SPRING 2024 NEWSLETTER

Spring has finally arrived, with daffodils brightening gardens and public spaces across the country. Along with this season of renewal comes a growing interest in fulfilling the dream of owning a home in France.

In recent years, we've frequently discussed the resale housing market in France, which has historically been robust, marked by stable demand and supply for a variety of properties, from rural renovation projects to townhouses and modern apartments.
However, last year (2023) presented a different picture. The sale of traditional properties decreased by 40% compared to previous years, with new builds even lower at a 50% decline. As a result, we've witnessed a significant number of estate agencies closing due to the reduced availability of housing stock and sluggish sales. The post-Covid boom, where people flocked to rural areas, seems to have subsided.

Despite these challenges, we remain optimistic about the market's recovery. We're noticing an uptick in vendors looking to sell, encouraged by banks offering more attractive loan rates. For instance, it's now possible to secure a 20-year loan with a fixed interest rate of less than 4%. Like many European countries, France is rebounding from the impact of Covid, showing promising signs of a full economic recovery.

Moreover, the interest from Brits, Dutch, and Belgians in relocating or purchasing a second home in France remains strong. France offers more value for money compared to many other European countries, especially the UK.
Interest in visiting and viewing properties is on the rise, prompting us to take France4U on the road. In mid-April (13th), we'll be attending a Property Fair in Gand, Belgium, to meet with those considering a move to France, and of course, also representing the interests of our vendors. Hopefully, this event will mark the beginning of several others over the next twelve months, and we'll keep you informed about our upcoming events in future editions of this newsletter.

In this month's edition, we've made a change by shifting our regional focus from Burgundy to the Picardy region, where one of our regional sales partners is based. Picardy appeals to Brits, Dutch, and Belgians due to its proximity to Calais (Eurotunnel), Brussels, and Amsterdam, making it an ideal location for a holiday home with easy access from all three countries.
We hope you enjoy this slight deviation from our usual content, but rest assured, we won't stray too far from our Burgundy roots in future editions.

If you're in France, we hope you will visit us, and we very much look forward to welcoming you.
Until then, stay safe and be well