"France May Never Be Better Value Than It Is Now"

The real estate market in France today is arguably one of the most attractive investment opportunities in the world. It has achieved a wide visibility by becoming more sophisticated and transparent, with a new, attractive tax system.

Other factors reassuring investors include non-recourse mortgages; the stability and volume of current demand; diversity of ownership and guaranteed rental income; in fact, at a worldwide level, it could be argued that French real estate benefits from a liquidity flow level never reached anywhere before.

"Now is definitely the time to snap up an investment because the French property market may never be better value than it is right now," explains Danny Silver, the managing partner of Property Direct France, and an expert on the region.

"Prices are steady at the moment but liable to rise sharply as spring approaches. This is due to borrowing in France being cheaper than ever for French tax payers because of the new tax breaks taking effect, as well as inheritance tax changes, which have freed up the market."

This advice is backed up by recent research by the University of Paris, which shows that nearly half of house-hunters looking to buy in France are still attracted by the good value property prices.

""France has traditionally been a country which has offered overseas investors excellent value for money along with the security so many people are looking for, with low crime figures, especially in rural areas. The survey shows that this French reputation for good value property still holds true, now more than ever," says Mr. Silver.

"It’s worth noting that in France, the situation regarding fixed rate mortgages is quite different compared to the UK– the French have always preferred a fixed rate for the entire term of the loan, which could be up to 30 years. This is despite French banks encouraging them to take out a variable rate mortgage. It must also be said that French people do not move as frequently as the British and US and they tend to plan for the longer term. They do not like interest-only mortgages and prefer to pay off the capital – this is clearly a very different mentality."

On the subject of investor interest in the French property market, the team at Property Direct France has noticed positive results.

"We saw encouraging levels of interest right up until the end of 2007, showing that the slowdown in the other market does not seem to have impacted upon the strength of demand. January figures show a 70% increase in investment over 2007 and the market seems to have escaped the worst of the sub-prime fall-out in the USA," explains Mr. Silver.

"We’ve always believed that France is the safest country in the world for real estate which is why, if investors are serious about receiving more than mediocre returns; achieving financial freedom through real estate investing; and adding to their investment portfolio while having the peace of mind provided by complete turnkey services – Property Direct France is the right company for investors to contact."

For more information on how real estate specialists Property Direct France can help you invest in French property, visit www.own2invest.com

To contact Property Direct France, call 0207 043 0792.

Click here to read more about international real estate expert, Danny Silver.

Information courtesy of Property Direct France

© PropertyIndex.com 2008 | Last Updated: 05 March 2008