French market for UK buyers 'picking up'

The market for French homes among British buyers is starting to grow again as purchasers decide to cut their losses and make the most of the attractive lifestyle of France, it has been stated.

Founder and managing director of French property specialist firm VEF Trisha Mason said the firm's own research shows that lifestyle factors are the key reason Britons want to buy property across the channel, particularly the health and education system which are both seen as better than those in Britain.

Ms Mason acknowledged that the market among British buyers is not as strong as 18 months ago, but added: "However, the signs are that things are slowly improving again."

She said many Britons have funded their property acquisitions in France by selling a British property, but have been put off by lower UK values.

However, with French property being cheaper and the lifestyle more attractive, an increasing number are making the "small sacrifice" now, she concluded.

In a move that may protect the strength of the French property market, President Sarkozy has announced a EUR360 billion (GBP280 billion) plan to maintain liquidity in the country's financial system.