Having analysed data throughout 2014, Home Hunts has pinpointed six property hotspots in France that offer exceptional investment opportunities in coveted locations.
Back in February 2015, Home Hunts released the second edition of its property insights report, INSIDE FRANCE. Compiled as a result of data gathered throughout 2014 and 600+ monthly property enquiries, it provides buyers with information about the prime property hotspots in France: Paris, the French Riviera, Provence, Languedoc Roussillon, Aquitaine and the Alps.
To make a smart, savvy real estate investment in one of these property hotspots in France, what locations within each hotspot should take priority in your property search? Here are Home Hunts’ leading recommendations.
Paris: 16th arrondissement
As the most visited city in the world in 2013 with 32.3 million visitors, Paris is also one of the most sought after second home destinations. With prestigious locations such as Avenue Foch, Rue de Rivoli and Place des Vosges, the City of Light is home to some of the most coveted safe haven addresses in the world. While the 6th, 7th and 8th arrondissements prove popular with buyers, it is the north of the 16th arrondissement that stands out currently as one of the leading property hotspots in France.
“The north of the 16th is popular because it is next to the golden triangle and its boutiques,” explains Hervé Levy, Home Hunts’ Paris-based consultant. “In the golden triangle, prices keep increasing as it is a secure place to invest for the medium to long-term.”
The French Riviera: Grasse
The French Riviera is one of the most desired real estate locations in the world, with resorts such as Nice and Cannes famous for its celebrity residents and glamorous attractions. Grasse, however, is lesser known – even though it is the perfume capital of the world – and offers better value for money, currently making it one of the most investment-savvy property hotspots in France.
“With the new dual carriageway that is going to be built, this area would certainly pick up in value in the future,” says Tim Swannie, Director of Home Hunts, adding that properties on the Riviera as a whole have dropped by around 20% since 2008. “Properties here have become a very good investment opportunity. Rental yields are high, as with 300 days of sunshine, the Med at your feet and the Alps just behind, it really is a year-round destination.”
Provence: the Alpilles
Sun drenched for the majority of the year and home to the beautiful Var countryside and the stunning Luberon villages, such as Gordes and Lourmarin, property in Provence is both sought after and stable. However, for those seeking real estate in one of the up-and-coming Provencal property hotspots in France, Home Hunts recommends searching villages on the southern side of the Alpilles, between Avignon and Arles.
“The Alpilles has performed well even in a difficult market over the past few years,” says Nicola Christinger, a consultant at Home Hunts’ Provence office. “Mouries, St-Etienne du Grès and Fontvieille are becoming increasingly popular as the prices are slightly less expensive, but still offer beautiful villages, lifestyle and countryside.”
Languedoc Roussillon: Narbonne
From its smooth sandy beaches to wild mountain plateaus, Languedoc Roussillon is known as being one of the most diverse regions in France. With many calling it the real South of France, towns such as Carcassonne and Nîmes and Montpellier are consistently popular with overseas buyers.
Those seeking to invest in this part of the country should not pass up the opportunity to search in Narbonne, a long-time favourite holiday destination of the French. “Narbonne has developed a great infrastructure and will have its own TGV station in the next couple of years,” says Albert van Creveld, a consultant for Languedoc. “This development, along with its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and moderate climate, is currently attracting many new residents.”
Aquitaine: Bordeaux
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and world class wine region, Bordeaux was recently voted Best Destination in Europe by the “European Best Destinations” organisation, which promotes culture and tourism in Europe. A sophisticated smart city just a few hours from the mountains and the sea, it offers French culture and sleek modernity in abundance.
“The area in and around Bordeaux offers great value for money and stunning landscapes, and the infrastructure is excellent,” says consultant Rory Ramsden, referring to the city’s impressive, modern transport system. Home Hunts has also witnessed increasing interest in vineyard properties in Bordeaux and its surrounding areas over the last few years, so much so that it has developed a dedicated vineyard property service.
The drop in house prices across Aquitaine, along with the low interest and mortgage rates, means that Bordeaux has become one of the most exciting property hotspots in France.
The Alps: Samoëns
Out of all the property hotspots in France, Chamonix in the Alps will always be a favourite for real estate investment. It offers the best possible year-round use with only October and November considered as low season. According to Chris Leder, consultant for Geneva and The Alps, year-round use is fast becoming important with buyers in this part of the world, and overseas buyers are constantly seeking new opportunities for savvy real estate investments.
But in terms of up-and-coming areas, Samoëns, located on the banks of the Giffre River in the Haute-Savoie department, is currently offering buyers a good choice of properties at highly competitive prices. “A fraction of the price of destinations such as Three Valleys, its year-round value for money is unbeatable,” says Chris.
To find out more about property hotspots in France, visit www.home-hunts.com, or to speak with a Home Hunts consultant directly, call the French office on +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
