Real Estate & Other News in France from Propertyshowrooms.com

French election results 'to create opportunities' for property investors

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

International investors in the French real estate market may find there are more opportunities to enter the sector following Francois Hollande's victory in the country's presidential elections.

Mr Hollande beat incumbent president Nicolas Sarkozy in the polls and has pledged to focus on growth, rather than spending cuts, in a bid to improve France's and the eurozone's economic position.

Managing director of estate agency Leggett Immobilier Trevor Leggett said the new direction set to be taken by the French president will lead to opportunities for real estate investors.

"We are already seeing the euro/sterling rate hitting the 1.25 mark and with French mortgages already among the cheapest in Europe, it looks like there will be plenty of people looking to both buy and sell," he asserted.

However, Danny Silver, managing director of The Villages Group, pointed out that, as the vote was only for the president and not the entire government, there will be very little fundamental change for the French property sector.

Property prices in Brittany 'attractive'

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Brittany is a good option for buyers seeking real estate in France due to the current pricing in the region.

This is the assertion of Town & Country Property France, with Richard Dannreuther, a spokesperson from the firm, explaining the value of homes in the area has stabilised recently, with "plenty of bargains to be had".

"The lower end of the market is very buoyant and those who don't have a restricted budget can make the most of a huge selection of Brittany properties," he concluded.

In a recent blog post, the company highlighted some other parts of France that real estate investors may want to consider.

Paris and the Cote d'Azur were named as relatively expensive locations in which to buy property, but demand for rental homes in both destinations is strong, making them a good option for those who can afford the initial outlay.

Bordeaux was singled out as another area to consider, with its reputation as a world-class wine making centre helping boost its appeal among those seeking a vineyard with their home.

'Positive future' for French property market

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

One expert in the French real estate sector has stressed that the country's property market can have an "extremely healthy mid to long-term future".

Trevor Leggett, of Leggett Immobilier, explained that the best way to achieve this is to be cautious in the short term and adopt a "sensible view on pricing".

He stressed that both agents and owners in the nation need to be "realistic with their expectations and valuations".

Should this happen, Mr Leggett anticipates that the French property sector will remain one of the most attractive and healthy in Europe.

"In troubled times owners and investors seek 'safe havens' and they simply don't come more secure or enjoyable than France," he added.

The perception of France as a brand outside the country appears to be particularly strong at present, with a recent FutureBrand survey placing it among the top nations in the world in this regard.

It performed particularly well in terms of its heritage and culture, while it was 13th in the list of countries people would most like to live in.

Brits warned to plan when moving abroad

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Britons considering buying overseas property have been reminded that living abroad will not solve all of their problems.

Rhiannon Davies, director of expatriate advice website Shelter Offshore, said that people "need to know that the grass isn't always greener abroad and so they need to think carefully about the legitimacy of their dreams of their new life".

The advice comes after television presenter Amanda Lamb suggested that France, Spain and Portugal are still some of the most popular countries for expatriates.

However, Ms Davies' comments follow the publication of the Post Office's latest Happiness Index, which revealed that 70 per cent of British expats rank themselves as very happy with their new life, with a further 60 per cent claiming to feel a greater sense of community in their new country than they did in the UK.

Ms Davies added that people need to consider things like how to find work, affordable accommodation and food when they move, rather than assuming that their life will automatically improve when they're living in a sunny climate.

Property in France: 'Russians don't get the idea of discretion, do they?'

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Rich Russians are a mixed blessing to the Cote d'Azure, Celia Walden finds...

Paper names mysterious Russian buyer who reportedly paid record amount for French estate

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A French newspaper has named businessman Mikhail Prokhorov as the mysterious Russian oligarch who paid a record amount for a residential property, an estate on the French Riviera. Although reports vary, Prokhorov is supposedly paying somewhere in the neighborhood of €500 million for Villa Leopolda, which was built in 1902 for Belgian king Leopold II...

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.

Is French Property Better Than A Pension?

Mon, 4 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Survey reveals 50% of Britons invest in property rather than a pension...

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.

Risk planning zones in France have major implications for property

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The French government is creating new planning zones to take into account the possible effects of natural disasters which have major implications for developers and property owners...

France set to attract British second home buyers

Thu, 5 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

France has been tipped to be a hotspot of activity for British property buyers next year by industry analysts.

ShelterOffshore.com believes many budget airlines will be forced to hike up the cost of flying overseas next year in response to rising fuel prices.

This means that consumers may find travelling to other countries very expensive, a development which could reduce the appeal of these places to second home buyers.

However, the website added that financial problems such as the global credit crisis are not putting people investing in a foreign property.

Therefore, it believes France could be a highly popular destination in 2009, as it can be easily reached by other modes of transport.

ShelterOffshore.com said: "France is on our doorstep and it is a country we can fly to, drive to or even take a train to."

This comes after Virgin Trains revealed that "more and more" people are choosing to use the railway as a means of getting to destinations they might previously have gone to by car or plane.

Negativity has been exaggerated, says expert

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many analysts have overstated the extent of the downturn in the global property market, an expert has claimed.

According to Darren Styles, chief executive of Brooklands Group, people in the UK are still very interested in buying a residence overseas.

This is despite the impact of the credit crunch on many housing markets and the negative media coverage that has come about as a result.

Mr Styles said: "It's a tribute to the strength of our brand and the resilience of our industry."

He added that much of the negativity about the effect of the credit crunch on the overseas property sector has been exaggerated.

Mr Styles was speaking after it was revealed that more than 13,000 people visited the recent A Place in the Sun Live show in London, which was organised by Brooklands Group.

According to research by the event's affiliated magazine, Spain and France are still the two most popular foreign markets among British buyers.

Expats urged to 'embrace foreign way of life'

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

British people who move abroad have been urged to try their hardest to fit into their new community.

Steven Quinn, who has been living abroad since 2001, said expatriates would get more out of the experience if they tried to assimilate.

Speaking to the Sun, he recommended that people dispense with their UK lifestyle if they wish to integrate fully.

Mr Quinn told the newspaper: "We have found that you have to embrace the new cultures and the way that they live."

He added that if people follow this advice, they will find it easier to settle into their new place of residence.

This, he said, would make the reality of living in another country meet their initial expectations.

Earlier this month, a report in the Telegraph stated that many British people are thinking of packing up and leaving for another country.

This was largely attributed to the current state of the UK economy, which has led to increases in the prices of groceries, fuel and other necessary expenses.

Interest in buying abroad 'is higher than ever'

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The number of Britons who are looking at buying property abroad is now at a record level, an expert has stated.

According to broadcaster Amanda Lamb, more people than ever are interested in purchasing a residence overseas.

Ms Lamb, presenter of Channel 4's A Place in the Sun, said that while many are doing it as a lifestyle choice, others are doing it out of financial necessity.

"First-time buyers who are finding it impossible to get on the housing ladder in the UK," she commented.

Ms Lamb added that about 250,000 people are choosing to leave Britain every year in order to live in another country full-time.

The comments came alongside research by A Place in the Sun Live, which found that the prospect of good weather is not the sole consideration for foreign property buyers.

According to the study, many have also been "seduced" by the potential to earn healthy returns on their investment.

This comes after a poll by A Place in the Sun magazine identified property in Spain and French property as the two most popular destinations for British buyers.

France set to attract more visitors

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The amount of people travelling to France could be set to increase in the wake of the launch of new flights from Britain.

Budget carrier Flybe is now operating a number of services to France from Jersey to Paris and Nice, as well as a route between Glasgow and La Rochelle.

The airline is encouraging people to book their flights early in order to avoid missing out on the best deals.

This suggests that demand for passage to these French destinations is expected to be very high, a development which should help boost the country's tourism industry.

In addition, this could also enhance its desirability among overseas property investors, as passengers on the flights will require rental accommodation.

However, the accessibility improvements provided by Flybe could make Paris, Nice and La Rochelle equally desirable among lifestyle buyers who want a property for personal use.

This comes after currency exchange firm HiFX said that last year, France accounted for more than a quarter of all the enquiries it received from prospective property buyers.

Owners of property in France reassured by analyst

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

An expert has talked down recent figures which revealed that the rate of growth in France's housing market fell last year.

According to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, the value property in France went up by just three per cent in 2007 - down on the figure recorded 12 months earlier.

This has prompted concerns of a possible downturn across Europe, although these have been dismissed by some analysts.

Georgina Caldwell, deputy editor of French Property News, insisted that the drop in house price inflation was a "normal state of affairs".

Speaking to the Independent, she said: "I would be hesitant to describe this as a downturn - this is a steadying of the market."

Ms Caldwell added that rate of growth in the French property market had been affected by numerous factors, such as recent improvements in the balance of supply and demand.

The country has been rated highly in recent polls including a survey by A Place in the Sun magazine.

Research by the magazine found that it was Britons' second favourite foreign property market for the second consecutive year.

French property market shrugs off sub-prime

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The French property market is shrugging of the effects of the much-feared credit crunch, say experts.

Amid wider concerns in the European financial markets and indications that the property sector will feel the knock-on effect of less readily available credit, France has so far shown no signs of feeling the pinch, according to a leading independent financial services group.

Matthew Weston, who specialises in overseas mortgages for Blevins Franks, said that some French banks had been offering a number of products which had helped keep the market strong.

Cheaper fees, higher value mortgages and products targeted specifically at non-resident buyers had helped shore up the market, with Mr Weston saying the sub-prime crisis has had "little to no impact on the non-resident property investment market in France".

"The French mortgage marketplace has grown increasingly competitive over the last few years as banks have enjoyed a property boom and soaring new levels of mortgage business," he added.

"In the wake of the credit crunch, French bankers' trepidation that this boom may be over may explain why so many lenders this year are offering new or enhanced products and cut-cost discounts than ever before."

Mortgage lending in France in the last three months of 2007 revealed an increase of 3.8 per cent compared to the same period in 2006.

France opened up to Ulster consumers

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Consumers in Northern Ireland will soon be able to benefit from increased access to France.

Irish airline Aer Lingus confirmed that it will begin operating its services between Belfast and Paris at the end of next month.

This is likely to have a number of positive effects, such as boosting tourist numbers in the French capital and making it easier to reach for Ulster-based holidaymakers.

In addition, owners of rental accommodation in the city could be likely to see an increase in demand for their services, as Aer Lingus believes the service will be very popular.

Commenting on the new route, chief executive Dermot Mannion said: "Our market research has shown strong demand for Paris, Charles de Gaulle while Northern Ireland is increasingly popular with French visitors."

The announcement follows the recent launch of flights to France from the Republic of Ireland earlier this month.

City Jet's new service runs between Shannon Airport in Dublin and Paris twice daily.

Better Transport Links 'Boosting Appeal of France'

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A national newspaper has speculated that recent improvements to the transport network could be drawing more Britons to France.

The Independent stated that although tourism figures for 2007 had not yet been published, it was likely that the number of British visitors would exceed the amount recorded a year earlier.

Eurostar's new high-speed rail link, which offers passage from St Pancras in London to Paris in just two and a quarter hours, was cited as the main reason for the likely increase.

Commenting on the country, the Independent said: "Britons might have the odd fling with exotic destinations but, for many holidaymakers, France remains a long-term love affair."

The newspaper added that France attracted almost 11 million people from the UK last year.

Another move that could increase visitor numbers this year is the launch of extra flights from Britain over the next few months.

Low-cost carrier easyJet has just opened a new base in Paris as part of its plan to double the number of passengers flying to France in the next three years.

France Healthcare U-Turn Welcomed

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A Labour MEP has welcomed the French government's decision not to implement planned healthcare reforms.

Mary Honeyball, MEP for London, said the news that early retirees would not be required to pay for medical treatment would be "a huge relief" to Britons who have purchased property in France.

The plan to impose charges for healthcare on the grounds that early retirees were not contributing to the economy met with widespread opposition from both expats and politicians.

Speaking to the Press Association, Ms Honeyball commented: "These changes would have left some of the most vulnerable in society without access to healthcare."

France has consistently been a highly popular destination among British expatriates, due to its advanced healthcare facilities and proximity to the UK.

The country was recently praised by the SaveBorrowSpend website for offering further attractions to foreign property buyers, such as a high inheritance tax threshold that only affects the most affluent people.

British commuters 'could move to France'

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Many people who live in the south-east of England could be set to relocate to France, experts have predicted.

Knight Frank said that the accessibility improvements provided by Eurostar's new rail link meant that Paris was now in commuting distance of London.

The organisation suggested that many people may wish to take advantage of the better connectivity by setting up home in France while continuing to work in the UK.

Liam Bailey, head of residential research for Knight Frank, said: "Paris will become much 'closer' in most people's reckoning and become a potential commuter location for London."

Eurostar launched its high-speed rail link between the newly-renovated St Pancras International and the French capital in November.

The new service has been widely praised for offering reduced journey times to passengers, as people can travel from one city to the other in just two hours and 15 minutes.

This is about 20 minutes faster than previous routes.

Internet banking 'used by expats'

Tue, 4 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The internet is being widely used by Britons who have left the country in order to live abroad, new research has found.

According to Alliance & Leicester, almost half of expatriates from the UK use online banking facilities at least once every week.

Meanwhile, others were found to use the internet to contact friends and relatives at home or to do their grocery shopping.

The firm added that expats also tended to go online to catch up with the latest news, including recent sporting results.

Commenting on the findings, managing director Simon Hull observed that the internet had made a big difference to the lives of expats.

He said: "[It] has revolutionised the lives of expats, enabling them to go about their daily lives at the click of a button, any time of the day."

This comes after data from the Office for National Statistics showed that the number of UK citizens opting to move abroad permanently reached record levels last year, with 207,000 people leaving the country.

France 'is cheaper than the UK'

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Living costs in France are considerably lower than those in the UK, according to a British expatriate.

Sarah Ormerod, who has lived in Nice since 2006, stated that the difference in the cost of living meant she was able to live in a more appealing area.

Speaking to the Independent, she commented: "For the amount I was paying for a room in the suburbs of London, I can rent a lovely flat just two minutes from the sea front."

Ms Ormerod added that although her job was her primary reason for moving abroad, the experience of living in France had exceeded her expectations.

In addition, she praised the friendliness of her neighbours in Nice, describing them as "welcoming" and "keen" to get to know new arrivals.

Meanwhile, Eastern Airways has begun operating its first ever scheduled flights from Southampton to Angers Loire Airport.

The new service launched yesterday and comes hot on the heels of the introduction of a new high-speed rail link by Eurostar.

More cheap flights to France announced

Mon, 8 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

An increased number of people are set to take cheap flights to France with the launch of new flights.

Low-cost carrier easyJet has announced that five additional aircraft will be based at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Lyon airports, enabling it to run a total of 13 services to France.

The firm said that this formed part of a long-term growth strategy in the country, which includes up to €600 million of investment between now and 2011.

By this time, easyJet is hoping to operate over 80 routes in and out of France, reflecting the country's continued importance as a holiday destination and investment hotspot.

Andy Harrison, chief executive of easyJet, commented: "Today's announcement is just the first step in our major investment that will see us double our presence in France by 2011."

This follows a recent study by Saga which showed that France is one of the most popular European holiday destinations among Britons.

France and Spain remain popular retirement destinations

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

France and Spain continue to feature as the destinations where British pensioners would most like to live after their retirement.

A recent Bank of Scotland International (BOSI) survey found that the two countries are the most popular countries in Europe to retire in, among the 31 per cent of pensioners who have considered moving abroad.

New Zealand topped the poll of the most preferred country to live in overseas, followed by Australia in second place and Canada which tied with France in third.

However, BOSI said that British pensioners were more likely to see their pension increase in line with inflation if they recive it within an EU country.

BOSI managing director Tony Wilcox said: "When retiring abroad it is important to have looked into your pension arrangements and to have adequate financial planning in place."

Financial services group Belvins Franks recently noted that residing in France or Spain for some time could provide more mortgage options available to people if they want to buy a property there when they retire.

French Riviera market attracting retirees

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Style and value is maintaining the Riviera's position as a "prestigious" retirement location, according to a French property expert.

While Riviera properties are fewer and more expensive than other popular retirement locations like the Spanish Costas, their value is not so much at risk, said Olivier Morvan of Cluttons France.

The Institute for Public Policy Research has predicted that one in five British pensioners will retire overseas by 2050.

"There is a difference between the Spanish Costas and the French Riviera; you wouldn't see an English man wearing his football shirt in France. The French Riviera has a certain prestige," Mr Morvan said.

"In France you will always keep the value of the property. In Spain once the market stops building – if they stop building – the prices of houses will go down."

He said the typical Riviera pensioner was in their mid-fifties and had paid off their mortgages and kept a smaller property at home for security.

A spokesman for Property Frontiers said that Cote d'Azur, Alsace, Charentes and Loire Valley prices were experiencing significant growth.

Propertyshowrooms.com Welcomes You to France

Tue, 6 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Propertyshowrooms.com has added a tasty new French flavour to the site this month with the release of a full section on the property market in France.

Just a Channel hop away, this old favourite has long been a top destination for holidaying Brits and other Europeans. They delight in typical French chic and sophistication while benefiting from a strong, well priced property market in which to invest their money. Equally popular as a retirement or relocation destination, France has much to offer as a lifestyle option, while the country has seen a staggering 50% rise in the number of British registered home owners over the past five years. The section deals with many aspects of your move to France, guiding you through the country, its current hotspots, its social and economic climate as well as the important business of buying your dream property in France.

We hope you have a good read and look forward to helping you expand your property portfolio with a new step into French property.