual concession is exorbitant

Variable costs in famous cemeteries

Each municipality sets its own pricing for burial plots, based on dimensions and the duration of the lease. However, costs also vary according to several criteria, including the prestige of the cemetery—such as those serving as the final resting place for celebrities or prominent figures, among others. In any case, rates can be negotiated with the local town hall. For instance, a perpetual plot in a Paris cemetery, such as Père Lachaise, starts at 10,000 euros, whereas at the Château de Nice cemetery, which features the highest prices in France, a one-by-two-meter plot starts at 14,000 euros for a perpetual lease.

Temporary or Perpetual Concession?

While the exorbitant cost of a perpetual grave plot is generally the primary obstacle for families, the ideal alternative is to turn toward temporary plots, where costs are relatively affordable. In fact, the price difference is so significant that municipal authorities often recommend acquiring a temporary concession. Furthermore, overcrowding in cemeteries frequently serves as a barrier to the allocation of perpetual plots. For instance, in Paris, among other locations, a one-by-two meter plot is being offered: