France Property Investment Market Remains Stable

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.

Why You Should Buy Now; Overseas Property For Sale in the Credit Crunch

It is possible to make money whatever the state of the economy. In fact, some of the most lucrative deals have been achieved in a struggling economy; the opportunities are always there if you have the requisite knowledge.It must also be a buyers market; as the property and financial markets slow down at home and abroad, more people are putting their properties on the market and the developers are offering their 'special' deals and discounts. If you are prepared to be brave in negotiations now may be the time for you.
It could also be the time to be bolder in you outlook on destinations. Have a closer look at the less obvious choices; Cape Verde instead of The Canary Islands, Morocco instead of Spain, Dubai instead of Florida; the Gambia instead of the Carribean. In some of the emerging markets around the world, the property market is stable and even growing. Getting in at the very bottom, buying land or off-plan, means less outlay at the start and a better return on your investment in the end.

Even with the old favourites it is worth looking further afield than the usual options; new build leaseback property in Corsica instead of the Gite in Provence, land with plans in the Caymen Islands instead of the villa in Barbados, a beach house in Belize instead of the apartment in Cancun. Of course land only, off plan and leaseback are all going to be long term projects, though investments can be realised before the property is built, or at the end of the guarenteed rental income period.

When you are feeling the pinch at home it is often cheaper to be living abroad. The cost of fuel, heating and eating can be considerably cheaper in Europe, and yu can minimise the effeect of the strong Euro by taking a Euro mortgage, taking advantage of the lower interest rate and avoiding the problems of fluctuation in the currency market.

Property values abroad still represent excellent value for money in comparison to the UK market, even with falling property prices. For a first time buyer overseas property may be the best way to get your feet on the property ladder.

What Is A Leaseback Property?

While the UK property market is experiencing tough times, there are other areas for investment which are booming. It has been estimated that UK buyers will invest 22.8 billion pounds in this year alone.

The French leaseback scheme was introduced over 30 years ago to help alleviate the growing problem of 'not enough tourist property' to service demand (France is the Number 1 visited country on the planet) Typically bought by the French themselves as a way of boosting their pensions, the leaseback properties bacame popular with UK investors around 5 years ago when the mortgage rules were relaxed.

The most popular areas are the Cote d'Azur, French Alps and Paris as these are the most visited areas in France and solid places to invest. The programme has proved immensely popular because it is government backed; not only do the French Government grant the planning licences for leasebacks, but they re-fund the entire VAT to the client (this is almost equal to the client's entire deposit) as a reward for allowing the property to be used for year round rentals. Along with the guarenteed rents, it's a huge incentive that makes the investment hard to beat.On the finance side, mortgages are lower than the UK and you can normally fix your rate for the entire term of the mortgage.


A French Leaseback property is also a great way to invest in the European property as your investment is totally hands free; it can be totally managed, fully maintained and all rents are totally guarenteed, you can even take a Euro mortgage. It should be seen as a medium to long term investment that forms part of your property pension. The fully managed aspect means that you can invest and relax. Should you want to take up the optional lifestyle investment which gives up to 2 weeks personal usage a year, France is well served by all the economy airlines.

French Leasebacks at the NEC A Place in The Sun Show

There were the obvious investments about again for those of us who often go to these shows.There were fewer stalls, but enough punters to mean you had to queue for a coffee. Taylor Woodrow were slashing the prices of their Spanish property. The Dubai offers were tempting as usual. The Argentina wine region of Mendoza was as off plan as it could be, and very interesting.

But for closer to home, and for the fainthearted, and the highlight of my day was the French leaseback at Evian-les-bains. Having spent a night at the Casino in Evian-Les-Bains for my 36th Birthday I can recommend it. Its a very exclusive and beautiful destination on the shores of Lake Geneva and at the foot of the Alps. The Highlights of the offer are these;
Leaseback rental of up to 4.5% for 11 years, 11 months
Developer pays the VAT, meaning a very low deposit
Fixed Euro mortgagerates available (subject to status)
Fully furnished, Fully maintained and Fully managed
Flexible personal usage packages available Freehold Purchase.

France has not always been the first choice of the British Property Investor, but scare stories about Spain, overdevelopment in other favourite destinations like Bulgaria and the Algarve may mean you need to look at your old age pension a bit differently; If you are prepared to be in it for the long term this is pretty close to a sure thing.