Revealed: the British love affair with France

Despite often-voiced prejudices, the British are infatuated with French culture and many plan to cross over the English Channel in pursuit of a better lifestyle for their retirement.

Although the economy might be stronger and unemployment figures are at its lowest levels for decades compared with growing unrest in the French boulevards, it appears that Brits of all ages romanticise about living in France.

A survey of over 1,000 people, which comprised part of the French Wines Week report, revealed that 37 per cent of Britons would like to move south of the Channel when they reach retirement age, compared to only 30 per cent who wished to remain in the UK.

But the affection for France is not reserved to the older generation. A third of Britons under the age of 50 would prefer to live in France, the survey found, with only just over a fifth affirming that the UK was their ideal place to live.

Continental countries should not be overlooked when considering investing in its high-yielding buy-to-let market. Many investors have opted for the volatile markets of the ex-communist countries in eastern Europe but recent research from Assetz showed that total returns in Bulgaria plummeted from 104 per cent to 44 per cent due to increased rental competition earlier this year.

Although Bulgaria boasts a growing tourist market for its summer and winter holidays alike, British love of the French way of life is enduring and holds long-term benefits for buy-to-let investors looking to cash in on the country’s large number of tourists.

Posted on: France

News by country

Revealed: the British love affair with France

Related articles

Recent Posts

News archive