September 28, 2007
French Property Going Green
The French government is attempting to improve the country’s green awareness with the introduction of a new mandatory ‘energy label’ system for all housing units sold or rented. It will rate the energy efficiency of the property and could change construction standards across the country. This was already applied to French motor vehicles and will eventually reach to all household goods. Also, the French government has invested much more in renewable energy than the UK – 6.3 percent compared to 1.4 percent as informed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Posted on: France
September 27, 2007
French property prices on the increase
Based on a quarterly report released by the Federation Nationale de l’Immobilier (FNAIM), prices of French property rose to 8.3 per cent between March 2005 and March 2006. But twelve months prior to this, the French property prices increased by 13.6 per cent. Furthermore, despite sales growth of 4 per cent between March 2005 and March 2006, the last three months of this period showed a significant decrease in sales.
One area that showed a marked decline was apartment sales in and around Paris. Although the average apartment price increased by 7.9 per cent to 5,651 euros per square metre, the capital’s rate of price growth still fell behind the rates that other key cities in France are enjoying. In Pau, apartment prices rose to 17.7 pe cent to 1,956 euros per square metre between March 2005 and March 2006.
Posted on: France
September 20, 2007
Beckhams and property in France
Victoria Beckham is considering buying a property in France. More and more people from the UK are considering owning properties in the year-round resorts of the Alps.
Prices on property in the Alps are steadily increasing to the levels that homeowners have previously experienced in the UK. The rise in the prices is greatly influenced by Brit investors. 70% of the buyers are reported to be from Britain. Whether at a traditional Alpine chalet or a modern studio apartment, buying a property can eventually be much cheaper than renting. Although prices for major resorts like Val d’Isere and Chamonix can be steep, more affordable properties can be found at surrounding villages and little known resorts. Good value can be found in purpose built Alpine apartments.
Posted on: France
September 8, 2007
French charm offensive paying off
Property investors are recently advised to avoid some of the areas in Europe considered as investment hotspots before. Spain is one of these places. Property prices in Spain have risen in the past few years that the Brits are having difficulty looking for bargains.
In Bulgaria, homeowners can enjoy good weather and several tourist attractions like the beautiful beaches, but the holiday market is still undeveloped. This means that the buy-to-let investor can’t rely on a steady stream of income from holiday makers. This fact is not only true in Bulgaria but in other eastern bloc countries as well.
Locals have been quick to react to the flow of foreign property investors by raising property prices. This results to property rates tripling in the space of a year. This trend is a turn off for eastern European investors. They do not want to pay a high price for something that does not guarantee great returns.
Posted on: France
September 7, 2007
FRENCH “WORLD’S MOST UNFRIENDLY PEOPLE”
A recent poll carried out by an expatriate website reported that the French are regarded as the world’s least-friendly people. 46 per cent of the more than 6,000 people surveyed by WAYN.com put France at the top of the list of “unfriendly” nations. Several newspapers from the UK took great pleasure in reporting this result. As if that wasn’t enough bad news, the French were also voted the “most boring” and “least generous” people on earth by the website’s members. Taking second place in all three of the aforementioned categories were the Germans.
On the positive side, the WAYN.com poll placed the Italians at the top of the list for the “most cultured” nation and the country with the best cuisine. If Italians are the most cultured, the Americans are the least tasteful. The people of the USA were named “least stylish.” They were also cited for having the worst food on the planet.
Posted on: France
August 25, 2007
French Alpine property worth a look
The French Alpine property is perfect for skiers who are looking to marry business and pleasure. When the weather heats up, some of the best ski slopes in the world transform, into lush green fields. This makes the French Alpine property and the Alps desirable year-round destinations. With more companies offering property under the leaseback purchasing scheme, buy-to-lets are potentially profitable, and they can be a safe option as well.
Those with big budgets can look at the prestigious ski resort of Courchevel which offers leaseback investment opportunities.This’playground of the rich and famous’ is well known for those looking to combine a buy-to-let purchase with a yearly vacation on the white slopes.
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Posted on: France
August 18, 2007
French Alpine property worth a look
Some of the best ski slopes in the world transform as the weather heats these up into luscious green fields popular with walkers. These slopes make the French Alpine property and the Alps a desirable year-round destination. Buy-to-lets are potentially profitable and with more companies offering property under the leaseback purchasing scheme, these can be a safe option as well.
The prestigious ski resort of Courchevel offers leaseback investment opportunities for those with bigger purses. Often described as the ‘playground of the rich and famous’, Courchevel is popular for those looking to combine a buy-to-let purchase with a yearly holiday on the slopes.
MGM is currently marketing a new apartment complex in the resort. The development, La Padisha, is set for completion in December 2008. It comprises 38 one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments. Prices begin at 650,000 euros for a one-bedroom apartment, rising to 2,537,000 euros for a four-bedroom home.
Posted on: France
France: South-east regions sitting pretty
The south-east of France - including Roussillon, Provence and the Côte d’Azur - is the only place where French property prices in 2006 have risen at similar rates to 2005, writes Hanna Lindon.
According to FNAIM (Federation Nationale de l’Immobilier), prices in the area have risen 10.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2006, as compared to 9.3 per cent of 2005.
A report released by Credit Foncier bank also confirms that prices in the south-east have increased steadily over the past few years. It also added that the rental market in the Côte d’Azur and surrounding areas is booming due to an rise in demand.
Property investors attracted by these market conditions might be interested to note that Chesterton International is offering apartments in Le Central Plaza, a development situated on the shores of Cagnes sur Mer bay, Côte d’Azur. The development is located in the town centre, ten minutes walk from the sea and close to all local amenities. It offers 84 apartments ranging from studios to three bedrooms. With the buoyant property and rental market in this area, there is room for capital appreciation at Le Central Plaza. Prices start at £135,000 (200,000 euros).
Posted on: France
August 14, 2007
France: South-east regions sitting pretty
The south-east of France, including Roussillon, Provence and the Côte d’Azur, is the only area where property prices in 2006 have risen at rates similar to that of the year 2005.
The Federation Nationale de l’Immobilier (FNAIM) reports that prices in the south-east of France have risen to 10.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2006, as compared to 9.3 per cent in 2005. Another confirmation came from a report by Credit Foncier bank. Prices in the place have risen steadily over the past few years . The rental market in the Côte d’Azur and neighboring places is booming due to a demand increase.
Chesterton International is offering apartments in Le Central Plaza, a development situated on the shores of Cagnes sur Mer bay, Côte d’Azur. A ten minute walk from the sea, the development is situated right smack in the center of the town, close to all local amenities. With 84 apartments ranging from studios to three bedrooms, the properties start at £135,000 (200,000 euros). With the buoyant property and rental market in the area, there is room for capital appreciation at Le Central Plaza.
Posted on: France
August 11, 2007
Report shows the south of France is tops
The real estate market in France is looking good. In the South in particular, Britons are being drawn to the area to invest on properties. According to the Sunday Times, the popularity of France’s property market is due to solid price inflation and the diversity of the landscape.
For the past few years, overseas real estate investment has made some noise in Europe and has become popular with investors, businessmen, speculators and families alike. Investors sought out places in Bulgaria and Croatia to purchase land and houses. But France is taking the lead in terms of popularity. France owes its popularity largely to its close proximity to the UK. France is also looking more favorable with the variety of property and lifestyle choices that the country offers. Ski properties remain hugely well-liked but investors are also looking at areas that remain popular with tourists no matter what the season is.
Posted on: France
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