Cheap Property in France - Your French Property Dream Is Still Out There.

As I write this in late Spring of 2008 the exchange rate of the dollar and the pound against the Euro seems to be settling out a little - albeit at about 18% below where it was at the start of the year. This, of course, has had a massive effect on people looking for cheap property in France.

The good news is that French property bargains still exist. You might have to look a bit longer and work a bit harder but if your dream is of owning a home in France it's still an achievable dream.

As an expat living in France I regularly speak to people who are looking for budget French property, usually as a holiday home but occasionally with a view to a permanent move. There are less of them around at this early part of the year but they're all concerned about whether they'll be able to find something. They now find themselves with about a fifth less to spend than they thought they had at Christmas.

Just a quick aside here. Spring is actually a great time to view. You can't guarantee what the weather's going to be like but because you're less likely to be seduced by fields of sunflowers you're more likely to concentrate on the actual condition of the property.

Anyway, back to our main theme.

Cheap French property is still out there if you know where to look and if you're prepared to be flexible.

I'm definitely not advocating that you buy an old barn to convert or a tumble-down cottage - unless you're an experienced builder. The property itself may be cheap but renovating an old house in France isn't. There's a good reason why so many French buy new houses and leave the old ones to us expats - it's because new French homes are much more affordable.

I'm not saying you shouldn't buy an old French house - they can be a delight - I'm just saying be very careful about renovation. It can easily cost you as much again as the purchase, or even more in some cases. I know, I've done it.

What I am advocating is going to the areas a little less known. There are several things that put up house prices everywhere - not just in France - so it follows that avoiding them will put you in a more affordable region.

Being close to the sea is a big one. Move further inland and the prices begin to fall quite swiftly. Close to the mountains, particularly ski resorts, is also a hot-spot and you'll pay accordingly. Likewise near airports, especially with the number of cheap flights now available.

Of course your definition of cheap property in France might not be the same as mine and will certainly vary from person to person. If you're from London or New York, most places in France will probably seem quite affordable (except Paris). In fact if you're from the UK almost everywhere has properties that are less expensive than at home! On the other hand if you're from less highly populated areas of the US you'll find French house prices are pretty much what you're used to.

By the time you read this, the exchange rate might be much higher - I certainly hope so because it will undoubtedly give you more scope. However, France is a big country and if you're prepared to do the research and perhaps be a bit more flexible in your choice of area then you'll find cheap property in France is still readily available. I bet one is just right for you!

Jeff Seems is an Englishman living in France. He is author of The French Property Buyer's Guide a book you simply MUST have if you're looking for cheap property in France.