France's untarnished gem

The Tarn valley in France is attracting the attention of property investors, reports Assetz…

According to French Property News, this location offers outstanding scenery, the highest road bridge in the world at Millau, renaissance architecture and microclimates with their own vineyards, the report adds.

What may be of greater interest are the prices in this area, starting with buildings that can be renovated at €11,000 (£8,300) through to a two-bedroom stone house at €122,000 or a four-bedroom house at €250,000. The report suggested these would make good holiday homes, something buy-to-let investors may consider.

A different option

While the Tarn Valley offers a different option for investors to think about, the overall market is a sound one for investors, Easier property has said. It stated that the French themselves prefer the long-term security of bricks and mortar to stocks and shares, adding that a recent survey in Le Figaro newspaper may push investors in France yet further towards the property option as the stock markets wobble.

Buy-to-let investors, Easier stated, can enjoy guaranteed returns at an "attractive" level of four to 4.5 per cent, or in excess of 5.5 per cent on leaseback deals. In the second case, the report warned, investors may need to look out for the occasional excessive promise from promoters, but said locations with good amenities, location and access would be strong prospects for high yields.