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On 1st for French Property this week we have over 6250 properties for sale. Even in the middle of the World Cup campaign our Estate Agencies have been busy – 25 properties added so far today, 140 in the last week and 556 properties in the last month.

Some highlights for you -

At the bargain end of the market – 1 bed small house in Medieval village in the Poitou Charentes - 30,000 euros (ref: mdnla361)

Beautiful Rustic Longere in Brittany just 194,000 euros (ref: mdjb172)

At the dream end of the market – how about a Small Castle with your own vineyard in the Medoc nr the Gironde Estuary? A mere 4 million euros for this pleasure! (ref: 3645)

You can find these properties here:
http://www.1st-for-french-property.co.uk/whatsnewEP.htm

Enjoy your weekend!

Oh no another bad week of business as the nation is besotted by the England World Cup progress as we march onto to another triumph.

I know this is not a universal opinion but I thought there was big improvement in the performance yesterday – real signs that the team is taking shape. Of course, there is plenty of room for improvement.

Not sure that Rooney’s best position is as a striker but he did enough to suggest that he can grow into this new role.  He caused enough problems to give opportunities to the support cast of Lampard and Gerrard – it is a pity that they did not bring their shooting boots with them!

In defence Paul Robinson still looks shaky when called upon to catch centres but I still have faith that he is the best goalie we have. Well, Owen Hargreaves was a revelation (again) and not so sure we should replace him with a fit Neville! Ferdinand and Terry had their moments but looked solid in the 2nd half. Another storming match from Ashley Cole too!

Where art have you been dear Carrick? He was man of the match in my opinion, and I hope Sven does leave him out yet with another permutation. His passing and vision was brilliant. We cannot afford to drop him!

Lampard, Joe Cole, and Gerrard had poor games. When they are firing on all cylinders we will be a force – and they will need to be far more productive against Portugal.

Captain Beckham – yes, he scored a magnificent goal- but I still doubt his overall contribution to the team. First I do not see him as a captain – I would much prefer John Terry – who I feel would demand more on the field. Second Beckham is limited to delivering free kicks, corners and passes. I know he has delivered more passes than anybody else in the tournament but then he takes all the set pieces it is no surprise. Through the sheer volume he has to deliver some good balls. Lampard, Cole, Gerrard and Rooney could all take free kicks/corners and I am sure they would deliver! I am sorry Becks but I think you should bow out and let Lennon cause problems for defences. Lennon would deliver more crosses than Beckham as he has the ability to beat people with his skill! Unfortunately , I do not see Sven making such a change and Lennon will remain an impact player!

Roll on Saturday with Deco and Costinha out through suspension, we have a real chance to progress to the semi-finals!

1st for French Property are delighted to announce that they are now able to offer properties on this delightful island in the Mediterranean.

Corsica is a sought after area with its fabulous all the year round climate and beautiful surroundings.

Click on the Corsica link on the following page:
http://www.1st-for-french-property.co.uk/french-property-for-sale-EP.htm

Enjoy!

The latest web site update at www.1st-for-French-Property.co.uk

We have resisted adding thumbnails to our listings due to dial-up constraints, and the subseqent lack of performance for those users.

However, as roll-out of broadband is becoming more universal, we have decided to introduce thumbnails into the majority of our listings. But we have not forgotten our less fortunate clients still using dialup – text based listings can be viewed here:
http://www.1st-for-french-property.co.uk/french-property-for-sale-orig-EP.htm

Our newer thumbnail listings can be accessed from here:
http://www.1st-for-french-property.co.uk/french-property-for-sale-EP.htm

What’s New listings here:
http://www.1st-for-french-property.co.uk/whatsnewEP.htm

We hope you enjoy the new listings and you can find your new home in France!

Well we are through to the next round! But what a struggle? Surely our performance must improve? Otherwise I can see a quick exit from the competition. Well that is not all bad news then – the property market is dead! We hope it is due to the nation’s interest in the competition.

With Michael Owen out of the competition, and a half fit Rooney – where we do go next? Walcott seems to have been a mistake unless Sven is keeping an ace up his sleeves, and he will unleash him in the next round?

Perhaps we will play 5 in midfield with Rooney up front, and bring on Crouch when he tires in the second half. I thought Owen Hargreaves played quite well in a holding role so we can assume he may keep his place with Beckham (although I would like to see Lennon given a chance), Lampard, Gerrard and Cole making up the numbers. This formation would allow Lampard and Gerrard to attack. Lampard must get one shot on target soon!

One of the most worrying aspects was the fragility of our defence from set pieces. Bring back Ferdinand, Campbell seemed to be off the pace. Hopefully, the coaches can rectify the  marking before the next match.

I still believe we can beat Ecuador but will we go much further?  Realistically no unless we can find some fluency and pace in attack. Oh well, at least business should be picking up soon then!!

We often get asked about good areas to invest in France…here are the thoughts of one our independent Estate Agents in the Provence, France

In general, following studies of the latest information, it shows that in the next 30 years 20% of the European population will live on the coasts, so the demand for coastal property will not stop.

We think that the prices in the Alpes Maritimes and the Bouches du Rhone departments will not increase as much as in the Var department. 5 years ago the Var was twice as cheap as it is now and well below the prices of Alpes Maritmes and Bouches du Rhone. Then people discovered the Var department and loved it – it is wilder, flat (compared to the Alpes Maritmes where you are in the mountains – if you want to be a little bit away from Nice) with a lot of vineyards, and so the prices have doubled but still remain cheaper than the 2 other departments but it will keep on increasing! If you want to make a good investement I suggest you buy in the Var.

In the Bouches du Rhone, there is also a good town to invest in: it is called La Ciotat, it was overlooked because of the shipyards. The shipyard has gone out of business and the village is attracting more and more people, and yet the prices are cheaper than the neighbouring villages.

Do not hesitate if you have questions.

Valérie JOIE

PROVENCE PROPERTIES
www.1st-for-provence-property.co.uk

Tel/Fax: 04 94 04 85 25
Mobile: 06 11 62 51 65