Your French real estate investment could be impacted in a positive way by the new changes in the French laws pertaining to payment of social charges.
We are not tax experts so we direct you to Blevins Franks website that contains details here
2016 French Real Estate Market Is it a Go or No?
With the current tendency for more French property owners to be negotiable in their sale price and the current low French interest rates on mortgages 2016 looks like a good year to be on a French property hunt in France.
The experts quoted in this article in French say that the only thing that will stop the market being positive is a increase in the interest rates.
Why are interest rates so important?
According to l’Observatoire Crédit Logement the reduction of French mortgage interest rates between 2011 and today (2016) has had the equivalent effect of a 16 percent drop in property prices when you compare the cost of a purchase using a mortgage in 2011 compared to 2016.
Take advantage of this opportune time by having us place you in contact with an English speaking French real estate agent in your area of choice.
Three Simple Ways to Improve the Sale Price of a French Property
As a French property owner you can use the following steps to improve the potential sale price of your French real estate.
One
Fresh Coat
A fresh coat of paint on the external doors of the home or the inner rooms can make all the difference in the world in how a property appears to buyers. It often indicates that the seller values their home and takes care of their home. Buyers who visit homes that are in need of paint typically think the owners are desperate for money and so could not afford to paint. Also when buyers visit a home that is in need of paint they think the owner does not care at all about the home and most likely has let other areas of the home fall into need of repair.
Two
Read Magazines
Read magazines to get inspired about ways in which you can attractively and inexpensively replace what we call hardware in a home. Fresh door handles on closets, on doors and potentially new taps, all these items can be a nice inexpensive way to add a bright new appearance to a home. In contrast, a home with broken or missing handles on doors or closets becomes a buyer beware signal ‘this owner is desperate to sell or does not care at all about the home’.
Three
Prepare the Outside
If the home has an outside area like a garden make sure regardless of the time of year the garden and the surrounding areas are tidy and nicely presented. If the home has a balcony or terrace add some nice attractive chairs and a table plus a plant or ornament that is inviting to visitors. You want people to think ‘I would like to sit and stay a while here’.
To learn more ideas that can enhance the sale price of your French property contact us to get you in contact with an English speaking French real estate agent in your area. No charge for our assistance.
January 2016 French Real Estate Historical Price Index Updated
The French real estate historical price index has been updated as of January 2016 courtesy of Le Conseil général de l’environnement et du développement durable in France.
French Property Checklist for Buyers MUST CHECK ITEMS
Every French property buyer needs to be aware of the results of certain tests prior to making a purchase decision.
Below is a short check list. You will need to check with your English speaking French notary and English speaking French real estate agent to confirm if you need to be aware of any other items and if, in fact, at the time you are going to buy that the below items pertain to the type of French property you are buying.
One
Presence of Lead in the French Property
Two
Presence of Asbestos in the French Property
Three
Condition of the Gas system
Four
Condition of the Electrical system
Five
Presence of Impact of Natural risks such as flooding, earthquakes or fires.
Six
Energy Efficiency of the French Property
Seven
Surface Area of the French Property (relates to specific types of property only)
Eight
Swimming Pool Security (depends on the swimming pool construction)
Nine
Presence of Smoke Alarms
Ten
Condition of the Sewage System (depends on the location of the property)
Remember to seek professional advise about all these items to make sure you make the right French property buying decision.
Contact us if you need to find an English speaking French real estate professional. We help you at no charge.