17/01/2012 |
Limousin property market: Outlook for 2012
Financial crisis, recession, failing euro, credit ratings agency downgrade, upcoming French elections…the economic landscape is nothing if not uncertain as we enter 2012.
Before we take a look at our predictions for the Limousin property market in the coming 12 months, let’s take a moment to reflect on 2011; a year during which Limousin Property Agents reported resurgence in the demand for rural property with our volume of sales recording an increase of 20% over the previous year. Talking to other agents in the area, this sharp rise is perhaps not representative of all local agencies, but nonetheless reflects a strong demand for property in the Southern Limousin.
Over the same period we can report that local property prices remained stable with no significant variations over the year. Prices generally have settled between 25 and 30% below their peak of 2007/08, making it possible to buy a traditional Limousin farmhouse, full of character and original features at the same price as it would have been around 2004/05.
FNAIM, the French Federation of Estate Agents, reported significant regional variations in prices during 2011, a rise of 22% in the capital, in excess of 10% around large cities, small reductions in prices in other areas. France as a whole was reported as a rise of 7.3%.
There are many factors at work in the market, many of which appear to contradict one another which make it difficult to predict, with any certainty, how the market may evolve over the course of 2012:
• Credit Agricole, one of France’s largest banks forecast a 5 to 6 % fall in property prices and a slowing in demand nationally throughout 2012.
• FNAIM predict a gentle reduction in prices of up to 5% for the year ahead, but by contrast Century 21 believe we could see a rise of between 1 and 2%.
• The ‘Notaires du Limousin’ in their January newsletter advises that in the face of such financial uncertainty property is the only investment which offers a safe haven.
• With the ongoing uncertainties affecting the euro we have already witnessed an improvement in the Sterling exchange rate, with your pound buying about 1.208 euro as of today.
We advocate that if a property is priced attractively it will sell; where sellers (and estate agents) are realistic with their valuations then the market will remain buoyant; by contrast where a seller is not willing to take a sensible view on pricing then we run the risk of the market stalling. For the buyer who has their finance ready they can still get a relative bargain.
We don’t for a moment think that 2012 is going to be easy, but we are optimistic that by maintaining a sensible view on pricing then the French property market has a healthy future.
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28/03/2011 |
DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMANCE ÉNERGÉTIQUE’ (DPE)
With effect from 1 January 2011, and due to a change in legislation affecting the sale of French property it becomes law to publish the energy classification when advertising a property for sale.
In broad terms this legislation covers any 'habitation' which has any form of fixed heating system; which could cover anything from a full central heating system to a single electric radiator or even a wood burning stove.
Accordingly any individual advertising a property via a French estate agent must clearly advertise the results of the DPE report alongside the property details.
In order to conform with these new regulations all vendors must now arrange to have a DPE report undertaken, the results of which Limousin Property Agents will publish on our website, in the agency window and in any other internet and press advertising we undertake relating to your property
The diagnostic report will be undertaken by an accredited expert organisation and the cost starts from around 80 euros. The expert who carries out the report will provide you and us with a copy of the report the results of which will be advertised as part of your property details.
Please see the 'Sell a property' section of our website for further details |
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14/12/2010 |
New routes announced to Brive – Valley of the Dordogne airport
Following the successful opening of the new Brive – Valley of the Dordogne airport in May 2010 Jet2 have now announced an additional route for 2011, adding to the existing 3 flight a week with CityJet from London City airport.
Jet2 will start their Manchester to Brive service in May 2011, further improving the accessibility to the Southern Limousin and surrounding regions.
Brive – Valley of the Dordogne airport is located Just off the A20 autoroute south of Brive.
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26/02/2010 |
FlyBe announce three new flights into Limoges airport
FlyBe have recently announces their summer schedule with three new flights from the UK into Limoges airport.
London Gatwick, Monday, Friday and Sunday from 13 July until 31 August;
Birmingham – Wednesday, Friday and Sunday between 14 July and 25 August;
Manchester – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday between 17 July and 28 August.
In addition the existing Southampton – Limoges route will become 5 flights per week from mid July and the weekly Newcastle – Limoges route will recommence on Saturday 22 May and run until Saturday 25 September 2010.
In addition Ryanair continue with their five established routes from the UK into Limoges airport, ensuring house buyers and owners in Limousin have excellent access into the area.
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02/10/2009 |
What does Limousin have to offer?
A huge range of house styles and prices; village homes, rural homes, old and new, still lots of renovation projects available in one of the best value regions in the whole of France.
A varied climate of four distinct seasons. Being the start of south-west France the southern Limousin enjoys long warm summers and short crisp cold winters. Plenty of sunshine even in winter.
A region of stunning wooded countryside of chestnut, oak and pine, rolling hills and valleys with fast flowing streams and tranquil lakes. Thousands of sign-posted trails and paths through the beautiful unspoilt countryside.
Easy access via Limoges and Bergerac airport with regular flights from London, Liverpool, East Midlands, Southampton, Exeter, Bristol and Leeds. The A20 auto route gives excellent access from the UK with a drive of only 7 hours from the ferry ports.
Traditional warmth and friendliness of the people who still hold on to the traditional values of friendship and courtesy. Lively traditional markets where you can practise your French with colourful traders who will offer you great varieties of local produce with a friendly smile.
Sightseeing, literally hundreds of 12th and 13th century churches and castles with awe inspiring architecture; stunning chateaux, many of which are open to visitors; numerous village fetes in the summer where almost everything is celebrated!
This is an area that suits those who love the rural heart of France, are searching for a good year round climate and wish to live their life according to traditional values.
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29/09/2009 |
Autumn bargain
Early autumn is the most perfect time of year to come out and view property in the Limousin. We are now in that in-between period when things are starting to quieten down after the busy summer period, the weather is still great and the countryside is starting to wear its autumnal colours.
It is also the time when many vendors may to be more inclined to accept reasonable offers on their properties, as they hope to secure a sale before Christmas.
So why not take advantage of the many low cost flights which are available at this time of year to Limoges and Bergerac airports; experience the beauty of the region in autumn and snap up a good deal on your French home too?
We look forward to welcoming you to our region. Give us a call on +33 5 87 50 35 98 to book your appointment... |
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28/08/2009 |
Notaire’s du Limousin announce “Now is the time to buy”
The ‘Notaires du Limousin’ have recently announced in their property guide that the conditions to buy French Property are now at their most favourable.
Whilst the volume of sales have seen a significant reduction – down 20% on 2008, the fall in prices has been less drastic – official statistics from the Notaires suggest a 4% fall in house prices during the final quarter of 2008.
By contrast FNAIM, the Federation of Estate Agents in France, have this week announced house prices up 0.4% during the month of July 2009.
Against this background potential buyers continue to benefit from an environment of low mortgage interest rates and a huge choice of property for sale.
Contact us to help find your dream French property.
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25/06/2009 |
Now is the time to buy
Since reporting the first signs of recovery in the Limousin property market in the early spring this year, Limousin Property Agents have continued to see an increased number of buyers coming back to the market and the volume of property transactions steadily increasing.
The slower market conditions in both the UK and French Property market can hardly have escaped your attention in the preceding 12 months. These conditions have meant fewer buyers throughout the second half of 2008 and into 2009 creating a surplus of good properties for sale.
So why should now be the time to buy?
1. There is a better choice of good quality property on the market now than at any time in the last few years.
2. Shrewd buyers are choosing to buy now and to take advantage of the many vendors who are prepared to accept lowers offer for their properties.
3. Whilst the sterling - euro exchange rate remains at present levels there are a number of Brits who are selling their French homes and are willing to take significant reductions on their asking price in order to profit whilst the exchange rate is in their favour.
4. France still offers (and always has!) one of the safest havens for property investors with a proven record of stable property prices.
5. French property continues to offer a safe long term investment.
6. France has maintained an unmatched quality of life; whilst many of my French friends and business contacts will readily throw their arms in the air and complain about the financial crisis; the reality is that this part of rural France has been little affected by the global economic downturn.
7. The Southern Limousin has always attracted buyers whose primary reason for buying has been a change of lifestyle, a yearning to re-discover a lifestyle of years gone by; an improved quality of life lived to a different set of values.
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01/04/2009 |
Why buy a house in Limousin?
Perhaps, like many, you would love 2009 to be the year you buy a home in France, but in the current climate of economic gloom are unsure if it is the right time?
If so, let us help you make that decision with a number of reasons why we think you should buy in Limousin right now.
• First and foremost, the Limousin continues to offer excellent value for money properties. The typical stone Limousin cottage is always in high demand.
• The Southern Limousin and Northern Dordogne offers a quality of life all but lost elsewhere – A change of lifestyle is often top of the list of criteria for buyers in this region.
• Prices have remained reasonably stable throughout the so called ‘economic downturn’, having risen strongly in the preceding 5 years.
• There are currently some exceptional bargains available as some vendors may be hard pressed to sell and are happy to reduce their prices to find a buyer. – You need to search out the bargains.
• Many English sellers who wish to return to the UK may be happy to greatly reduce their prices because of the strength of the Euro.
Your pound may not buy as much as it did 12 months ago, but don’t be put off there are deals to be done and you can still find your dream property, you just need to talk to the right people and have the courage to take that next step:
• Choose a company which has more than10 years experience in the Limousin area; a company which has helped many people like you to realise their dream of owning a home in France?
• Choose a company with an excellent choice of properties in the Corrèze, Haute Vienne and Dordogne
Give us a call today and take the first step towards owning your home in Limousin.
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23/04/2009 |
Early signs of recovery
Limousin Property Agents are pleased to report the early signs of a recovery in the local property market with many buyers returning to the market in recent weeks.
A slower property market in recent months has created many bargains and allowed buyers to take advantage of sellers prepared to accept lower offers to secure the sale of their property.
Whilst economic uncertainty prevails in the UK, France continues to offer a safe environment for property ownership. In uncertain economic times it is encouraging to know that your dream French home is still within your reach.
In short, if you are thinking about buying French property than now is the time to act. Give us a call and book your appointment to find out all the Limousin has to offer. |
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