Data from French bank BNP Paribas shows that between 2011 and 2012, the total number of transactions carried out by the British fell slightly from 19.4% to 19.1%. Over the same period, however, the total transaction amount increased to €384,000, which suggests that buyers are focusing on higher quality homes.
The Belgians follow with 16% of transactions, then the Italians with 15%, while the Swiss account for 11% and the Germans account for 5%.
British buyers dominate the purchasing tables in many regions, including Brittany and Normandy, but they’re also very active in areas such as Aquitaine and Midi Pyrenees. Italian buyers dominate in the Parisian region and in Provence Alpes Cote D’Azur, according to the BNP Paribas data.
Accessible, safe and familiar, France pretty much offers everything today’s buyer is looking for, whether their property is for investment purposes, a holiday home or a permanent residence Borrowing costs have tumbled over recent months, and at the moment mortgage rates are at their lowest in more than 60 years. Affordability has also been boosted by a slower property market which has been pushing prices down. And, of course, there’s the enduring appeal of easy access from the UK, better weather, and good rental yields. With a defiantly dynamic property market, France also represents relative stability amid the global downturn. Quite simply, it’s a great time to buy.
It’s perhaps no surprise, therefore, that the country has accounted for 43 per cent of enquiries received by Conti so far this year, taking the coveted top spot for the fifth year running.
