bringing in a rental income. France is one of the most visited countries in the world, with holidaymakers from all over the globe seeking gîtes to rent, particularly in the summer months and in popular areas. That said, if this is your aim, do your research before you buy to avoid choosing a location that’s already saturated with holiday accommodation. The historic stability of its property market


is another reason to buy in France, with many regions only experiencing gradual price increases – there’s no boom-and- bust mentality. The cost-of-living crisis and stricter lending criteria have caused prices to decrease slightly over the past year or so in some parts of France, so you may fi nd a property at a lower price than you may have paid a couple of years ago. In the long term, French property can off er capital appreciation along with many lifestyle benefi ts of course.


DIVERSE LANDSCAPES Most overseas buyers don’t purchase a French property purely for fi nancial reasons, of course – the lifestyle is the main draw. France off ers a vast array of options when it comes to landscape, climate and culture. You can choose from mountains, vineyards or seaside locations; town or country; buzzing city or peaceful village; tourist hotspot or rural backwater. The cultural and historical appeal is strong


too, with countless museums, art galleries, theatres and opera houses, picturesque medieval villages that look like they haven’t changed for hundreds of years, and historic monuments – particularly châteaux – to visit or even live in! Lovers of the Great Outdoors won’t be disappointed either, with everything from walking to skiing and watersports to


GLORIOUS GASTRONOMY Of course, we couldn’t write about the appeal of France without mentioning its gastronomy. Whether your penchant is for Michelin- starred restaurants or rustic dishes in a traditional bistro, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Wine-lovers will be in heaven – there are so many diff erent wine areas to explore before you pick your home among the vineyards! Then there’s the cheese – a diff erent one for every day, so it’s said. Vibrant markets, overfl owing with fresh produce and local craſt s, are one of the great joys of living in France or owning a holiday home there.


POST-BREXIT DEMAND Despite Brexit, there’s still a strong British appetite for French property. It’s true that the situation has changed with regards to how long you can spend there (non-EU nationals are limited to 90 days within 180 days within the European Union), however, for those spending less than three months at a time at their holiday home, no visa is needed. Also, nothing has changed with regards to buying a property in France – there are no restrictions on overseas buyers and the process is exactly the same as it would be for a French national. Many British homebuyers now see France as a stable and attractive place to purchase a property and keep a foothold within Europe. Furthermore, France


off ers a wide range of visa options, from those suitable for holiday- home owners wishing to spend more time in France to longer stay visas that can be converted into residency permits (providing you fulfi l the various conditions).


horse-riding as well as high-octane sports like canyoning and paragliding. If you prefer more relaxing pursuits, why not consider one of France’s beautiful spa towns?


QUALITY OF LIFE For those relocating, France is known for its excellent healthcare system – particularly key for retirees – and its high standard of living, with an attractive attitude to work-life balance – who wouldn’t love a two-hour lunch! In rural areas in particular, the traditional way of life is hugely valued by expats, many of whom say it’s like the UK 50 years ago! The French value time spent with friends


and family, oſt en entertaining at home, especially on Sundays when most shops are closed. From big cities to tiny villages, fêtes and festivals take place throughout the year, with all the generations happily mixing together. France is the ideal location for those looking for a change from the busier pace of life in their home country.


EASY ACCESS For British property buyers, France’s proximity to the UK is a big plus. With a range of travel options from driving via the various ferries or Channel Tunnel, Eurostar trains and fl ights to airports across France, it’s quick and easy to reach for short breaks, longer holidays and for travelling back and forth for business reasons or to visit friends and family. The rise of low- cost airlines has made it more aff ordable too, especially out of season. For British people looking for a combination


of lifestyle change, attractive properties and proximity to home, buying property in France remains understandably popular – maybe this will be the year when you fi nally make your French dream come true! ■


Expert Guide l 5


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