Recent figures released by the National Association of French Property Agents (FNAIM) have shown that house prices in France increased eye on average of 4.2% for the first three months of 2011. However, the positive news was accompanied by a less positive data showing that signs are the French property market may drift downwards throughout the rest of 2011. The figures go on to show that there are considerable regional variations in French property prices. Destinations such as Provence, Cote D’Azur and Les Pays de la Loire all saw strong price increases on properties, however Brittany and Poitou-Charentes both saw de treaties in average property prices. Whilst the overall figures for the French property market were positive, a number of other trends have become apparent. In particular, the demand for French property from overseas buyers continues to be strong, with agents reporting approximately 30% of property sales in the South of France coming for second or holiday homes.The FNAIM report went on to forecast that French property prices are likely to remain stable throughout the rest of the year as global economic pressures continue to damp down overall demand.
