French property prices drop two per cent

The cost of buying property in France has only fallen by about two per cent, according to recent figures.

Data released by Century 21, the country's largest network of estate agents, revealed that over the 20,500 transactions in the last six months, there was only an average decline in prices of 2.12 per cent compared to the same period the year before.

While the number of transactions in the second half of 2008 fell by more than one-quarter, during the first six months of 2009, the number of purchases rose by 23 per cent, reports French Property News.

Laurent Vimont, president of Century 21, attributed the renewed activity in the sector to the low interest rates available in the country, claiming they had "breathed new life into the market".

The findings are consistent with the trends identified by the Federation Nationale de l'Immoblilier (FNAIM), which said prices in the country are remaining relatively steady despite the economic downturn.

This could be encouraging news for those considering buying property in France in the near future as their purchases are unlikely to depreciate significantly in value.

According to the FNAIM, there is likely to be a "soft landing" rather than a massive crash in the French property market.

Homes Overseas recently claimed that the resilience of France's residential property market is due to the long-term lending policies in the country.

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property abroad in france drops in price

Investors who are looking to purchase a property abroad could be able to benefit from house price reductions in France.

Statistics from real estate group FNAIM showed that between January and March this year, property values were nearly ten per cent down on the same period of 2008.

However, the figures also revealed that the rate of decline in house prices appears to be slowing down.

Values were one per cent down on those recorded between October and December 2008, during which time prices were 6.5 per cent lower than in the previous quarter.

FNAIM added that house prices for the year as a whole are likely to decline by at least five per cent, and possibly as much as ten per cent.

Meanwhile, overseas property buyers who are looking to purchase a home in France have been encouraged to look at the Pyrenees.

According to the Telegraph, the region is an oft-overlooked area that is a good alternative to the French Alps.

Written by Les Calvert

Property Abroad - for your overseas mortgages, buyers guides and the latest news on buying property in France

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'Buy property in France,' expats advise

Prospective expats have been advised to consider buying property in France by a couple who recently headed across the Channel. Tracey Harris and Frank Maximillian left the UK earlier this year and said they are enjoying life in their French property.

Ms Harris told the Daily Mail that life in their converted 19th century flourmill was far more relaxing than living in the UK.

"We love France as you feel like you can breathe Life is simpler, safer and calmer," she commented. She admitted that the cost of living in France was proving slightly more expensive than in the UK, but said she was happy she left because her home country has become "materialistic".

The Times recently listed Brittany as an area of France that is particularly popular with buyers from the UK.

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French Property Market to Remain Stable

It has been revealed that the overseas property hotspots in Southern France are seeing demand from overseas property buyers continue to outstrip supply. The French National Estate Agents Federation (FNEAF) reports that French property prices overall rose by 7.1% in 2006, 3.8% in 2007 and 1.7% in the 12 months up to July 2008 – making it one of the few places in the world that has seen continual price rises throughout the credit-crunch.

Liam Bailey, chief market analyst for upcoming property portal Property Abroad had this to say of the revelation:

“ France has seen such continued – if steady – increases in property values, mainly because it never really became swept up in the overseas investment boom. In the last 2-3 years thousands of savvy people with a pound to spare decided to put their money into overseas property, but did so, mainly in off-plan properties in emerging markets where prices were incredibly low, and the opportunity presented itself for immediate high-level gains and incredible rental yields. France never exactly offered an abundance of these properties, and so has and will remain to be one of the favorite places for people [especially Brits] buying a resale property as a holiday home.”

The locations noted as being continually successful in terms of overseas purchasers by the FNEAF were, particularly Cannes joined by its Southern France neighbors: Cap Ferrat, Mougins and St Tropez.

Property Abroad have some excellent properties in Southern France, including fantastic one and two bedroom apartments in central Cannes, just a short walk from the areas best known Palm Beach. The apartments, over five floors start at just €282,000 and have terraces overlooking the beach.

Property Abroad have French properties in all regions, visit the site to find out more.

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