France

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About France

France remains the number one market for many for lifestyle purchases and the country’s second home hotspots rank high on the wish lists of the world’s wealthy.

home hotspots rank high on the wish lists of the world’s wealthy. For highly mobile international buyers, apart from its climate and cuisine, France offers good transport links, excellent international schools, and transparent legal system. According to the UN’s World Tourism Organisation it is the most visited country when ranked by tourist arrivals – providing a ready source of rental demand.

France’s Real Estate Market

France experienced a housing boom between 1997 and 2007 where the house prices was up by 150 percent but has since then become more stable in the following years. After an average fall of 1.7 percent between 2012 and 2015, house prices started to rise again in 2016.

Paris led the charge with sales and prime prices picking up in early 2017. A year later, this confidence spread to France’s regional markets, first Provence and the French Riviera, then Gascony and the French Alps. Now, major events and developments like the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, Grand Paris Project (due in 2030) are predicted to likely revive the interest in prime properties in central and outer Paris. France’s lifestyle, accessibility and climate are major draws with Monaco and the Côte d’Azur arguably home to one of the largest concentrations of wealth globally. In 2019, French Riveria showed the highest price per square meter followed by the areas mainly in the French Alps, Paris, Provence, and Southwest of France.

Despite the pandemic, house prices increased 6.4% during 2020 – the highest growth since 2010. No restrictions on foreign ownership in France, majorly freehold properties, and fixed French mortgage market are all factors that are attractive to foreign buyers in France.

France’s Key Areas

Paris

Finite amount of property in historic central Paris, the quality of its buildings, its rich culture, and its beauty make Paris one of the most sought-after capitals in the world. Tourists are attracted to its historic and iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde. Yet Paris is also the engine of French business with opportunities that draws in a young workforce, especially in La Défense area, Europe’s largest purpose-built business district.

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Cote d’ Azur

Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Grasse, Saint-Tropez, Menton between the sea and the mountains create the uniqueness of the Côte d’Azur- a harmonious blend of culture, art, and festivals in an exceptional natural setting.
This stretch of coastline has had a reputation as a favourite retreat of ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWI), European aristocrats and international high society. The French Rivera is home to the ‘Bay of Billionaires’ and is home to numerous castles, palaces and prestigious dream residences, enjoying an exceptional view of the Mediterranean. Exclusive standard of living, and a wealth of high-end cultural and recreational attractions are the main reasons why the French Rivera is one of the world's most expensive real estate market.

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Alps

The French Alps are famous for their breath-taking views, pretty villages, and picture-perfect slopes. This vast area is an outdoor lover’s heaven. The French Alps offer a unique environment but also deliver on both privacy and relaxation. Alpine property has always attracted huge demand, despite being in short supply. The culture, history, and cuisine of the French Alps is an important draw for visitors. The French Alps includes the region of old Savoy, the longest-ruling royal house in Europe. In Chambéry, a popular attraction is the Château de Ducs de Savoie. During the Belle Epoque, spa towns flourished, and resorts such as Aix-les-Bains, Evian-les-Bain, and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains still draw visitors with their thermal spas.

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Provence

Provence is a historical and cultural region encompassing the south-eastern French departments of Bouches-du-Rhône, Vaucluse, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, and Var.
Cosmopolitan Marseille is the largest cities in the region and Provence have no shortage of showcase villages. On the outskirts of the city classic Provencal homes, especially those with views of Montagne Sainte-Victoire, are popular with international buyers. Provence real estate includes modern urban mansions, villas, and apartments. In the countryside, the mas, a humble stone farmhouse many a buyer has renovated into a luxury retreat, and bastide, or country manor house, represent traditional rural architecture.

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Southwest

Southwest of France is known for its laid-back French lifestyle with long warm summers and beautiful, unspoilt countryside, historic towns, and villages with close-knit communities. Contrary to the Southeast, properties in the Southwest are comparatively more affordable while benefitting the finest French lifestyle. Midi-Pyrenees is the largest region in France and is home to the largest city in France called Toulouse – a bustling centre with a rich history and a fantastic place for property in Southwest France. Known as ‘Little Tuscany’, Gers is a popular location with British homebuyers. Consequently, there is a great deal of British influence in this area and in the Dordogne and Bordeaux.

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