One of the few countries in the world that has managed to keep its economy from slipping into the abyss that US, UK, Spain, Portugal and Ireland find themselves in is France. It is therefore not surprising that foreign investor confidence is quite high in going for advertised French properties. Though some regions within France like Normandy, Lorraine has seen a drop in real estate prices, the overall sentiment remains positive and investors know that they can get good return out of their investment in a French property.

Cities like Paris, Ile de France, PACA, Brittany and Aquitaine have registered increases in property prices even during the recessionary times and the forecast for the coming year is very encouraging as well. These regions have positively surprised analyst expectations who believed that there would be a decrease.

One reason for the buoyancy in prices has been attributed to the drastic drop in the interest rates. People also want to take advantage of special concessions on tax extended to those who buy property making use of mortgage loans as they know some of the benefits would be discontinued. This spurt in purchase of property has benefitted all those who dared to invest in advertised French properties over the last couple of years. They have been able to make decent money on rental income as well as enjoy capital appreciation on their investment.

On the other hand, all those who were waiting for a big fall in property prices following the global recession and speculation of analysts that real estate as an asset class would suffer in terms of value have found out to their chagrin that they have missed the bus by not making the investment at the opportune time. It is however still considered not too late for them considering that France remains a hot spot destination for the following reasons:

a) The country offers a safe and great lifestyle for individuals who wish to move in with family during their career or even as a retirement haven.

b) The government is keen that more people own houses as opposed to staying on rent and have come out with tax breaks in terms of wealth tax exemption that would have been levied on assets they own abroad.

c) The economic as well as political situation in France is stable and instills confidence in local as well as foreign investors.

d) France as a holiday destination is absolutely up there with the very best. That will ensure tourists would throng to this country in great numbers and that is good news for all those owning villas, houses and resorts since rental income would be guaranteed.

e) Great connectivity with Europe and the world and existence of cheaper property rates as compared to other countries in Europe.

To summarise, it is clear that advertising French properties by those who own them will continue to enjoy demand and if you have the money, you can still look at France as a lucrative investment destination.