Real Estate & Editors' Choice News in France from Propertyshowrooms.com

Paris property market 'makes gains'

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Paris has been named as one of the best performing world-class cities, with its real estate market experiencing significant price growth.

The Savills World Class Cities Index revealed the French capital has moved into third place, with only Hong Kong and London more expensive.

According to the organisation, real estate in Paris increased in value by 5.9 per cent between June and December last year, while the city has seen price growth of 46 per cent in the five and half years from December 2005 to June 2011.

Head of Savills residential research Yolande Barnes asserted Paris, along with London and New York, is likely to "sustain pricing" throughout 2012.

She explained its credentials as a safe haven will support the French property sector, noting "the influx of global wealth in an uncertain world still has some time to run".

One local real estate expert recently pointed to a rise in the level of interest in the nation's housing market from British buyers.

Richard Deans, head of the UK sales office at MGM Properties, revealed his organisation had received more than three times as many enquiries about real estate in France during January than it did in the same month in 2010.

Prime property in Paris records 'steady' demand

Tue, 9 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The demand for prime real estate assets in Paris during the second quarter of the year has remained steady, new research shows.

In the Knight Frank Prime Global Cities Index for the three months from April to June, the French capital was ranked third, registering flat price growth over the quarter but a ten per cent rise in property values annually.

According to the firm, Paris's real estate market has been attracting attention from overseas investors, particularly those from the Middle East and Syria.

Meanwhile, supply of prime assets has increased as a number of vendors have put properties up for sale in the hope of capitalising on the boost that prices have received over the past six months.

Earlier this year, France was the highest-placed European nation in the company's Global House Price Index for the first quarter.

Sitting in sixth position, the country had experienced an 8.7 per cent rise in values compared to the previous year and had seen prices climb by 0.3 per cent in the first three months of 2011.

France wins 2018 Ryder Cup bid

Mon, 6 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

French real estate could find itself high up on investors' wish lists after it was revealed that the country has beaten off competition from Germany, Holland, Portugal and Spain to secure the 2018 Ryder Cup.

The bid process set about securing the best possible venue for the event, with France offering a number of world-class courses including Le Golf National on the outskirts of Versailles near Paris.

It could prompt a number of buy-to-let investors to buy property in France to take advantage of the massive tourist boost that the competition will bring.

Meanwhile, price reductions across the country mean that there are now a number of bargains available for savvy buyers. This is according to Heslop & Platt, which noted that reductions of up to 25 per cent have been seen in some areas.

Barbara Heslop, partner at the company, explained that buyers needed to stray away from traditional locations if they are to find bargains.

Brits taking advantage of low French prices

Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

French property is proving to be popular among cash-rich British buyers, with many of them looking to take advantage of the bargain prices available to them.

This is according to Charles Smallwood, owner of Agence L'Union, who noted that many sellers in the country have lowered their prices by as much as 20 to 30 per cent.

The reductions have succeeded in attracting a number of savvy Brits over the Channel, with real estate considered a more worthwhile investment than bank interest.

“Suddenly a lot of people with money up to a certain level - 350,000 to 400,000 euros - [realised] it wasn't doing any good for them in the bank, so they were coming out [to France] and buying a property for bargain prices," Mr Smallwood explained.

He added that many Brits are heading to rural southern France to purchase property, in order to avoid the crowds and high prices of Nice and Cannes.

The comments follow the release of the latest figures from Rightmove Overseas which show that searches for properties in France increased by 3.13 per cent in March.

Paris market is ‘stronger than ever’

Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Demand for property in France could be set to rise after it was claimed that the housing market in Paris has “never been stronger”.

Tim Swannie, director of Home Hunts, delivered the positive forecast earlier this week, noting that the region’s stability is attracting buyers from all over the world.

Speaking to Overseas Property Professional, Mr Swannie said that interest from Italy, Russia, China and Middle Eastern countries, along with Brits was driving demand.

“The property market in Paris stayed strong through the global recession - so no one wants to sell, but clients from all over the world are interested in buying here,” he added.

According to the firm, apartment prices in Paris have increased by approximately 20 per cent over the course of 2010, with further rises expected by the end of this year.

For a good quality apartment in the centre of Paris, buyers will be paying from €15,000 to €25,000 per square metre, Mr Swannie said.

French property restoration opens new doors for owners

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A sculptor and his wife have restored a beautiful property in France, near the medieval town of Uzes.

The Languedoc home of David Horsman and Celia Indsell, which is full of their artwork, now has a sandstone floor which they shipped from India, the Telegraph reported.

A quarter of the house had fallen down when the couple bought it for £160,000 in 1999.

"David's family had long owned a holiday home nearby so we knew the area well, but were lucky to find something that was isolated yet close to towns and only 40 minutes from Nimes airport," Ms Indsell told the paper.

The couple added a 120 sq yd colonnaded terrace to the 17th century property, some of which dates to Roman times.

From the upper floor, where the master bedroom's ensuite is located, panoramic views can be enjoyed.

According to a study carried out by Easyroommate.co.uk, France tops the house investment list.

French property sees a rise in buyer interest

Sat, 22 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

France is likely to remain a favoured destination for UK-based property investors, with tourism and cheap flights the main draw for many.

This is the view of Christopher Chadd, head of research at Property Frontiers, who is confident that the recent fall in prices in the country will ensure that individuals continue to purchase real estate.

Mr Chadd was speaking in the wake of a report, produced by PrimeLocation.com, which placed France at the top of the list for the most searched for foreign destinations in April.

The European country saw an increase in search numbers of 158 per cent year-on-year.

The news could lead to a rise in the number of Rhone-Alpes property searches, with the well served by two international airports.

"France will always command the attention of British investors and those looking to purchase their first second home abroad," he added.

"It is the tourism capital of the world and routes into the country are becoming cheaper and easier so it will always remain a top draw."

According to a recent survey conducted by HomeAway.co.uk and Savills, there will be a resurgence in wealthy lifestyle buyers purchasing property with cash this year.

The news is likely to benefit established markets such as France as many investors shy away from more risky markets in light of the economic climate.

Decline in value of the euro likely to encourage investors

Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Property in European destinations such as France could be boosted by the decline in value of the euro, Overseas Property Professional (OPP) has reported.

According to the news provider, overseas investors are likely to take advantage of the financial crisis currently developing in Europe as it devalues the currency.

This will lead to real estate in eurozone destinations across the continent becoming cheaper for those purchasing with foreign money.

In addition, brokers are confident that sterling is set to rise against the euro later this year, despite initial concerns over the formation of a new government.

"The euro is overvalued at current levels and we will tend to see it move back to its long-term average against the pound and the dollar," Jeremy Cook, chief economist at World First, told OPP.

"We've already seen interest in buying property start to increase … some people have been putting off buying for a year - they have the finance and are all ready to go but want to get the best rate they can."

According to Reuters, the current value of the GBP against the EUR, as of Wednesday May 12th, stands at 1.1820 EUR.

France 'top destination' for quality of living

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

International Living Magazine has put France top of its Quality of Life Index, something which could make it even more popular among potential investors.

France was awarded top spot in the list ahead of other popular locations such as Australia and the US.

Eleanor O'Kane, editor of Living France magazine, believes that the lifestyle on offer combined with value for money property has contributed to the country's success.

"The most popular area at the moment is Creuse - department number 23 - in Limousin. This is because despite it being rural, it is easily accessible and the property is reasonably priced," she remarked.

The news comes after primelocation.com reported that, in November, they were experiencing similar levels of international property searches as before the economic crisis.

According to the property website, searches for international property in France took up 29 per cent of its total search volume that month with Spain the only country proving more popular.

Bargains 'plentiful in France'

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Britons willing to do some renovation could find plenty of affordable properties in France, it has been suggested.

Expat magazine Shelter Offshore noted a number of examples where houses in need of work could be had for as little as €50,000 (£44,600).

Among these were a two-bedroom home in Brittany and stone cottage in the mid-Pyrenees, with the website noting that the latter property - which needs a full restoration - is located in a "stunning position in half an acre of garden on the edge of a tiny hamlet".

For €65,000 buyers could get a house near Chateauponsac in Limousin, which is accessible to the airport at Limoges and could be turned into a bed and breakfast establishment.

Last month, Shelter Offshore's director Rhiannon Davies said many Britons are keen on a French rural property in a place offering "the best balance between escapism and finding great weather, a fantastic lifestyle and an affordable cost of living".

Overseas property buyers 'need to do research'

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Those moving abroad to countries such as France need to do plenty of research to make the move work, it has been advised.

Rhiannon Davies from Shelter Offshore told the Daily Telegraph: "Assumption is an expat's potential downfall."

She added: "Anyone thinking about going to live abroad needs to do masses of research before they commit to the move if they want to avoid all nasty surprises."

One of these is that anyone moving to France usually needs to prove they own a French property before they can open a bank account there.

Another recommendation offered in the paper came from Danny Cox, a chartered financial adviser at Hargreaves Lansdown.

He explained that those looking to make improvements to a French property and seeking to use equity release to pay for it will find a three-month application process to be the norm, as is the requirement to stipulate what the money will be used for.

French property prospects may have received a boost following a recent International Monetary Fund report.

It said that the country will see its gross domestic product increase by 0.9 per cent in 2010, compared with 0.3 per cent for the eurozone overall.

France tipped as good place to buy property at auction

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

France can offer some good opportunities to save money at property auctions, it has been stated.

Investor magazine French Property News noted that while there are not a large number of properties going for sale in this manner, there can often be bargains to be had when there are.

As well as this, buyers can save on agents' fees and it is a good way to pick up unusual houses, the magazine suggested.

Its advice to those considering this method is to first attend some auctions without purchasing in order to become familiar with the process, while buyers should be fluent in French or have someone with them who is.

The magazine also said that once the highest bid is lodged, there is a ten-day waiting period to see if anyone can come up with a new bid of at least ten per cent more, at which point the lot would go back to auction at the new higher price.

Earlier this week, director of French property firm Athena Mortgages John Busby said the market in the country is very stable, but with notable regional variations, Country Life reported.

Pyrenees destination hailed by celebrity chef

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A celebrity chef has praised Aveyron in the midi-Pyrenees in an article in which a number of French experts were asked about the best places to travel to in France.

Speaking to the Observer, Cyril Lignac compared the region to some of the "most beautiful parts" of Britain's countryside, something that may interest overseas property investors.

He was born in Aveyron and called it a "hidden gem", with a number of beautiful lakes for watersports and bathing, cafes to sit in and relax and "lots of beautiful little medieval villages".

"Cuisine is part of the culture there because you have everything you need for cooking," he explained. "It's a farming region - very green."

In the same article, travel editor Jean-Pierre Chanial chose La Lozere in southern France as his top destination because of its natural beauty, rich bird life and attractive towns.

Located to the south-west of the Massif Central mountain range, Aveyron covers a range of landscapes, including its limestone plateaux - known as the Causses - which have unique flower species and river gorges.

Exhibition of French property set for London

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A French property exhibition will be held in London in September, publisher Archant has said.

Run by lifestyle magazine Archant Life France, the event will take place from September 11th to 13th at Olympia, with the company stating that the recent exhibition held in Harrogate revealed widespread optimism about the French market.

Describing France as a place currently offering "some real bargains", editor of French Property News Karen Tait commented: "Many French properties have come down in price significantly over recent months, more than outweighing any exchange rate difficulties."

She added that the exchange rate is now becoming more favourable for British buyers, while "canny" purchasers are making the most of cheaper eurozone mortgages.

Buying the right property in France could reap dividends over the next few years, French property law specialist at solicitors Furley Page Sarah Bogard said this week.

She stated that the country is a buyers' market and is offering falling prices.

Burgundy tipped for French stability

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Burgundy is a region of France that is enjoying more stability than elsewhere in property prices, it has been stated.

Period home renovation firm Arena Park France said that the Cote d'Or wine growing region is remaining very solid, with its focus on continuing its wine-growing traditions rather than urban development ensuring that the supply of homes remains finite.

The company commented: "Like its wine the Cote d'Or's housing market is about quality rather than quantity and as such is offering some serious French resistance to the economic downturn."

It also noted that homes in the area are often attractive old stone buildings- which the firm specialises in restoring.

This combination of style, rural culture and a stable market may appeal to many property investors.

Buyers may also be encouraged by recent increases in the value of sterling against the euro, with the pound have risen above EUR1.17 in value last week.

New magazine launched for Britons in France

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A new magazine is being launched with the aim of helping Britons who own property in France to integrate more into the life of the country.

Former head of women's magazines at Emap Nicki Wade is founding the publication, called the French Post, with former Independent on Sunday news editor Michael Streeter lined up to be the editor.

Ms Wade told the Press Gazette: "We have ambitious aims for the French Post to become a feature of French life itself."

This will see French contributors writing for the magazine and the nation's current affairs being covered.

Such a publication could help those buying French property to settle into the country.

Brittany is one area of France that has seen an influx of Britons, with director of the Brittany tourist board Michael Dodds recently noting that the presence of more expats in inland areas is a "driving force" for tourism in such parts of the region.

Accessibility 'the key for Picardy buyers'

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Britons are attracted to the Picardy region of northern France due to its easy accessibility from the UK, it has been stated.

Marketing and PR manager for the Picardy tourist board Claude Chaboud noted that there is air access from places like Glasgow as well as train and sea services.

He remarked: "From London there is the Eurostar and the ferries, so it is very, very accessible."

Mr Chaboud also commented that the area appeals to many thanks to its rural atmosphere and the historic interest of the WWI Western Front battlefields in the region.

Those keen on buying French property may be attracted both by the tourism appeal and the ease with which they could travel between Britain and France.

Other areas recently mentioned as being strong for British tourism are the French ski resorts.

Director of the tourist office for the French government Jean-Pierre Courteau recently stated: "We have 400,000 British skiers in France and they are still the main group in the French Alps and the Pyrenees."

Ski resorts to be 'less popular' in 2009

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The attraction of ski and snowboarding destinations could fall as consumers look to reduce their outgoings in the credit crunch, it has been claimed.

UK-based travel firm International Property Tribune has suggested that visits to destinations throughout the US and Europe are to decrease during 2009.

"It's the City of London and Wall Street bunch who take a week's ski holiday in France [or] the US … that are going to be cutting back their spending in the coming months," the firm explained, adding that many see travelling to a ski destination as a luxury rather than a necessity.

This may make overseas property investors who have been considering making purchases at ski resorts to think twice about doing so, as they may see a shortage of potential tenants during the skiing seasons.

Those who have been looking at purchasing ski property in the US and are planning to continue to do so may find it easier to obtain a mortgage after the Federal Reserve reduced the country's federal funds rate.

France remains popular with property buyers

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Overseas property buyers in the UK are still very keen to buy a residence in France, analysts have stated.

According to Stanley Tee LLP Solicitors, the European country has become popular with Britons for a number of different reasons.

Herve Blatry, spokesperson for the organisation, said the French culture is one of its main attractions, along with its good climate and food.

However, he added that people from the UK have also been drawn by factors including its favourable financial environment.

"It is relatively easy to obtain a mortgage at a competitive interest rate," he commented.

Mr Blatry added that France also has a safe legal system and is very easily accessible from the UK.

Transport links to France were recently enhanced when Eurostar launched its new high-speed rail link between London and Paris last year.

The service, which launched in November 2007, has cut travel times between the two cities to just 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Visit our off-plan property France page.

Corsica 'has more than one tourist market'

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In news that may interest those thinking of investing in French property, it has been stated that Corsica has more than one tourist market.

Lucy White, editor of the Rough Guide to Corsica, explained this misconception, stating: "Corsica is generally thought of as an expensive, luxurious getaway - especially in the south around Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio."

However, she noted, it is also an activity holiday hotspot, with the GR20 hike around the island and a variety of outdoor activities also attracting visitors.

Such variety may mean those buying property for tourist rental purposes need to look closely at what markets they are looking to serve in terms of the attractions and facilities that are nearby.

One element of Corsica's tourist appeal is its many festivals, according to french-property.com.

It notes that this includes the Estivoce festival, which features traditional singing and concert music.

UK migration reaches record levels

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A record number of people from the UK are choosing to pack their bags and relocate abroad, new figures have revealed.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), more than 400,000 British residents left the country in order to live abroad.

Figures showed that this included 202,000 UK citizens - up from 196,000 in 2007.

This means that the number of British nationals opting to emigrate to foreign climes has now reached record levels.

Established holiday destinations in Europe were said to be especially popular with expatriates, in particular France and Spain.

This comes after currency specialist HiFX revealed that many British nationals want to leave their home because of ongoing problems in the domestic economy.

Figures showed that between January and June, the number of enquiries the group received from prospective migrants was 30% up on the first half of last year.

France 'offers better growth potential than the UK'

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

France's housing market has been commended for offering better growth potential than Britain.

First-time buyer Oliver Richards decided to buy a property in the European country after realising he could not afford to get on the housing ladder in the UK.

Speaking to the Independent, he said has therefore decided to snap up a cheaper property overseas.

This will be used as a buy-to-let residence and holiday home, while the returns from his investment should hopefully go towards purchasing a property in Britain.

Mr Richards commented: "The place has great potential for growth."

He added that this contrasts sharply with the UK at the moment, as the outlook for the British market is "pretty gloomy" at the moment.

The country was recently flagged up as a potentially lucrative market for overseas property buyers by Shelter Offshore.

According to the website, 82 million foreign leisure travellers visited it in 2007, which means buy-to-let investors could benefit from high demand for rental accommodation.

Britons take the train to France

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A record number of leisure travellers are choosing to take the train to France, according to new figures.

Eurostar has revealed that in July 2008, passenger numbers rose by 16.8 per cent on the previous year to more than 900,000.

The recent introduction of a high-speed rail link between London and Paris was said to be one of the main reasons behind the increase.

Simon Montague, director of communications at Eurostar, stated that this is because it has helped draw customers away from airlines.

He commented: "Eurostar is persuading even habitual flyers to switch from plane to train for their holidays and business trips."

Mr Montague added that he is "delighted" that the monthly passenger numbers have broken previous records.

This comes after Eurostar revealed that passenger numbers during the first quarter of the year were 21.3 per cent higher than the amount recorded 12 months earlier.

France praised by expatriate

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A British expatriate has spoken of her decision to pack her bags and set up home in France.

Sue Moritz moved to the Bordeaux region back in 1994 and believes her quality of life has improved as a result.

Speaking to the Dorset Echo, she stated that the country offers a very pleasant and secure lifestyle, which is a significant improvement on life in the UK.

As a result, she said she has no desire to return home on a permanent basis, especially as she is now married and settled in France.

Ms Moritz commented: "I like visiting England, but I wouldn't particularly want to live here again."

She added that her mother emigrated to France before she did, while her sister has now followed suit and joined them both in the country.

Earlier this week, Shelter Offshore praised France for offering a number of financial benefits to expats, such as relatively low living costs.