French real estate 2016 update: official pricing year over year is up!

esreafrance.com

French real estate update: the return of larger sales volumes, stable prices and dropping interest rates show the French housing market is back in good form according to French notaries.

The notaries are even feeling optimistic after quite a long period of sluggish French real estate sales.

For the first time since 2012 the French notaries see an overall average increase in the prices of existing individual homes. It may be small (1 percent) but it is positive. This is for individual homes, apartments did not experience as much of an increase. (See graphics below)

NOTE:

The first infographic is on pre-owned individual French homes.
The second infographic on pre-owned apartments.
(both infographics courtesy of the Notaries of France)

english speaking french real estate agent

english speaking french real estate agent

If you wish to contact an English speaking French real estate agent to learn more about the market or receive a selection of homes to review we can connect you at no charge. Contact us here.

Finding Student Accommodation in France: 3 Mistakes Students Make

french university

When you are searching for student accommodation in France there are 3 mistakes students may make that can turn a potentially delightful experience into a stressful one.

One
Working with an accommodation provider that does not speak your language
Perhaps, you read French and speak French a little and you are considering finding accommodation in France through using locally based advertisements. This can be a big mistake since understanding the agreement with a French only speaking landlord can lead you into signing an agreement you do not fully understand. Then if you have problems with the rental how will you deal with the landlord?

Two
Not getting guidance on what features you should be considering
A quality student housing and accommodation organization will help guide you on all the steps you need to consider during the process. They will not guide you only to one particular product since their goal is long term client service and referrals not a short term financial return.

Three
Waiting when looking for French Student Housing
Waiting till it is just a few months before you need to move to France to start looking for accommodation can make a joyful experience stressful. Since you are moving to France from another country you can’t use a back up plan of staying at home or living with friends. You need to give yourself the maximum amount of time to find what you want in the location you want. So as soon as you know you are going to study in France start your search and benefit from professional assistance.

Go here to find details on French student housing accommodation providers

Three BIG changes in French real estate 2016

NiceBuilding

Three BIG changes in French real estate 2016

As of July 1st 2016 buyers of French real estate will have the benefit of several new changes including:

One
New Banking Rules
The implementation of an order of March 25 2016 will take place that will amend provisions in mortgages to enhance consumer protection.

A main feature will be a standardized pre-contractual document that will make it easier for individuals buying French real estate with the aid of a mortgage to compare different credit offers.
Learn more via English speaking French mortgage brokers

Two
Faster Internet Guarantee
Although not everyone buying French real estate is concerned about internet access part of the new Loi Macron requires all new buildings in France constructed after July 1st 2016 to be built with fiber optic internet access. Apparently, the government of France wants to bring fiber optic access to all big French cities by the year 2022. We will wait and see. This can be beneficial to students and people who work from home.

Three
Dropping Mortgage Rates again
The CSA / l’observatoire Crédit Logement in France released its latest survey of French real estate mortgage rates and the decline continues.

Mortgage Interest Rates All Combined Evolution

February 2016 2.09 percent

March 2016 1.97 percent

April 2016 1.81 percent

May 2016 1.77 percent

June 2016 1.59 percent

Depending on your qualifications this can mean that the cost for you to borrow 200 000 Euros for French real estate over the term of a 20 year mortgage has gone down by approximately 16 000 Euros between January 2016 and June 2016.
Learn more via English speaking French mortgage brokers

If you are looking to connect with an English speaking French real estate agent in your area of choice go here or if you prefer contact us for direct assistance.

French real estate buyer’s secret tips

english speaking french real estate agent

If you are an experienced French real estate buyer you may know of the following tips or you may not. Better check.

If you are new to French real estate take a moment and read over the following to help you succeed in your French real estate investment.

One

Never Visit Alone

When you visit a French property it is always a great idea to visit with a friend not only for security reasons but also for the value of the extra set of eyes and ears visiting the property.

So many times when we have visited properties with clients and myself or a colleague we notice something significant a buyer never noticed. It could be a serious ceiling crack. It could be a slopping floor or even the fact that the neighbor’s yard looks like it have never been cleaned for years and your sun terrace will be facing their garden. Having a second person present can also be helpful if you have an owner present who talks constantly making it difficult for you to really notice the details of the home.

Two

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Owners like to see a buyer is interested in their French property. Asking questions shows you have interest. Never mind if the agent does not want you to ask questions. Just go ahead and ask in a simply, direct and polite way. Questions like “what is the property tax?”, “have you ever done work on the roof?” will each give you valuable information.

We have lots more suggested questions and multiple checklists available for you as part of our ESREA France 110 Tips French real estate buyer’s guide. This guide comes with a 100 percent money back guarantee. Learn about the guidebook here.