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We have just started a new section on 1st for French Property: French Businesses for Sale

We often get asked – “how can we move to France but also earn an income?” “We love France but we cannot afford to retire yet – have you any suggestions?”

So in the new Business section we have commercial business such as bars and hotels.

We also have Gites / B&Bs that up & running plus properties that have the potential to be converted. There has been a growing demand this year for Land – so that properties can be built and sold for good profits.

Finally, a big favourite – Lakes! We are suprised by the number of enquiries we get for setting up fishing businesses.

Fancy moving to France but need income? Buy a business! Currently we have over 600 business opportunities on the website.

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The weak pound sterling / euro exchange rate could be used to your advantage, according to foreign exchange specialists HiFX.

Mark Bodega, Director of HiFX, says “Most buyers work to a budget and changes in the euro/sterling exchange rate have therefore led to people reviewing what properties they can afford”.

If you are really keen on a property do not give up: “buyers should remember that a drop in demand will mean vendors are also feeling the pinch. This leaves buyers in a position to negotiate prices.”

Investment Property in France

If you have a holiday home or investment property in France – it could be a good time to sell. The euro has strengthened against most currencies. For example, it has changed from 1.48 to 1.24 euros to the pound in the last six months.

So just from a currency angle, you could be sitting on a good profit. If you property was valued at 200,000 euros (£135,000) six months ago. On currency valuation – it would be worth £161,000 today. Nice little potential profit on £26,000 – before expenses and fees.

Have property values decreased in France? They have been fairly stable over the last year but times are getting tougher so a quick sale would be advantageous! More on sell your French Property.

New research shows that the 2 million University students in France are finding it difficult to find accommodation.

Developers are already investing into this new market: for example, Gecina Group acquired 4 new student residences at €28.5 million. Icade purchased a majority holding in developer Opera to add 600 – 800 new rooms per year.

The French CGT rates for foreigners are a max of 16% making this an attractive investment for Buy to Let landlords.

The first months of 2008 have been very slow for French property sales. Our Immobilier have reported low enquiry rates and few viewings. However, since Easter the French Property Market has shown some positive signs with more enquiries and viewings.

A major obstacle has been the strength of the Euro – effectively making French homes more expensive for UK buyers. However, a growing number of potential buyers in the French Property market, have accepted (reluctantly) the new exchange rate. Our opinion is that the 1.45 euros to £1 of 6 months ago is a distant memory. We do NOT expect it to recover to the old rate this year.

Last year the market rose about 4% nationally with some hotspots such as Paris increasing slightly more. Early in 2008, the trends indicate that flats have increased marginally by about 0.5% but re-sales of houses have dropped. We are already seeing properties in France being marketed at more realistic prices.

French Property Market 2008 – the future

We are confident that the French Property market will hold up better than the UK market. Why?

The interest rates in France are lower, the French economy is less exposed to the “credit crunch”, and President Sarkozy via his tax changes is aiming to promote home ownership. We agree with the prediction that house prices in France will fall no more than 5%.