The Weather Will Still Be Good In Most Parts Of France

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

France still remains a popular place to buy a second home or retirement home. July and August are the months that the French holiday- there is a mass exodus to the South of France.

During the summer months of July and August is NOT the best time to hunt for a property! So the roads are busy, the temperatures can be very hot, and more imprortantly the Estate Agents( Immobilier) go on holiday too! Some estate agents close completely whilst others operate on skeleton staff. Flights and holiday accommodation are expensive. To make matters worse, many vendors are on holiday and access to the property can be prohibited. When is the best time to buy? So your choice of viewing can be limited.

We would recommend September and October. Accommodation is readily accessible and much cheaper too! The weather will still be good in most parts of France. The budget airlines such as Ryanair, Flybe and even, Easyjet BA are offering hugely discounted fares to most destinations in France. The estate agents are back from their vacation and very enthusiastic to do business. The budget airlines now fly to all corners of France so getting there should be no problem! They will be very happy to show you properties and the selection should be better!

So there should be room for negotiation- do not be afraid to haggle. Vendors will be beginning to think that the Summer season is over and will be anxious to sell. The French will bargain aggressively so do not be nervous about making an offer. In the South, the holiday- makers will be back home from their holidays and the location may look tranquil and peaceful. Do remember in France that when you sign the Compromis de Vente you are committed to the purchase. However, in the Summer these coastal playgrounds can be alive, vibrant and very busy. It may be wise to opt for properties within driving distance of the coast- they will be more peaceful, and much cheaper.

Do not be misled if you intend to use your holiday home in the Peak Summer Season. If you want to sample rural France, then do not buy on the coast! In addition, many estate agents who advertise on the internet, will be busy with advance bookings. Although weekend viewing trips are popular, many estate agents will be not be open on Sunday so your viewing opportunities will be restricted. We advise booking viewings well in advance of your trip. A common problem in France, for international property buyers, is booking up to see too many properties in one day. If you can travel mid- week, then the estate agent will probably have more time to show you around.

France is a large country, and prospective buyers are unrealistic about travel times. We recommend viewing about 4 properties a day- you will have extra time to evaluate the location- and also enjoy the experience! Although the main roads are excellent, the minor roads can be busy and the opportunities to get lost increase. If you have a video camera take it with you- at least you will have a valuable resource to review the properties you have seen. So why not combine a vacation with a viewing trip!