What do you hope to get out of your overseas property? For some, it’s years of fun-filled holiday memories; for others, it’s the reassurance that they will be financially supported when they retire.
Whatever your end goal is, it is important to choose a location where property prices are likely to increase in value. If you want to rent out your property, you should consider the rental potential of an area too. Here are four areas of France that offer a good investment opportunity…
Paris
In the words of Audrey Hepburn, “Paris is always a good idea”. If you’re looking for a ‘safe’ investment, Paris is where to buy. Being the country’s capital, property prices can be expensive, however, with excellent rental potential and the likelihood of a nice capital gain, it is a great option if you can afford it.
After all, Paris attracts around 30 million visitors a year – so you won’t be short of guests to let out your home to!
With a global reputation of class and sophistication, nowhere offers a lifestyle quite like Paris. A world leader in fashion, gastronomy and art, you’ll never be far from a Louis Vuitton store or a chic patisserie.
French Alps
The French Alps, famed for having some of the best skiing in the world, are another location to consider buying property in France. For keen skiers, this is an obvious destination; nonetheless, even if you don’t ski yourself, don’t write the Alps off as an option just yet.
If your main reason for purchasing property is to make an income from letting it out, ski homes have incredible rental potential. Particularly this year, with skiers having lost multiple seasons due to the pandemic, demand for holiday accommodation is likely to soar. Therefore, you should have no trouble finding holidaymakers looking for somewhere to stay on, or near, the slopes.
To further the rental potential of your property, choose a location that thrives just as much in the summer as it does in the winter. For example, Chamonix offers both great skiing in the winter and thrilling adventure activities, like mountain biking and climbing, in the summer. Locations like this will give you the best chance at year-round occupancy.
Nice
Nice, and the Côte d’Azur (also known as the French Riviera) as a whole, is one of the best areas of France to invest in property. Like Paris, prices can be high, but the benefits are immense.
The coastline is spectacularly stunning and great for holidays, the rental potential is high, and properties are likely to increase in value – what’s not to love?
Nice itself enjoys around 300 days of sunshine a year and is a popular holiday destination. The great thing about Nice is that it gets a little quieter between November and February, so if you fancied enjoying your holiday home yourself, away from the crowds, this would be a good time to do so without missing out on potential rental income.
Bordeaux
Being the ‘wine capital of the world’, if you are partial to a glass of vino or two, there is no better place to be than Bordeaux. The city presents a more affordable alternative to Paris, while offering much of the same benefits.
Situated in south west France, Bordeaux enjoys pleasant a climate and is within driving distance of the beach. The city is visited by tourists all-year-round, so a property here wouldn’t sit empty in the winter months. Furthermore, due to the city’s property market having high liquidity, you could easily sell your home when you decide to.
Uniquely combining eighteenth century architecture with more modern developments, such as the Place de la Bourse and its accompanying water mirror art feature, Bordeaux certainly is an interesting city to live in.
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If you would like further advice on the selling process in France, download your free France Guide.
Why not split the cost and double the fun of owning a holiday home in France by buying with family or friends? Read our guide to Buying Abroad with Family.
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