Leasebacks in the French Alps present a 'good investment opportunity'

The French Alps could provide British investors with a good opportunity, it has been reported.

British daily newspaper the Independent has said that ski-resort apartments in the region could represent an ideal "nest egg" for those looking for property.

They recommend investors taking advantage of leaseback deals, which ensure that any running costs encountered on the property such as bills, repairs or maintenance are met by the property's managing company.

Clare Nessling, operations director at Conti Financial Services, explained to the paper how French mortgage lenders had helped ensure the property market in the country had survived the economic conditions.

She said: "French lenders will want to see that 35 per cent of your gross monthly income is sufficient to cover the new mortgage and all of your existing liabilities in the UK.

"Affordability is therefore based on existing debt rather than income levels, that is why France has fared relatively well in the downturn."

According to Nick Dowlatshahi, managing director at Leapfrog Properties, more investors will be looking to buy into stable economies such as France in 2010.

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