Ten Reasons Why it's a Great Time to Buy French Property

France has always been a popular place for overseas investors to buy property, but what are the market conditions like, where should buyers be looking, and is this a good year to take the plunge with an investment?

There were more house sales in France in the 12 months to July 2018 than at any time since 2006, according to the latest property statistics. Here at My-French-House.com, we have certainly had a busy year, and we believe there are good reasons for this increase in activity.

The French Property Market

The property market in France is particularly buoyant at the moment, thanks to historically low mortgage rates. Potential buyers are attracted to the stability of the French market at a time when confidence in many other parts of Europe is low. As for real estate opportunities in Paris, that’s a whole different story.

A Foothold in Europe & the EU

Whatever the political landscape, the quality and pace of life in France rarely change and having a property in France offers a foothold in Europe and the freedom to move around and work in neighbouring countries. France also offers easy access to Spain, Italy or Germany within just a few hours.  We can help with your euro currency requirements, even travel money.

The Education System

France’s education system is renowned for promoting traditional values, polite student behaviour and a structured academic syllabus. Ex-pats appreciate that France offers a good choice of international schools and an excellent selection of local school options for children of all ages.

Sunshine and Four Seasons

France’s mild climate and the fact that most of the country experiences four clearly defined seasons rather than months and months of grey drizzle is a big draw for British buyers in particular. Moving to the south of France offers the promise of over 300 days of sunshine.

Rental Income

Second homeowners who invest in warm, sunny destinations like the Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and the Côte d’Azur can often achieve excellent returns from long-term winter rentals and summer holiday rentals, particularly if their property has a pool.

Global Expat Appeal

Expats who have been working in the Middle East and are looking for a place to spend their retirement are attracted to the culture, good weather, excellent food, and easy access to Europe that the south of France offers. Occitanie, which includes the cosmopolitan department of Tarn-et-Garonne , is a popular choice thanks to its proximity to the international airports at Montpellier, Béziers, Carcassonne, Toulouse and Perpignan, its lively villages, medieval castles and locally produced food and drink. 

Quieter Roads

Holidaymakers visiting France frequently remark on the empty roads and leisurely drives, which are often in stark contrast to the road conditions experienced back home. France is a relaxing place to drive, where traffic jams, pollution, and road rage are rare, particularly away from major cities.

Working from Home

Good availability of high-speed broadband and an economic shift towards more flexible, remote working mean it is finally possible to combine a lifestyle choice of living in rural France with a full- or part-time job. Many people in the UK already work from home for all or part of the week, so a move abroad is no longer a decision that has to wait until retirement.

Properties with Land

France offers value-for-money property and the realistic opportunity to buy a farmhouse with land for growing vegetables, keeping chickens, gardening, dining and entertaining outdoors. 

Outdoor Living

France is a popular choice for anyone who enjoys hiking, climbing, skiing, cycling, swimming, surfing, playing tennis, or just spending time outdoors. The mild climate, coast and countryside and spectacular mountain scenery of the Pyrénées Orientales and Hautes Pyrénées in the southwest of France and the Alpine Ardeche and Var in the Southeast are perfect for exploring by foot, bike, boat or on skis.