Proximity to the UK and familiarity with the language have made buying French property one of the most popular choices for British property buyers over the years. The rural lifestyle offered in regions like Normandy, Provence and Dordogne have a great attraction for UK property buyers, though the property market in France is incredibly diverse and has much to offer most prospective property investors.
Buying French ski property has become a popular investment option. The country’s Alpine resorts are among the world’s most-visited winter sports destinations, easily accessible and providing first-class facilities. Property prices are high in the very best areas, though shopping around in the neighbouring resorts often sees similar properties with more affordable price tags.
The Côte d’Azur is another of France’s luxury property locations. Names like Cannes, Nice and Antibes embody the opulence of the French Riviera, and buying property in France on the Côte d’Azur with a sea view will never be cheap. However, property buyers on a budget can benefit from a similar climate at a fraction of the price further east on the Mediterranean coastline by buying property in the Languedoc-Roussillion region of France.
Paris is one of the world’s most visited capitals and though buying property in Paris is not cheap, in common with other cities there are districts that are still “up-and-coming” where property prices have yet to catch up with the established quarters.
Under the “leaseback” scheme, property investors buying new-build property in France for the long term will receive a guaranteed rental return and a refund of VAT on the cost of their home. The scheme is offered on a wide range of new property in France.
The sheer variety of property on offer ensures that France will continue to be one of the UK’s best-loved buying destinations – there’s French property to suit almost everyone.
Key Facts
Population: 60,876,136
Capital: Paris
Languages: French
Area (km2): 547,030
Currency: euro
Exchange rate: £1 = €1.25
Dialling Code: +33
Emergency services: 112
Embassy in UK: http://www.ambafrance-uk.org
Health
The French health service is excellent. Waiting lists are short, doctor numbers are high, and a survey conducted in 2000 by the World Health Organisation ranked the French health service number one in the world. Every treatment has a fee, but patients contributing to social security through their wages can reclaim up to 70% of this cost
Travel
As our closest continental neighbour, getting to France couldn’t be easier. Take your pick from a great selection of cheap flights, or opt for one of the many ferry crossings available. There’s also the Eurostar, which, depending on where you buy, will get you at least some of the way
TOP TIP
French inheritance law can be a very complicated beast, so make sure you set out an inheritance provision in the initial contract before completing on the property. It could save whoever the house passes on to thousands of pounds in the future
Our Guide to Buying Property in France has advice on the legal and financial aspects of buying property in France, plus regional overviews and information on the process for buying property in France.
There's also a range of articles offering independent expert advice about buying or investing in French property:
as well as overseas property news affecting the property market in France or view our range of French property.