France still number one when buying a place in the sun

Just read this story in The Independent.

It appears that France remains in the number one spot for holiday-home owners who wish to buy their dream home in the sun:

"Unsurprisingly, France is the most popular destination for UK buyers who relish being able to pop across the Channel while still being close to home. France hasn't seen the dramatic house price decline of neighbouring Spain and finance is still available up to 85 per cent loan to value".

Whilst hardly earth shattering news this survey from Caxton FX does give one a little faith that the French property market will continue to prosper. Particularly in prime areas such as Jarnac (pictured above).

Of course, dreaming of a holiday home and actually buying one are two completely different things.  UK buyers are still a pretty rare species over here and are likely to remain so until they get confidence in the whole European economy, less penal lending restrictions and more security in the job market.

The good news is that although rare they are certainly not exctinct.  I have some cash buyers out next week and will be showing them some houses that are excellent value for money, all of them under €300,000.

If you feel as though your job is secure and you have some spare cash then French property looks as good an investment as any other I can think of - and surveys like this one in The Independent can only give credence to that opinion.

www.cognacproperty.com

Want to buy a house in Charente? Now here's an offer....

Spring is definitely sprung here in the Charente and the temperatures are in the high twenties.

Last week we went with some friends (& ex clients) to La Tonnellerie riverside restaurant in Chateauneuf sur Charente for a long and lazy lunch.  It's a charming place in an idyllic spot with a small terrace and views out over the weir.

We slowly cooked in the sunshine whilst enjoying an excellent meal and David showed us a painting he had done to give as a gift to the owners of his favourite bar in Jarnac (pictured above).

I was blown away - it captures the essence and character of this typically French bar brilliantly.  David told me that he'd been commissioned to paint a house in Montpellier too.

This got me thinking that having a painting such as this of your dream home in France would be a superb gift.

Therefore, dear readers, my offer is that any of you who mandate me to find them a property this year (2012) will receive a unique and original oil painting of their new house (subject to David's availability) paid for by yours truly.

All you have to do is quote "David Hughes fine art" before signing my standard T&C's and, of course, my search has to prove successful!

Now there's an offer you won't find from any other buying agent or estate agent in France.

To see a gallery of David's work visit www.davidhughesfineart.co.uk.  Even if you already own a house in France you may want something to gaze at longingly while you're away from the place! 


www.cognacproperty.com