In spite of the credit squeeze in the UK and the turn down in the property market we are still getting a good number of enquiries for French properties.  The focus, however, is on houses at the lower end of the price range or those with business potential.  These include gites, B&B (Chambres d'Hotes), holiday activities such as horse riding and fishing. This means that former farmhouses with barns and other outbuildings, land and lakes are particularly in demand.

French house prices are, generally speaking, not  subject to the same fluctuations as those in the UK.  Prices in the Allier 03 remain stable and appreciate in value slowly over the years. There has, however, been a noticeable decline in the value of properties in the Languedoc-Roussillon in recent months due, no doubt to the number of non-French owners who are selling for one reason or another. 

If you have cash now might be a good time to pick up a bargain in the Hérault.

Adrian Collett

27.6.08