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Although economic recession has plagued the UK since 2008, France is still the number one destination for British citizens desiring to buy property abroad. Fifty percent of foreign buyers in France are British, and the 2009 French Property Exhibition in London tallied an audience increase of 10 percent. Cautious lending behaviour has given France a relatively stable housing market sheltered from extreme upturns and downturns. More than 80 percent of all French housing loans are fixed rate. During the recession that spread globally through 2009, more properties came available on the market in France, but the average price in real terms was down 6.4 percent. Many British buyers are attracted to the Mediterranean climate of the French Riviera. In April when the lilacs are in bloom across the region, temperatures average 12° C. January is the coldest month in the south of France with an average of 8° C, while July and August -- the beach season -- climb to an average 23° C. The moderate weather draws many British expatriates, as does the relaxed French lifestyle, the exquisite cuisine, and a health system ranked as one of the best in the world. While cost of living comparisons realistically depend on individual lifestyle, France has the sixth ranked economy globally. Food and drink costs are significantly lower than in other European nations. Dining out is expensive, but the markets offer affordable, high quality staples like meat and fish, milk, fruits and vegetables, and herbs. The average Briton spends approximately €200 to €350 per month on food. In France the amount averages less than €100 euro per week with greater volume acquired per amount spent. Britons are drawn to the prominent cities of the French Riviera including: Cannes - Home to the Cannes Film Festival, this elegant, modern city offers gated communities and villas with breathtaking ocean views in close proximity to premier shopping and dining. Mougins - Located on the heights approximately 15 minutes outside of Cannes, forests of pine, olive, and Cyprus trees surround the village of Mougins, mixing rural elements within easy reach of urban sophistication. St Tropez - Known as a playground for the wealthy, the port city of St Tropez has a five kilometre shore of beaches for sailing, motorised water sports, windsurfing, and more. Nice - The fifth largest city in France is also one of the world's oldest settlements. With breath-taking beaches and celebrated squares like the Place Massena, Nice is an entrancing blend of old and new with a thriving museum and cultural district. Other prominent locales in the French Riviera include the Cap d'Antibes, a resort town between Cannes and Nice; Villefranche sur Mer to the east of Nice, featuring a natural, deep harbour; and Cap d'Ail, a modern seaside resort bordering the Principality of Monaco. Quaint small towns and villages dot the region, ensuring that expatriates can find an area that suits their needs and tastes. Attracted by high availability, falling prices, favourable lending policies, a moderate climate, and a relaxed and affordable lifestyle, it is little wonder that France remains the number one destination for British citizens looking to buy property abroad. Maria Mclean Burger Davis Sotheby's International Realty Cannes Apartment Rentals and Cannes Villa Rentals Marketing@burger-davis.com + 33 (0)4 92 28 07 82
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