France still remains a popular place to buy a second home or retirement home. During the summer months of July and August is NOT the best time to hunt for a property! July and August are the months that the French holiday – there is a mass exodus to the South of France.

So the roads are busy, the temperatures can be very hot, and more imprortantly the Estate Agents (Immobilier) go on holiday too! Flights and holiday accommodation are expensive. Some estate agents close completely whilst others operate on skeleton staff. To make matters worse, many vendors are on holiday and access to the property can be prohibited. So your choice of viewing can be limited.

When is the best time to buy? We would recommend September and October. The weather will still be good in most parts of France. Accommodation is readily accessible and much cheaper too! The budget airlines such as Ryanair, Easyjet, Flybe and even BA are offering hugely discounted fares to most destinations in France. The budget airlines now fly to all corners of France so getting there should be no problem!

The estate agents are back from their vacation and very enthusiastic to do business. They will be very happy to show you properties and the selection should be better! Vendors will be beginning to think that the Summer season is over and will be anxious to sell. So there should be room for negotiation – do not be afraid to haggle. The French will bargain aggressively so do not be nervous about making an offer. Do remember in France that when you sign the Compromis de Vente you are committed to the purchase.

In the South, the holiday-makers will be back home from their holidays and the location may look tranquil and peaceful. However, in the Summer these coastal playgrounds can be alive, vibrant and very busy. Do not be misled if you intend to use your holiday home in the Peak Summer Season. It may be wise to opt for properties within driving distance of the coast – they will be more peaceful, and much cheaper. If you want to sample rural France, then do not buy on the coast!

Although weekend viewing trips are popular, many estate agents will be not be open on Sunday so your viewing opportunities will be restricted. In addition, many estate agents who advertise on the internet, will be busy with advance bookings. We advise booking viewings well in advance of your trip. If you can travel mid-week, then the estate agent will probably have more time to show you around. A common problem in France, for international property buyers, is booking up to see too many properties in one day. France is a large country, and prospective buyers are unrealistic about travel times. Although the main roads are excellent, the minor roads can be busy and the opportunities to get lost increase. We recommend viewing about 4 properties a day – you will have extra time to evaluate the location – and also enjoy the experience! If you have a video camera take it with you – at least you will have a valuable resource to review the properties you have seen.

So why not combine a vacation with a viewing trip!

Are you looking for a solid investment property? Then French Leasebacks are for you! This a 20 year investment in holiday accommodation in France with tax incentives and guaranteed rental incomes.

This type of investment is a product of the French Government looking for a solution to holiday accommodation shortages in tourist areas. The French Government’s initiative has produced a large market for this type of property with developments in many areas of France including Paris, Brittany, the Mediterranean coast and ski resorts. The French have been significant investors and the market has been open to international investors for many years. The success can be measured by the increasing number of developments coming to the market. Some ski resorts have been sold out within a week of launch.

How does it work? There are two elements – the purchase and the lease for rental. To encourage the purchase of these properties, the French government will refund the 19.6% TVA (tax) – so you are effectively buying at a discount from day 1. On the rental side, you are agreeing to lease the property back for rental. The management company will offer you a guaranteed rental on the property for typically a 9 or 11 year period – after the initial period you can re-negotiate the rental terms. Usually, the guaranteed rental incomes are between 4 and 6% of the purchase price per annum. Often the rental company will let you occupy the property for 2 to 6 weeks per annum as well. The personal use varies according to each development. Properties are sold furnished and maintained in excellent condition by a management company during the lease term.

Does this sound attractive? Well, the financing is also exceptional. On some developments there are 100% mortgages available depending on your personal circumstances. We have many mortgage brokers offering 80% financing on French Leasebacks. With Euro mortgage rates at around 3% – although there is a current upward trend – your rental income will cover the mortgage payments.

And there is more…..there are tax advantages and reduced notary fees for new property. Most of the leasebacks offer high quality services and are ranked from one to four stars – the higher rank the better the services offered in the resort.

On 1st-for-French-Leasebacks.co.uk we have over 100 developments across France. In particular, we would recommend Provence leasebacks, and the Ski Resorts but we have developments in many major centres including Paris, Bordeaux, and somewhat further afield the beautiful island of Corsica. There is a complete explanation on our web site including a breakdown of costs and payment schedules.

In summary, a government backed initiative with 19.6% TVA refund and guaranteed rental income. At this stage it is impossible to predict capital growth on the property price – suffice to say, many of these developments are in prime locations.

For more information – click here >> French Leaseback

The school holidays have arrived, so pack your bags, and let’s go to France!

While we are there – why don’t we take in a few properties and see what we can get for our money?

Sounds reasonable? Well beware……

Bear in mind that July and August are the months that the French go on holidays. So apart from the busy roads and crowded hotels, camp sites, etc how does that affect viewing property?

Well French Estate Agents go on holiday in July and August (it is a French passion) and of course, Estate Agents are closed or running with skeleton staff. The problem is compounded as Vendors are often on holiday and they do NOT want people wandering around their property while they are away.

So buyer beware – be patient and enjoy the break in France.