Buying French Property is Attractive

Now that the new Eurostar train links to France are about to open, it’s high time French property was re-discussed

With its close proximity to the UK and its legendary countryside, France has long been a favourite investment destination for British property buyers.  Those looking for holiday homes, buy-to-let opportunities and even full-time residences, have all answered the call of a desire to buy property in France. With strong relations between France and the UK and an already extensive expat community in residence, living in France is indeed a very British thing to do!

If you’re considering buying a property in France, you’re going to find the allures are getting even stronger.  With the opening of another low cost, fast direct travel option between the UK and France, British interest in buying residential property within its neighbouring country is very much on the rise and buying French property is more attractive than ever.

The reworked Eurostar high-speed rail system, which opens this week, is bolstering British interest in French investments.  This unique connection provides very fast travel times across the channel and it offers prices that are reasonable enough for many to afford on a fairly regular basis.

The new Eurostar terminal in London – St. Pancras International – will unveil itself on the 14th of November with the Queen set to officially open the GBP 5.9 billion travel connection.  Eurostar offers trains from London to Paris and Brussels and says the improvements will cut travel times by nearly half an hour in most cases.

Buyers in the north of France will find it will only take about an hour 20 minutes to travel to Lille from the UK.  A total of 17 trains will travel daily between St. Pancras and Paris.  A variety of other French destinations are included, as are other connections to different countries.  The cost of travel between London and Paris falls in at less than GBP 160.

So, what does this means for those looking at buying French property? A whole lot in fact!

With faster, better travel connections available between France and the UK, the opportunities for buyers are even greater.  The connection enables easier holidaymaking in France and it also opens the doors for those who want to live in France and travel regularly back to the UK for business or family obligations.

Already, interest in the north of France seems to be increasing.  HiFX, the currency specialist firm, reports a 17% increase in enquiries from Brits about French property between August and September.  The firm reports that many are planning to move permanently to France because of the easier access between the two countries.

With closer ties between France and the UK thanks to the Eurostar, it seems as if more Brits are planning to pick up sticks and enjoy the best of both worlds.  With its slightly lower prices – especially in the countryside – and legendary laid back pace-of-life, France offers a very strong appeal for investors, holidaymakers, expats and retirees.  The revamped rail system only bolsters the positive factors that were already in place, making buying in France look even more attractive.