Avoid mistakes. Understand how the French real estate buying process works with ESREA France
Click the link below for the most recent French Real Property Historical Price Trends. You will arrive at the English page on the Government of France website. The page shows historical trends in French real estate and property as of the 10 January 2018.
Latest French property historical price trends in English click here
Did you know that despite the increase in French mortgage rates conditions remained very good for French real estate buyers in 2017?
According to this article in French on Empruntis French mortgage rates stayed below 2% for all periods combined (minimum rate and average rates excluding 30 years) and this supported French real estate purchases.
The total number of French real estate transactions reached a record of 986,000 sales!
However, this increase in sales has also lead to a rise on average of 5 percent in prices which reduces the purchasing capacity of French real estate buyers particularly in the big cities.
Yet opportunities are still here as rates are still very attractive. If you would like us to connect you with an English speaking French mortgage broker or English speaking French agent contact us here and we will connect you at no charge for our assistance.
President Macrons French Tax Reforms Are they better for your French real estate?
French taxes are impacted by the decision of the new French president and his government with the goal of reducing the tax burden for French residents.
Apparently according to the article by Blevins Franks the French government will have a tax revenue reduction from 5 billion to 1.8 billion euros due to these cuts.
The new tax rules if approved with create a flat tax rate on Investment Income. Plus they will also impact how much wealth tax and social charges you pay.
Learn about the details in this article
If you would like to connect with a French real estate tax expert we can help you connect just contact us here.
8 Signs French Real Estate is Negotiable on Price
When you are buying French real estate you can often negotiate on the price when you find one of the following exist:
One
French real estate: Length of time on the market
If French real estate is priced correctly it will often sell quickly so if the French real estate is still for sale after 3 months, the price must be too high so start negotiating.
Two
French real estate: Overpriced compared to similar properties
If French real estate you are visiting is overpriced compared to other French properties show the owner the similar properties at lower prices and start negotiating.
Three
French real estate: Located in a noisy area (like close to an airport)
A French property that is located in a noisy area will be less desirable so if you can handle the noise start negotiating on price. Remember buying a property in a noisy area will be challenging to sell in the future.
Four
French real estate: Undesirable features
If you view an apartment that in on the ground floor and not very well lit you most likely can negotiate on the price. If the apartment is on a high floor and there is no elevator you can start to negotiate on the price.
Five
French real estate: Poor floor
If you find French real estate that generally speaking has a poor floor plan like steps up and down into a room or bedrooms with access through another bedroom etc you can work on negotiating on the price since most people will consider these features undesirable.
Six
French real estate: Overlooked
If your French real estate has little privacy due to the view from other properties looking into your property you can work on negotiating on price since an overlooked property is often not desirable.
Seven
French real estate: Need of renovation
If the French property real needs to be renovated you can see if you can negotiate on price. Make sure you have details on the cost of the work to be done so you can justify your reasons to beat the price down.
Eight
French real estate: Energy inefficient
If the French property is not properly insulated and needs work to make it more energy efficient you can most likely negotiate on price.
With all these items noted to achieve your goal of lowering the price via negotiation it is important an important fact you must know how to negotiate. This is an important part of the work of an English speaking French real estate agent. You pay a fee to an agent because they can, for example, negotiate a purchase price you desire.
If you would like to connect with an English speaking French real estate agent in your area of choice in France we can connect you at no charge. Contact us here.
French real estate: 12 items to consider as you get older
1
One level house (maison de plain-pied)
When you search for French real estate you can get older in and not have physical mobility issues reduce your ability to enjoy the home look for a one level home. Make sure you have your English speaking French real estate agent check the suggested homes before visits to make sure the entrance is on the same level as the floor plan and street level. Some homes say one level but you have to climb steps to get to them. Also some French apartments may have stairs on the outside that will limit access.
2
Flat Entry
No steps from outside to inside is ideal for easy aging. One or two steps can be eliminated with a ramp but the ram may be challenging to overcome with a walking device.
3
Level Flooring
Some older French one level homes have a step up or step down between rooms and this can make for a challenge to everyday living if you have a physical challenge that arrives with age. Avoid these challenges and make sure the floor is slip proof.
4
Storage
Make sure you have adequate storage on the main level of the French home so you do not have to access attic storage to get items you may need.
5
Stairs
Avoid a French home with stairs unless some bedrooms are upstairs and can be used by guests and your bedroom and bathroom and main living area is on the main floor.
6
Kitchen
Consider access to storage in the kitchen and other parts of the French house and how they will be accessible as you get older and may have reduced mobility.
7
Bathroom and Toilets
Make sure you can easily use the shower and toilet. Look for easy access.
8
Luminosity
Make sure the French home is bright and enjoyable even in winter time since if you are required to stay inside for long periods of time you want to make sure you have natural lighting.
9
Neighbourhood
A French property with an exit via a level sidewalk that leads to local facilities is important and will give you easier access to walking opportunities as you get older if reduced mobility arrives.
10
Pharmacy and Medical Care
Make sure that you are close to a pharmacy and medical care if needed. Ideally just a short distance away.
11
Community center
When you buy your French property be aware of access to local community centers that have activities that cater to your needs.
12
Parking
If you do not have a garage with direct access to your French property make sure you have parking in front of your French property by the front door so access inside is easy.
Bonus: Direct Garage Access
If you have level access from the car to the French home you have found the ideal transportation to home solution. Check for it.
If you would like to connect with an English speaking French real estate agent in your area of choice we can help you connect at no charge for our assistance. Contact us here.