Autumn edition of ‘For You’

Covid restrictions are beginning to ease across Europe and increasingly people are starting to travel once again. Things are getting back to normal or close… and with this, we see a return in people visiting France in search of their dream home.

In the UK, and across Europe as a whole, a rhythm of normalcy is beginning to return. Yes, COVID remains, and the delta variant means that some restrictions are still in place, but we are now living with it, and getting back to work.
France has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world with 7 in 10 citizens double vaccinated and growing every day, and this has encouraged free movement throughout the country.

Now, not all its neighbours are this far along in their relaxation of restrictions, and France remains an Amber listed country for Brits wanting to visit, but it would be fair to say that France is now definitely open for business!
This positive return to something like it used to be is reflected in a growing interest in the French property market. The economists would say there is ‘heat in the market’, this energy is reflected in a rise in prices for rural property averaging a 15% increase on this time a year ago.

We have also seen an acceleration in the number of people contacting us expressing their interest in buying a house either as a secondary home or as a relocation. Our experience in helping people find the home of their dreams is in high demand and that’s matched by vendors who are interested in selling quickly after what has been a long wait.

In the last edition of this newsletter, we said that there are more buyers than property stock available, and despite the upturn in vendors interested in selling, demand is still outstripping supply. So, some words of advice as you renew your interest in buying or beginning your search with us for the first time… be clear on what you want but always be open to other suggestions as there are some great buys out there. After all, you’ll know it when you see it, right? In this of the newsletter, our feature ‘Living the Dream’ is recent proof of being flexible and finding that special place that you can call home.

We will remain vigilant on your behalf in terms of ensuring your visit is safe, and we hope you’ll understand why we continue to impose some simple hygiene restrictions that are designed to protect you, the vendors and your France4U agent.
And finally, and this is a big learn over the last 18 months, we all need to be agile in our thinking and planning. Covid can spring surprises, and things can change quickly. For example, the four countries that make up the United Kingdom have differing restrictions on their citizens and their return from other countries, and of course, not all countries across Europe have the same approach for visiting non-nationals. And so before coming to see us make sure you check any change to restrictions on travel both for leaving the UK and returning home after your property visits.

We hope you find this newsletter engaging, and we look forward to seeing you soon and helping you find your new home here in France.

Be safe and be well.