Buying a holiday home in France

Your second home could also be a steady source of income if you decide to offer it for seasonal rentals. This is a common way some people plan for their retirement in France. They buy a holiday home first and rent it out, then move to their property permanently on retirement.

As an example, at the end of June 2024 the average rental yield for the whole of France was 4.52%. Different factors should be considered, such as how many weeks/months per year you intend to rent out the property, any costs you have and the rental market value, which all affect the yield.

Here’s a summary of the average price per m2 to buy a house in the above regions.

The good news for buyers is that property prices in France have been decreasing since mid-2023, with a drop of 5.16% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2024. This is expected to continue until there is a reduction in interest rates.

Whether you’re thinking of buying a villa with a pool, a vineyard, a city apartment or even a French chateau, the choice of property to buy in France is immense.

The first thing to decide is which region you would like to buy a property in. Here’s a summary of the most popular French regions where foreigners buy holiday homes.

Famous for its lavender fields, beautiful beaches and clear blue seas, Provence is a stunning region in the South of France. Investing in Provence means you’ll be close to the stylish French Riviera plus have access to some of the most beautiful national parks in France.

Stretching from the Atlantic coast to the green forests and rivers of the south, Aquitaine offers authentic French living, especially if you love the outdoors. The capital Bordeaux is famed for its red wine, the Dordogne offers castles to explore and lakes to discover and the beaches are great for water sports.

Why not invest in a holiday home in Paris that you can rent out to tourists? You get to stay in the City of Light whenever you wish and when you’re not there you can earn passive income. As the capital city of France there will always be an influx of tourists, and with property prices currently decreasing this could be the right time to buy property in Paris.

If you love to ski owning a holiday home in the French Alps is a dream come true. There’s also the opportunity to hike in spring and summer and enjoy the lakes and mountains of this region. With excellent rental potential year-round and the opportunity to buy a property in a stunning environment, the French Alps is an ideal holiday home location.

With its historic beaches and architecture, rugged coastline and cooler climate, Normandy is the perfect place to buy a holiday home. With easy access to the UK via the Eurotunnel or ferry ports, you could leave the UK in the morning and be enjoying a glass of wine** at your French property by the evening.

Perhaps you would prefer island living. Corsica is set in the Mediterranean Sea and offers a mix of sandy beaches and wild, rugged countryside. With golden sands, crystal clear waters and green forests, Corsica is a fantastic location for a holiday home. You’ll also find walking and cycling trails, the port of Bastia and a breathtaking nature reserve only accessible by boat.

The cost of living in France is similar to the UK, but there are savings to be made. For example, eating out in France at a restaurant is 6.8% cheaper than in the UK.

There is a big difference in utility prices too, with the average monthly charge for electricity, water and heating being 35.9% less in France. This is good news for holiday homeowners who will be paying charges on a second property.

Reaching your French retreat is incredibly easy thanks to the efficient transport network in France.
All the major airlines offer direct flights to various French airports, including Paris Charles de Gaulle, Lyon-Saint Exupéry, and Nice Côte d’Azur. From there, you can rent a car or use public transport to reach your holiday home.

Alternatively, driving to France from the UK is a popular option too. You can pack the car with everything you need and have transport once you arrive in France. You can even take your pets if they have a pet passport.

The Eurotunnel is a popular choice for many French holiday homeowners. Departing from Folkestone, it whisks you and your car to Calais in just 35 minutes.

Alternatively, several ferry companies operate frequent crossings between Dover and Calais, as well as other ports like Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Newhaven.

If you’re thinking of buying a holiday home in France now is the time to do it while prices are going down. This is the perfect opportunity to own a French property and use it for holidays with family and friends and for seasonal rentals for the rest of the year.

Are you thinking of buying a holiday home in France? Our iad Overseas property consultants have access to hundreds of properties in France to suit all budgets and in all locations. Contact us today and turn your dream of owning a holiday home in France into reality.

** Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Drink in moderation.