The Credit Crunch Hits Hard: Now is the Time to Invest in France

UK financial news is looking grim. Retailers are reporting huge drops in sales, the interest rate looks volatile, the UK is facing major debt problems and shock revelations broadcast on the ITV Tonight programme on Wednesday 9th January 2008 predicting a property price crash is leaving many people asking themselves - Is this the time to take the plunge and make that move abroad? Last year alone 300000 British people left the UK for foreign destinations. Was this a wise move or not? I moved to the Limousin region of France 3 years ago and my answer is yes it was the right move, hopefully this report will help show why now is the right time to take the plunge. It’s a good idea to look at investment patterns in the area.

Take the rural Limousin region of central France 10 years ago. This was a very poor region, now it is listed amongst the top 10 investment hotspots of Europe. Property prices have continued to rise year on year providing a good stable property investment as well. With a 10% drop in UK house prices predicted for this year, many people could afford to cut their losses of 10% in the price of their UK property and gain that 10% back very quickly in the French marketplace. Bernard PARROT director of a top estate agency Agence Marche Limousin, said that many house buyers find they have actually gained 10% on the price of the property before they have even signed for the it during the 3-4 month transaction period. Buy to let investments are looking really healthy within France, with the letting periods being for 3 years.

French mortgages can also still be achieved at less than 5% interest and this is fixed term and rate for the complete duration. Along with French banks providing up to a 5% net return on investments France really is a safe and profitable place for investment. There has been some speculation in France in recent press. It stated that people relocating to France cannot benefit from the French healthcare system. This is up in the air at the moment, but what was not reported is that from as little as 2000€ per year a full private healthcare package can be purchased. If you are coming to France to work, run your own business or are past the age of retirement French healthcare is available. Infact the only people that are not covered are the people that are retiring early and not working in France.

Quite frankly if you can afford to move abroad and not work, 2000 euros for a fully private health care cover is a very small price to pay. Some regions in France, such as the Limousin offer businesses tax free periods of up to 7 years depending on the type of business that is run. This is very much targeted at the tourism industry and grants are even available. As a expat setting up a business is met with support. Courses are available in different languages and full support is given. Partnerships are also popular in France and for a very small investment people can join an estate agency partnership with the returns being very high indeed. IEA France is one of the first companies to offer this comprehensive package to English business people, all you need to do is select the location you wish to operate from.

Now it really is time to think about taking that step, because for prices starting from 80 000 pounds, in 3 months you could be living in a fully habitable 4 bedroom house, in a semi rural area with fantastic views and scenery. The cost of living is at least two thirds cheaper than the equivalent costs in the UK. For example the average equivalent to council tax is less than 500 euros per year, electricity is approximately one third cheaper, water is one third cheaper and the weekly shop is at least one third cheaper. With the average French family living on less than 1500 euros per month 1100 pounds, you really do have the chance to live a luxury life in France, it’s not a dream it’s for real.

Article Source: http://www.realestatepropertyarticles.com.

About the Author:
Andrew Merchant, following a career in IT marketing in the UK moved to France in 2005 and took up his position as director of marketing and service international Mr Merchant is responsible for the international clients requirements and providing a better than expectation service.