French property News

Our French property news bulletin features the latest market opportunities. It is updated regularly and we invite you to browse at your leisure.

(03/07/09)

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Newly launched developments

Completed developments

Latest entries in our bulletin

§    A slice of affordable south of France

§    Encouraging “green shoots” figures in the new build French property sector

§    New low in French Euro mortage rates

A slice of affordable south of France

Incredible value for money on the Cote d’Azur

3 & 4 bedroom villas from € 320 000

We are taking pre registrations for this shortly to be launched exceptional villas on the edge of the picturesque medieval village of Bagnols en Foret, 10 miles behind the seaside resort of Frejus. In superb surroundings with stunning views, the properties are built on large individual 1 500m2 plots which can accommodate a private swimming pool.

See photographs and Pre register here

Encouraging “green shoots” figures in the new build French property sector

Signs of recovery in the French new build sector have been confirmed with developers registering a 38% rise in new build sales during the first quarter of 2009 (compared to the same period in 2008). Interest rates at their lowest, new Government tax incentives such as the Loi Scellier, 0% mortgages are all contributing to this upturn. The residential sector is the first one to benefit and regions such as Paris – Ile de France and Lyon are seeing sales converting in shorter time scales of 7 months as against 22 months at the end of 2008. February 2009 is reported as the best month in sales levels so far. France’s housing deficit remains high with a shortage of 800 000 homes. Prices which came down during the last quarter of 2008 now appear to be stabilising. Developers are anxious to increase the number of new developments being launched to avoid a new build penury in 2010 and a return to price increases. (Immoneuf 06/09)

New low in French Euro mortgage rates

French Euro mortgage rates have dropped by an additional 1% over the last six months, bringing the average interest rate on a fixed mortgage over 20years to 4.25%.
Welcoming news which is boosting French purchasing power and offering attractive borrowing alternatives to UK buyers in France.

Check latest chart

Mediterranean villa in the Gulf of St Tropez

This villa in the south of France has much to offer. Secluded location, stunning sea views and minutes from the beaches and all amenities. Four en suite bedrooms. Spacious terraces, fully fitted kitchen, air conditioning, private swimming pool and double garage. Highest quality new build, ready to move into. 45mns Nice airport.

Saint Tropez villa details and photographs

100% LTV (loan to value) Euros mortgages

For property purchases above € 300 000 mortgage lenders in France are now willing to lend 100% of the property value to foreign purchasers. This means that no deposit is required which considerably reduces the initial outlay for anyone looking at investing in a French property. Legal fees, bank and brokers fees are additional (3.5% approx).Contact us to find out about these new mortgage opportunities on enquiries@aplaceinfrance.co.uk

Languedoc properties – Aigues Mortes

Construction is nearing completion for these fine waterside properties in the picturesque medieval town of Aigues Mortes. The private marina development is within walking distance to the historical centre for all amenities and a good selection of restaurants. Most properties are sold with an allocation mooring and there is direct sea access. Show house available.

View full particulars and request availability

Côte d’Azur properties – Nice town centre

Just launched: Private development in convenient central location offering studios, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. Walking distance to the Promenade des Anglais and to the beach. Highly competitive prices.

View full particulars and request availability

Paris opportunities – Apartments for sale in Paris

In the 17th Arrondissement of inner Paris, a new residential project offering investment opportunities for residential letting or an ideal location for a French capital “Pied a Terre”.

More details on these Paris apartments

French developers adapt to the economic situation

After a record level of sales in 2007, the market of new homes for sale in France is at a halt. The developers are reacting and slowing down the number of new projects launched. The result is a shortage of homes which is going to last.

Read full article

New build property in France - the current climate

Patricia Fevrier, of A Place in France new property specialists, gives an overview of the French property market situation and discusses under what circumstances you can purchase a new property with price incentives ...
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French VAT on new build property in France

French New build property prices include TVA (Vat) which currently stands at 19.60%. This applies for 5 years following the Date d’Achevement des Travaux (DAT) or Works Completion Date. The formal DAT is registered on the delivery notification letter which is sent by the developer to the buyer approximately one month before key handover. After 5 years (from DAT) Vat is no longer applied.

In the case of a resale within 5 years of the DAT the seller must add VAT to the property asking price. The French Notary will then repay the Vat amount to the French Government at the time of signing the Deed of sale once the transaction is finalised.

Legal fees savings on ski apartments in the Grand Massif

French legal fees now included in the asking price bringing savings of up to 3.5% on the overall purchasing costs. Show apartment available for viewing.

See particulars and prices

Is French new build property still a safe haven?

Over the last 12 months the overseas property market has undergone fundamental changes which have seen the buy to let sector recede due to lack of funding and a sharp drop in rental yields, and a noticeable downturn in second home purchases. One thing remains certain, however, and that is that a property purchase in the right location, at the right price and for the right reasons remains a good purchase.

Read full article

A Place in France – guiding our clients

Do bear the following key factors in mind when searching for your new home in France. The selling of new property in France is highly regulated for the protection of the purchaser:

The benefits and safeguards of buying new

The off plan buying procedure is a straightforward and safe procedure: new property contracts are government regulated, building guarantees are provided, buyers’ monies are kept in an escrow account and each development to be constructed is financially bonded.

The reservation deposit for a new property in France is only 5% and fully refundable. Payments are then made in stages.

The legal fees (French Notary) are low and amount to only 2.5% to 3.5%

There are no agencies fees to pay in addition to the property price

New build properties enjoy sustained capital growth and good resale potential.

French inheritance law and ownership

French inheritance law differs from the English system. Please take advice on these matters as early as possible in the buying process. This will enable you to choose the best way to own your French property (joint ownership, sole name, company, etc) prior to completion (signing of the Deed of sale). We are able to recommend solicitors who specialise in French conveyancing.

Currency and Euro exchange rates

When ready to buy your new property, do look into ways of securing the best exchange rates to protect yourself against negative fluctuations. It is now possible to fix an exchange rate for up to 2 years in advance. Please contact us for details.

Value for money property in the French Alps

Minutes from Les Carroz and the Grand Massif ski domain, a converted Savoyard farmhouse with the addition of two newly built chalets provide outstanding accommodation for our high quality ski apartments. The freehold prices for these new French Alps properties offer extremely good value for money as they include a fine range of furniture, fully equipped modern kitchen and an allocated parking space.

View particulars

French Leaseback Schemes - How do they work?

The French leaseback scheme is a government initiative to encourage and promote both investment and tourism in France. It is a national scheme overseen by the French ministry of tourism and offers the assurance of government regulated contracts and financially bonded developers.
Read full article

French off-plan properties under € 100K

Buying a new property in France has attractive financial benefits such as stage payments and low legal fees. In addition we offer a selection of properties with starting prices below € 100K.

View selection

Did you know…

“Many buyers in France still do not know of the range of benefits French new build property offers” says Patricia Fevrier, founder and Managing Director of established new build specialists A Place in France.

Did you know that only 5% deposit secures your chosen property? Deposits in the case of resales usually amount to 10%. That no payment is then due until the new build property has reached the completed foundations stage which gives you time to organise your finances. Did you also know that your deposit is by law fully refundable and moreover safe in an escrow account until you have signed the Deeds.

Reduced legal fees are another substantial benefit. When purchasing a new build property in France the legal fees amount to only 2.5% to 3.5% compared to 6% to 8% in the case of an older resale property.

During construction payments towards your new build property are made in stages, another financial benefit which allows you to spread the payments over several months. Despite the credit crunch negative effects it is still possible to raise a French mortgage against a new build property and new build loan offers are valid for up to 9 months to take into account the construction schedule. New build properties benefit from good accessibility and good amenities and from the latest building regulations which make them attractive to letting agents. When it comes to resale new build properties have traditionally demonstrated good capital appreciation. There is much more to know about the benefits and security of buying new in France.

Do read on  or call us with your questions on 023 92 876 857.

Completed developments offering new homes ready to move into

We have a selection of new build developments which have reached the final stages of construction and the properties are now ready to move into. In most cases attractive final price reductions have been applied by the French developer.

See our selection.

French new build market less affected by credit crunch

There is a slowdown on the French market mainly due to the malaise about the pouvoir d’achat of the French people (purchasing power) well documented in the press.  The sector worst hit seems to be the buy to let market (leaseback schemes, residential lettings) which is now oversupplied and where the levels of income guarantees are dropping. There is still a strong demand for accession à la propriété (first time buyers) and properties purchased as a main home (working families or retiring couples looking to downgrade) and for family holiday homes. New build prices which at the outset may look higher than those of resale properties, reflect however the market costs of materials and labour and of the compulsory implementation of ongoing new building regulations and energy efficiency measures. The construction industry in France is highly regulated and developers by law have to meet the government standard, a reassuring thought for our buyers. In the current slowdown where buyers are unable to raise financing French developers are more likely to delay the launch of new developments rather than bring prices down as they have already committed themselves to the price of the land and to their subcontractors’ labour costs. There is however an opportunity for French property buyers to purchase properties in nearly completed or completed developments where the developer is prepared to offer incentives to sell the homes which remain. Due to stringent lending criteria France is not suffering from the same credit crunch negative effects as the UK and it is encouraging to know that UK purchasers are still able to raise a French mortgage against a new build property purchase.

See completed developments

Online travel money

Save time and money by ordering your currency on line.

A Place in France property services in association with Foreign Exchange specialists HIFX. If planning a French property viewing trip or travelling to your home in France, save yourself time and money by ordering your travel money online. Benefit from excellent rates of exchange, 0% commission, next day delivery to your door if order placed before 3pm (except week end & bank holidays), free home delivery for orders over £500. Minimum order £350.

See how it works

Secure your exchange rate in advance

Protecting yourself against negative exchange fluctuations. A Place in France property services in association with Foreign Exchange specialist HIFX.

You are able to secure a favourable exchange rate for up to 2 years. Fluctuating exchange rates can make a huge difference to the final price of your property in France and to its running costs. HIFX offer excellent rates when compared to high street banks and can save you up to 4% on exchange rates.

No hidden charges and complete peace of mind: HIFX guarantee no transfer charges, no commissions and in most cases no overseas bank receiving fees.

HIFX Plc is a registered MSB with HM Revenue & Customs.

Request quote

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