There is a tendency for the British to buy houses rather than apartments. When apartments are purchased it is often in the mountainous areas such as The Alps with winter sports a key reason for buying. So where are purchases being made? According to Sextant Properties the most popular area for British buyers is Brittany followed by the South West of France. “One of the main reasons for Brittany’s continued popularity with British buyers is its proximity to the UK and easy access by plane and ferry” says the French property firm. In recent years departments such as Creuse have seen the Brits accountable for over 25% of all foreign property investment.
Highest % per department: 6.56% in Savoie 5.16% in Haute Savoie 3.57 in Dordogne 2.48% in the Pyrenees 2.44% in Gard 2.15% in Aveyron
Highest % per department: 25.33% in Creuse 18.13% in Charente 17.71% in Dordogne 15.02% in Haute Vienne 13.48% in Lot 12.88% in the Gers
French property in the large cities is not as popular, though we are willing to spend on average £200,000 on property within areas such as Paris. The average price paid outside Paris is £183,000. Away from the cities, there is a strong attraction to the tranquillity and peace of the rural areas. Departments such as Charente and Dordogne are strong favourites.
Figures from the Notaires de France database show one third of French Property purchases by the British are made by those making a permanent move from the UK or a short term settlement. Many will be looking to retire while the rest make a living in trades such as building, running B&Bs, teaching and a small number make a living in farming.
* share of British investment within all foreign property investments, source: Notaies de France databases.
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