Property for Investment in France

France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations and is the third largest country in Europe.

Many properties are being bought as an investment, for retirement as well as for a change of life-style in France, with the largest number of buyers is from the UK. Many of these second homes are being offered to the short term rental market.

It's not difficult to understand the interest in France for property purchase. Prices are still relatively low compared to most North European countries, the climate is superb and the quality of life is very high. Health, education, culture, history, tradition, food, safety are thought by many to be the best in the world. These undeniable qualities combined with the fact that the French Government is now backing leaseback plans, giving investors tax relief on their purchases, is drawing in more and more investors into the country.

It is very simple and safe to buy property in France, there are very few limitations or restrictions and the process is straightforward.

France is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, perhaps because it is very diversified, appealing to the sun worshippers, the cultural hungry, and of course those who wish to sample the wine!

Location
France is situated in Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium and Spain, southeast of the UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain.

Population
The population of France is 60,656,178 (2005 estimate). However, the country is not equally populated with three of every four people living in cities and towns.

Weather
Four climatic types prevail in France; oceanic, continental, Mediterranean & a mountain climate. In the North & West (oceanic) the winters are mild and the summers are cool due to Westerly winds from the Atlantic. North-Eastern France generally has more extreme temperatures, bringing cold winters and hot summers. This is the continental climate. The Mediterranean coast is characterised by hot rainless summers and mild and humid winters with an occasional cold north westerly wind known as mistral. Finally severe climates are found only in the mountains. High in the French Alps and Pyrenees, winters are long and snowy, sufficient to support ski resorts.

Main Cities
The capital of France is Paris, which is the largest city with roughly 10 million people residing there (more than 15% of the country's population!).Marsielle, Lyon, Toulouse, Nice, Nantes, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Montpellier, and Lille are other major cities in descending order of population.

Language
French is the principal language spoken throughout France, although there are regional dialects and languages they are rapidly declining.

Religion
The overwhelming majority of the population identify with the Roman Catholic faith (over 80%), however there are a very small percentage of Protestants, Muslims & Jews.

Government
France is a presidential republic with a centralized national government. France's current system of government, known as the Fifth Republic, is based on a constitution that was adopted by popular referendum in 1958.

Currency
The unit of currency is the Euro (€).

Local Time
Standard Time = GMT+1
Summer Time = GMT+2

Economy
France has substantial agricultural resources, a large industrial base and a highly skilled labour force. Its economy is exceptionally diversified. Agriculture and the agro-food industries account for a large share of economic activity than in many other west European countries. France's greatest strength in manufacturing are in sectors such as motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals, transport equipment and aerospace (civil and military).

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