France seen as a safe haven for property buyers
06-08-2012
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The research highlighted that three quarters of real estate investment transactions took place across Europe's three largest markets, the UK, France and Germany, with volumes reaching €18.7 billion.
The biggest post in property volumes occurred in France with sales up 114% (including commercial property), rising to €4.2 billion, indicating that given sustained uncertainty surrounding the Eurozone crisis, investors are continuing to focus on the safety of large, well established property markets.
Paris based Danny Silver, expert in French real estate and managing director of The Villages Group, said that it is clear that France's perception of stability and being a 'safe haven' for property buyers still prevails.
‘Over the years French property has enjoyed practically constant success, and with the Euro plummeting to new lows against the pound and the lowest debt in Europe, it's no wonder that real estate investors still view that nation as a wise property move,’ he said.
‘Indeed, with a strong reputation and the opportunity to get more for your money, it seems many are making their dream of escaping to France a reality,’ he added.
His company is developing active living villages for the over 50's which provide services and amenities that encourage an active, happy and healthy lifestyle focussed around a strong community of like minded individuals.
‘For those entering their third age especially, France is often the ideal destination which is why we are developing this market,’ explained Silver.
The first is being built at the Canal du Midi, in the Languedoc region of France. Residents become a member of the entire village with ownership of a house of their choice, including all amenities.
‘One of the biggest advantages of the syndicate style programme is that it helps keep prices at least 30% lower than similar properties. As well as this, running costs are kept to a minimum as members own The Village, hotel, restaurants and sauna all of which are open to the public and all profits are set against maintenance fees helping to keep running costs at a minimum,’ added Silver.
