Five Reasons Winter House Hunting is a ‘Bonne’ Idea

Autumn and winter are traditionally busy times at MFH with buyers and families coming to France to try and seal a property purchase before the end of the year.  There are several benefits of visiting France in the fall as well as a few useful ‘reality checks’, so here are five reasons why we think house hunting in winter is a good idea.

Save Time and Money

At this time of the year, it’s a little easier to get around; there’s no summer holiday traffic, and the same applies for hotels or hiring a car. Aeroplane/ferry tickets/hotels tend to be much cheaper, as long as you avoid the Christmas and New Year holiday periods, especially in or around Paris.

In winter, days are shorter, and there’s the time difference with the UK, making the property visit needs to be carefully planned in advance.

What is Winter Like in France?

It’s important to sample the area at a ’less glamorous time’ of the year when the heating has been turned on, the pool covered, the gardens are duller, and you can hear traffic noise much more easily through the bare trees.

This also provides a opportunity to immerse themselves in ‘full French mode’ and get a realistic picture of the local climate, and about the local community; villages, shops, markets, etc…. some places can be quiet in winter with little shopping.

Achieve Perfect Timing

Most buyers know that timing is as important to them as it is to sellers, who often look to sell before the end of the year, often for tax reasons, after a nice summer in the pool.

So it makes sense to secure a property in the winter, to be enjoyed in the summer when the sun’s out, and you are able to enjoy the full benefits of your French home and lifestyle. Another benefit is that those French owners, notaires, mairies, have more time, and are less rushed; even in the evening at a restaurant after a busy day.

Start Planning for Summer

It takes about 3 months to purchase a property in France; that’s plenty of time to complete and get ready in time for the summer, and even secure bookings if you are looking to generate income from a rental activity. For example, if you were to make an offer mid-December, realistically, with Christmas and the New Year in the way, you’d probably be looking to complete around May, easter at a push.

Stock Up for Christmas

And at this time of the year, there are always plenty of events on; so why not stop over to enjoy the Beaujolais nouveau celebrations in Villefranche, the Lights in Lyon, a fondue in Annecy, or a nice and healthy salad on the promenade des Anglais in Nice, just to name a few.

And the trip wouldn’t be complete without some shopping in preparation for your Christmas dinner. Start thinking about some of those classics you want to treat your guests: amuses bouches, cheeses, wines, charcuterie, … and a little shopping in Paris or in the French Alps after a bit of winter fun.

If you are planning a trip to look at properties in France this winter, get in touch with plenty of notice. ‘Noel’ is an important time for the French when families are away and/or together, enjoying living La Belle Vie as they should be ...