Get real and prosper

With caution and realism, 2012 could be a good year for French property market, says expert

Trevor Leggett, of Leggett Immobilier, is optimistic about the prospects for the French property market in 2012. However, he does add that a degree of caution and realism is required for it to thrive. “If owners and estate agents are realistic with their expectations and valuations,” he says, “then the French property market can remain among the healthiest and most attractive in Europe. We play host to more tourists than any other country in the world for a variety of wonderful reasons and we regularly top the polls for offering the highest quality of life. In troubled times owners and investors seek safe havens and they simply don’t come more secure or enjoyable than France. I’m optimistic that, with prudence in the short term, the French property market has an extremely healthy mid- to long-term future.”

He also goes on to point out interesting developments in the types of buyers looking to buy in France: “The growth of our business over the last 12 months has been driven by an increased number of international buyers – from both the UK and beyond. Indeed, our website has attracted visitors from a staggering 213 different countries. We have sold houses to clients from Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Africa and Australia. One noticeable trend has been an increasing number of sales to both expat British buyers (who are currently living overseas and would rather move to France than return home) and expat French buyers who are returning home from a stint overseas.” www.frenchestateagents.com