While northern Europe battles economic headwinds, France's property market is taking a characteristically Gallic approach to 2025 – a gentle shrug of the shoulders as prices soften like a perfectly aged Camembert. For savvy buyers, this creates rather appealing opportunities, as even the most sought-after regions become a touch more affordable.
Foreign buyers are already cottoning on, swooping in with increasing enthusiasm (and euros) across the country. So pour yourself a glass of something French, as we explore why 2025's property landscape might be more appetizing than a fresh pain au chocolat.
The latest figures from Notaires de France read like a buyer's wish list. After the -5% dip in property values during 2024's second quarter, offering buyers significant bang for their buck, the market has found its feet, with the decline easing to a more dignified -2.6% by November. With 750,000 property sales predicted for 2025, there's plenty of movement – and plenty of motivated sellers ready to negotiate.
Like tourists discovering a particularly good bottle of Bordeaux, international buyers continue to develop quite a taste for French property. The Alpes-Maritimes is the region that reigns supreme, with foreign property purchases climbing from a respectable 9% in 2021 to a rather impressive 13% today, according to Notaires de France. Meanwhile, Gers and Haute-Savoie are enjoying their moment in the sun, with overseas buyers snapping up 7% and 12% of properties in these departments respectively.
Hold onto your berets – Kyero's number-crunching has unveiled some surprisingly affordable gems across l'Hexagone. Leading the charge is beautiful Bourges where average property prices are €149,000, where your euros still buy you a slice of historical France complete with UNESCO heritage and enough sports facilities to exhaust an Olympic team. Not to be outdone, Poitiers offers university-town charm at €155,990, while Grenoble serves up Alpine views and urban sophistication for €181,250.
In news that will surprise absolutely no one, France has maintained its crown as the world's most visited country, welcoming 98 million tourists in 2023 – pipping Spain to the post by 4 million visitors. They've even managed to scoop up Booking.com's hospitality award, proving that a slightly aloof waiter is all part of the authentic French experience.
With 3.1 million vacant properties across France (enough empty houses to fill a small country), the government has finally decided to do something about it. A new bill plans to give local councils the power to repossess empty dwellings if they're not put up for sale within a year. For buyers, this could mean more properties hitting the market – and potentially some renovation bargains.
While Ryanair throws its toys out of the pram over France's increased eco-tax (threatening to reduce flights faster than you can say "non"), other airlines are stepping into the breach with enthusiasm. British Airways is launching a rather convenient London Stansted to Bergerac route, while EasyJet is expanding with new connections to Lyon, Rennes, and Paris Orly. Air France is even resuming its Orlando-Paris route, proving that French wanderlust knows no bounds.
In a victory that's made environmentalists swoon and city planners reach for their notebooks, France has scooped the Green Cities Europe Award 2024. The winning 'Les Jardins de Pré Gaudry' project in Lyon proves that even concrete jungles can sprout beautiful gardens. For property buyers, it's another reminder that France isn't just about preserving its historical charm – it's blazing a trail in urban sustainability faster than you can say "écologique."
In what might be the least shocking news since discovering that French people enjoy wine, France has reinforced its culinary credentials with a double helping of gastronomic victories. Paul Marcon claimed the Bocuse d'Or 2025 crown, while the House of Rémy Martin waltzed off with the international "Best of Wine Tourism" award. For property buyers dreaming of the French lifestyle, it's reassuring to know that the country's reputation for exceptional food and wine remains as solid as a well-aged Roquefort.
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Drawing from extensive data analysis across Kyero, INSEE, Notaires de France, and Knight Frank reports, this report examines France's property market in 2025. We explore emerging opportunities, price trends, and regional hotspots, offering essential insights for international buyers considering French property investment.
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