French property News

Our French property news page features the latest market opportunities.

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Latest news

§          Moving to France

§          French government drops French holiday home tax

§          Le Plan de la Tour – stunning end results!

Moving to France

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French government scraps holiday home tax

French President Nicholas Sarkozy and Budget Minister François Baroin have agreed to shelve holiday home taxation plans after coming under pressure from ministers representing French ex-patriates. The measure, which would have affected over 360 000 French ex-pats and foreign home owners, no longer features in the tax reform package passed by the Senate Upper House on Tuesday.

Le Plan de la Tour – stunning end results

A Place in France announces the completion of construction works in this superb development in Le Plan de la Tour on the Cote d’Azur.

A charming Provencal village in the Gulf of Saint Tropez hinterland. Gorgeous environment, friendly community, excellent Rosés! And only 4.5 miles from the family beaches of Saint Maxime

The high build quality private residential development also offers a residents’ swimming pool.

Two bedroomed south west facing houses are available with terrace, garden and garage. Minutes from village centre and all amenities.

View full particulars and photographs

RT012 – Reglementation Thermique 2012

The Grenelle environnement Forum took place in October 2007 to improve the energy efficiency of buildings amongst other things. It set out the new standard for the Reglementation Thermique legislation in the new RT012 which will become a compulsory requirement on January 2013 for all new builds in France. The norm currently in application is the RT005.

The RT012 is aimed at reducing primary energy consumption (heating, hot water production, lighting, air conditioning, ventilation) to 50kWh/m2 on average in all new build constructions by the year 2050. There will be geographical variations to take into account climate differences with the north region of France (Region Nord) at 65kWh/m2 and the south (Region Sud) at 40kWh/m2. The current average is 250kWh/m2 which is expected to come down to 150kWh/m2 by 2020. French developers are already integrating the new RT012 norm in their technical specification ahead of the 2013 deadline giving new build an attractive edge on older properties.

DPE – Diagnostic de Performance Energetique

Part of the Grenelle Environment legislation the new DPE rating chart for energy consumption became a compulsory requirement on January 1st 2011 for all property sales in France. In the case of new build properties which are sold off plan the DPE takes the form of a Recommendation to improve the energy efficiency of the building to be constructed. This recommendation is made by an impartial professional “Diagnostiqueur” accredited by COFRAC (Comite Français d’Accreditation ) at the time of finalising the building’s technical specification. On completion of construction the developer asks the DPE professional to check on the implementations of the recommendation. The “Diagnostiqueur” then revises his diagnostic accordingly and gives the finalised DPE to the developer. As now legally required the DPE is then given by the developer to the purchaser at the time of the key handover. The DPE for new build properties is free of charge (Diagnostiqueurs’ fees average €90 to €250). Government regulated building standard for new properties in France already integrate a number of norms and regulations aimed at improving energy efficiency. New build properties must comply and in so doing provide the attractive benefits to buyers of low running costs and maintenance.

Low borrowing cost forecast to continue

French Euros mortgages interest rates are at their lowest and with the ECB (European Central Bank) base borrowing rate unchanged at 1% current rates are forecast to continue well into the first quarter of 2011. Fixed rates over 20 years are now as low as 3.50% down from 5.40% in 2008 and applications with strong credit history can secure a record 3.30% rate. For the same 20 years duration variable rates now range from 2.85% (good) to 2.70% (excellent). (Meilleurtaux.com Nov’10).

Contact us for your free Euro mortgage quote on enquiries@aplaceinfrance.co.uk

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Euros mortgages update

According to Euro mortgages specialists Athena mortgages: "The general outlook for rates for French mortgages looks good for 2011 especially in Q1”. You can still get a 25 year fixed rate at 3.8% or 3.5% over 15 years at 80% of the purchase price which in UK terms is still phenomenal. Tracker mortgages on the 3 month Euribor for an 80% mortgage start at 2.35% on a 25 year term. At 100% LTV you can get a rate of 3.10% which can never increase past 5.10% over a 25 year period”.

For your free quote or further info:enquiries@aplaceinfrance.co.uk

Record price increases in Paris

In September the FNAIM (French National Association of Estate Agents) reported a record breaking 7.8% increase on Parisian property prices compared with the same period last year. The average per m2 price now stands at € 6 680. A survey from the Chambre des Notaires (French Notary Chamber) confirmed the 6th Arrondissement as the most expensive quarter with an average € 9 900/m2. Despite the recession Paris remains highly sought after by investors and home seekers alike. Prices are likely to remain high with further increases forecast on the already stretched Inner Paris market.

View our Montmartre property

Central city location and competitive prices in Nice (Cote d’Azur)

New residential development in authentic Nicois quartier. Studios, 1 and 2 bedrooms apartments. Underground parking included. All facilities within walking distance including popular market and the Promenade des Anglais. Nice airport a short taxi ride away. Convenient location which spares the need for a car.

View full details

Brittany properties with sea views

Beautiful sea views for these high quality new build apartments in the picturesque Breton harbour of Erquy. Small development with only 17 apartments. Construction now completed.   

See photographs 

French property prices - New vs Old

Prices for both new build and old are on the up in France according to the latest Indice PAP (French property prices index). Over the year “old” apartment prices have increased by 5.10% against 6.8% for new build. For houses prices have respectively increased by 2.31% (old) and 1.8% new build. Prices for new build properties reflect the increase in land costs and the implementation of stringent government building and energy saving regulation.  Although appearing more expensive on the outset today’s new build properties comply with the highest standard whilst requiring minimal maintenance.

French property prices set to rise again

According to a recent ECLN survey on the sale of new property in France prices are set to rise again after a period of reductions (2008) and price stabilisation (2009). Between March 2009 and March 2010 an increase of 6.8% is reported on the per m2 price of new apartments. The increase on houses is recorded at 1.8% for the same period. The main reasons for this increase are the continuing housing shortage with demand outstripping supply, increased land costs, higher construction costs through the implementation of new technical and energy saving regulation. According to the same survey this increase has not yet impacted on the level of new build sales as a 5.3% increase in transactions was recorded for the first quarter of 2010 compared with the same period in 2009. French developers are struggling to meet demand and the French property market remains buoyant helped by mortgage rates at a record low.

Fixed rate French mortgages at their lowest

Rates for Fixed rate Euros mortgages have fallen sharply over the past twelve months and are due to fall further in the autumn. Currently as low as 3.65% for a Repayment mortgage, 80% LTV, over 25 years* (*01/09/10 & subject to status). Fixed rates are available on Repayment or Interest only mortgages with a maximum 80% LTV. With French property prices now stable fixed rate mortgages and the added security they offer are an attractive financing option.

Click French Euro Mortgages for the latest rates and to request a free mortgage quote.

Popular St Raphael development now fully sold and new location under way

Our St Raphael development with swimming pool has proved very popular and is now fully sold. A favourite with families St Raphael offers a good selection of lovely beaches and provides everything year round for an enjoyable stay. To follow on from the success of this development we now feature a new residential domain offering apartments and a residents’ swimming pool. As previously the location is within walking distance of the beach and the shops.

View particulars and photographs