Beneficial buying conditions are pulling British investors back to the French property market, according to Conti, the overseas mortgage firm.
France accounted for 53% of enquiries received by the company over the first quarter of this year.
Conti explains that French mortgage rates are at their lowest in decades and the country’s previously sluggish housing market is turning a corner at last, with reports of price increases and accelerating sales.
Clare Nessling, director at Conti, said: “Current market conditions in France are great for prospective buyers, with some excellent deals to be made. And there’s plenty of room for price negotiation with some very motivated vendors. The country is also very accessible, by air, train and car, and the culture is familiar, which British investors like.
“Buyers who have been deferring their plans as they waited for the market to improve are taking full advantage and making their move before they miss out on the best deals.”
Spain, back down to second place, still accounted for 38% of enquiries in the first quarter of 2016. Portugal, maintaining third place, took a 9% share of enquiries. According to a recent report from the Royal Institutional of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Portugal is one of the economies leading the euro area recovery with sales and prices expected to continue rising at a steady pace over the medium term.