Is it worth buying property in France in 2025?

In 2024, France experienced an overall decrease in property prices. By the end of quarter 3, the figures showed a significant 17% drop year-on-year, the total number of property transactions.

Why is this decrease in french property prices occurring? There are several reasons:

1. political and economic instability for much of 2024,
2. rising mortgage rates,
3. low market recovery post-Covid,
4. fewer building permit issues.

These factors create a lack of confidence and a situation where buyers prefer to wait for the economy to stabilise, which affects the property market. However, if you’re considering buying an investment property on the French Riviera or a home in Brittany, the price slowdown presents an opportunity.

Forecasts for 2025 and 2026 suggest slight price increases in french property, making it the ideal time to buy.
A decrease in inflation to around 2% is expected in 2025, leading to slightly more disposable income. But if an unstable economy takes time to recover, people will still be wary of purchasing property.

France is a vast country, with several different environments. Buying property here requires careful consideration of your needs. Are you planning to retire to France, move as a family or buy an investment for seasonal rentals? Would you prefer to live by the sea, in the mountains or in a vibrant city?

The beauty of buying property in France is its diverse locations – all of which offer something special. These are some popular regions to consider:

This region attracts many foreign buyers due to its Mediterranean climate, picturesque landscapes and Provençal lifestyle. This is an affluent area of France, with a demand for second homes and luxury properties, particularly in cities like Nice and Aix-en-Provence.

> Properties for sale in Provence
> Areas to invest in Provence

If you’re looking for affordability combined with a high quality of life, Occitanie could be the perfect choice. The area lies on the Mediterranean coast and borders the Pyrenees, offers a diverse range of landscapes and properties, from villas by the sea to inland rural homes. Cities such as Montpellier and Toulouse are popular due to their transport links and vibrant cultural scenes.

> Properties for sale in Occitanie
> Best places to retire in Southern France

Paris and its surrounding areas, particularly those connected by the new Grand Paris Express lines, offer excellent opportunities for buyers seeking a long-term investment property. The 2024 Olympics drew many tourists to Paris, resulting in public amenities being upgraded, making the city an even more attractive tourist destination.

> Properties for sale in Paris
> Areas to invest in Paris

Famous for its vineyards, atlantic coastline, and historic towns, Nouvelle-Aquitaine remains a perfect choice for retirees and second-home buyers. Bordeaux and its surroundings continue to be a popular destination, combining city life with rural tranquillity.

> Properties for sale in Aquitaine
> Areas to invest in Aquitaine

If you’re looking for affordability and coastal living with easy access to and from the UK, Brittany is an attractive option. Towns such as Rennes and Vannes provide a mix of traditional charm and modern amenities.

The table below shows the average purchase price per square metre of the above locations compared to the rest of France.

> Properties for sale in Britanny
> Best places to retire in Brittany

There are several reasons why people buy property in France. You could be planning to retire, moving as a family or investing in your future.

With over 100 million tourists visiting each year, France has a vast opportunity for seasonal rentals. From Mediterranean villas to lakeside homes and ski chalets, if you plan to rent out your property and make an income, France is an ideal choice. At the end of 2024, the average rental yield for France was 4.7% lower than the UK’s range of 5-8%.

However, several factors can influence rental yield, including location, purchase price and property quality. If you take the opportunity to buy a french property while prices remain relatively stable, you could make a long-term profit. This is ideal if you’re considering retiring to France in the future and have funds available to buy a second property.

Alternatively, France offers a high standard of living for families who want to explore a different way of life. Some of the reasons families move to France and buy property include:

• excellent education system which includes state-run, private and international schools and several reputable universities,
• reputable healthcare system,
• child-friendly environment,
• outdoor activities, from watersports and cycling to hiking and skiing,
• cultural difference, including a sense of tradition and the opportunity to learn French and grow up bi-lingual.

If you’ve decided to buy property in France in 2025, we’d be delighted to help you find your dream home. Here at iad Overseas, we have a vast knowledge of the french property market and can offer you advice and guidance throughout the whole process.  Get in touch to find out how we can help you buy a property in France in 2025.