Buying property in France for the lifestyle
Whether to go for a new build, how close to the airport and a convenient shopping centre the place you buy is, whether it is likely to be an upcoming area or one that might be on the slide, and what the demand is likely to be for the sort of property you are thinking of buying in the future.
To put it bluntly, the decision will be biased towards that which makes the most financial sense.
However for many, buying a property in France is much more of a lifestyle choice, and particularly for those who want to live in the property at least for a healthy percentage of the year, rather than rent it out or have it as a potential financial cash cow.
That said, if you do want to buy for the lifestyle, then you should still take into account the various factors above, because no one wants to lose money or buy a stinker of a property that instantly decreases in value. It is just more about getting things in proportion: it does not have to be the be all and end all, if you really like a property in location A but know that location B that you like a little less is said to be more up and coming, then you can be happy with choice A whereas the purely financially motivated might go for option B.
One of the key factors will be what style of property you want. Something old and rambling or something modern and compact. Something in a rural idyll alongside a farm, or somewhere in the centre of a town. Something that needs a lot of work or something that is good to go for those who want minimal fuss and don't like DIY at the best of times.
Then there's the location, which is critical for many. If you're coming for health reasons and the warmth is good for your arthritis, say, then maybe you'll be looking at somewhere right down in the South of France. If you love busy cities, then maybe you'll be looking around Paris or one of the other big cities. It really depends on what you are looking for in your dream home, and what sort of lifestyle you want: urban, rural, busy, quiet, involved in modern life, away from the hustle and bustle. You name it: France has it somewhere, and the joy of exploring France whether in magazines, the internet or best yet in person looking for the perfect home can be an immensely enjoyable experience.
More French property articles:
- Mistakes to avoid when buying in France
- Altering the exterior of a property in France
- How to overcome isolation when abroad
- Reasons why a new build property is attractive
- Searching for a property in France
