Our News 

 

French Property News is always a major event, providing an excellent opportunity for meeting people and working together. The London exhibition held from the 7th to the 9th of September this year gave us the chance to meet our partners, consolidate our mutual cooperation and present detailed information about our offers and all the latest news.
The event received more than 4,400 visitors… and it helped to build new and enduring relationships. BNP Paribas International Buyers teams would like to thank you all for coming.
We look forward to seeing you in January at the next exhibition (for more information : http://www.french-property-news.com/fpn/septvisit.htm).

 

Despite the high demand, the limited supply and rising interest rates, the French property market, compared with other European markets, remains particularly attractive for foreign investors. And although non-residents still dream about the capital city, they are increasingly attracted by some of the large provincial cities. The cheap and easy access afforded by low-cost companies might have something to do with it.

 

 

Prices in the capital city continue to rise, although the increase is slowing down. The average price per square metre is currently around € 6,244, which represents a 4.7% increase over 2006. 8% of transactions are completed by foreigners who are influencing the market for some districts and top-of-the-range properties. According to a Chambre des Notaires survey, one in three apartments for sale in the historic Saint-Gervais and Notre Dame districts is purchased by non-residents.

 

 

Languedoc Roussillon, upturn in the market confirmed. With a magnificent climate and lower-priced properties than in the other southern regions, Languedoc Roussillon is a great success with foreign buyers. Most properties in and around the beach resorts are sold to people from outside the region, of whom 60% are foreigners: Belgians, Germans, Swiss, English and Irish. RyanAir's decision to add Cap d'Agde to their list of destinations is no doubt one of the reasons behind this, at least as far as the English and Irish are concerned. The region also has a bright future ahead of it with the TGV high-speed rail link to Spain.

 

Lille, Metz and Dijon have seen a record price increase per square metre. Lille has recorded a 10.4% price rise for the 2nd quarter. It's true that with Eurostar, the international airport and the motorway network, the city is now very centrally located in Europe. The same situation can be seen in Metz. Located at the heart of one of Europe's main motorway junctions, the city benefits from its proximity to the new TGV railway station and two airports from which passengers can fly to and from Europe's main cities on the same day. With an 11.3% price rise per square metre, Dijon recorded the strongest increase and proof that plans to reopen the Dijon-London line are opening up new perspectives in the area.

 

In the PACA (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur) region, the market is supported by English investors, young working people as well as those in retirement. The annual price rise is now around 5%, compared with previous rates from 10% to 15%. With an airport serving many European destinations, Nice and Cannes remain the most sought-after locations in Europe. Prices in Nice go up to € 3,000 per squaremetre, although the city is generally less expensive than Antibes or Cannes. Prices are slowing down in and around Marseilles. Cassis remains the most expensive town in Bouches-du-Rhône. Apartments are sold at € 4,000 per square metre, a price which is 25% to 30% higher than in Marseilles.

 

Poitou Charentes is also doing very well. The British are particularly keen on the region.
Daily low-cost flights between London and Poitiers and La Rochelle airports, not to mention Limoges and Bordeaux, have certainly helped.

 

Although the French property market is stabilising, it still holds great appeal for you foreign investors. And BNP Paribas International Buyers can offer you tailored solutions to finance your plans. Please do not hesitate to contact your BNP Paribas International Buyers advisor to obtain all information necessary to ensure the success of your projects.