France’s new build boom

New build properties in France are becoming extremely popular, claims French property agent Latitudes…

From rental investments on the ski slopes, to retirement homes in the sunny South, it’s a trend that is occurring all over the country. Historically, UK buyers have mostly sought out character properties when relocating across the channel, but sensitively designed new build developments that retain the character and feel of the area are now big business.

The French market offers some of the strongest legislation in Europe protecting new build purchases. Penny Zoldan, founder and managing director of Latitudes French Property Agents agrees: "Unlike some of the other new developments further afield, like Dubai, the French property market gives investors the opportunity of a safer leap into buying abroad as the re-sale, holiday and rental markets are very strong in France".

Excellent protection for buyers

When investing in a new build property in France, you'll always receive an abridged specification and scale plan of the site, so you can see exactly what you're going to get and how much you'll be paying in advance.

All buyers get a seven day cooling off period when purchasing a property and, if you're seeking mortgage finance, you'll have 45 days to secure this.

Once you've got your French home, there's also a two year liability against the developer for any apparent defects and a ten year liability for latent defects. This means you can be sure that any problems will be taken care of - without any extra expenditure on your part.  

It's a winning formula for the French market, according to Keith Baker, Vice Chairman of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA): "France is a good market as it is traditionally less volatile than the UK market...it can provide a good investment and, most importantly, the new build market has the best legislation in Europe to protect buyers".