View from the Foothills of France Some personal views on living, working,
bringing up family and making the dream happen in the most beautiful region of France. View from the Foothills of France also includes some personal and professional thoughts and tips on finding and buying the perfect property in the Ariège and Haute Garonne regions.
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By nadia, on 3rd January 2025 
It has been a perfect start to 2025 here in the foothills; we had a big snow fall up in the mountains and ski resorts just before the Christmas holidays and, since then, it has been wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies with frosty mornings and clear, bright days.
The property market is still very quiet, but there are signs that things are warming up and I am hoping we will soon start to see some great new properties coming up for sale. In terms of prices, property in southwest France still represents fantastic value and the best quality of life you are likely to find (ok I am biased) that is both affordable and accessible.
As for new year’s resolutions, mine is to get lost more. I already get lost quite a bit when out on viewings, particularly when I have a list of properties to view in different locations with vague addresses (directions from many French agents tend to be limited to ‘pass the church on the right and you can’t miss it’) but I have noticed that inevitably, since using a satnav, I get lost less. Which is a good thing when working to a tight time schedule, but I have realized that many times in the past, I have come across houses for sale privately (with a handmade ‘for sale’ sign on the front gate) and beautiful, hidden locations by taking a wrong turn and finding myself somewhere new and unexpected. So hence I am going to follow my nose a bit more and my satnav a bit less and see what happens.
If you are thinking of buying a property in southwest France this year, why not get in touch and see if I can help you: nadia@foothillsoffrance.com
Wishing you a very happy 2025 and I hope that all your French property dreams come true.
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By nadia, on 27th November 2024 
The French property market has had a bumpy ride in 2024 with high interest rates and tightened lending criteria making financing more difficult for buyers, significantly slowing market activity. As anyone who has been searching for property in southwest France over the last year will know, there has been a distinct lack of good properties for sale. Sellers (who are usually also buyers) have mainly decided to stay put and wait for an improvement in the financial climate. There is, however, growing optimism for 2025 from both agents and the finance industry that things are starting to move again. So, if you are thinking about buying your dream home in France in 2025, here is a quick look at the current property market and what might come next.
What happened in 2024?
This year was tough for both buyers and sellers. High interest rates and stricter lending rules made it harder for many people to get a mortgage. As a result, house sales dropped, with fewer than 800,000 transactions, compared to over a million just a couple of years ago.
Prices have dipped slightly—around 1.3% nationally—but it depends on where you look. Paris, for example, saw sharper declines, with prices falling nearly 5% year-on-year. Rural areas and tourist hotspots, on the other hand, held up better with much of this region of southwest France seeing small price increases. Cash buyers, especially from abroad, have had the upper hand this year since they don’t rely on loans.
What can we expect in 2025?
Things are looking positive for the property market next year. Here’s why:
• Better mortgage conditions
Interest rates are expected to drop below 3% by spring, making it easier for people to borrow money to buy a home. The government is also likely to expand schemes such as zero-interest loans for first-time buyers.
• Prices stabilising
Experts believe that French property prices will start climbing again in 2025. A minimum 2% rise is predicted, especially in the countryside.
• More buyers returning
With easier financing and improved economic confidence, buyer activity is expected to pick up. This should also bring transaction numbers closer to the pre-slump levels.
Spotlight on the property market in Southwest France in 2025
The property market in Southwest France is expected to perform well in 2025 for several reasons:
Lifestyle appeal
The southwest boasts a unique blend of beautiful countryside, historic villages, vibrant towns and a laid-back lifestyle. The region continues to attract French families relocating from the city, retirees, second-home buyers, and expatriates looking for a better quality of life. Property is also still very affordable.
Rising demand for rural living
Since the covid pandemic, there has been a growing trend towards rural living, driven by demand for space, home working and a higher quality environment, particularly for families. The southwest, with its unspoiled countryside but good accessibility, meets current and growing demand.
Resilient property values
Unlike urban hubs which saw sharp falls in property prices in 2024, rural areas in the southwest of France have shown price stability, and even slight price increases. This resilience points to stronger underlying demand and less market volatility in 2025.
International buyer interest
The southwest remains a hotspot for foreign buyers seeking a second home or relocating to France. British and other European buyers have shown consistent interest in the region despite economic uncertainties. Demand from US buyers has increased since the US election, and this looks set to continue in 2025.
What does this mean for you?
If you are hoping to buy a property in France, 2025 could be a great year to secure a deal on that dream home, especially if you are paying in cash. The French property market may have slowed down in 2024, but it is already showing signs of life for next year. While uncertainty remains, particularly in urban areas, improving mortgage conditions and a more favourable economic outlook could reinvigorate demand. Prospective buyers, especially those with cash or access to affordable financing, may find opportunities to secure properties at competitive prices before the anticipated upward cycle begins.
Whether you are considering a permanent home in France, a property investment, or a holiday home, 2025 is looking likely to be a good year to be house hunting in southwest France.
If you need help with your property search, please get in touch: nadia@foothillsofrance.com
Market data and projections from Meilleurs Agents and SeLoger
Predictions of a 2% price increase and improved mortgage conditions, such as expected interest rate reductions below 3%, stem from estate agency projections and analyses of expected ECB monetary policy
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By nadia, on 25th October 2024  Take the long view Finding the perfect house in France can be an exciting adventure but also an overwhelming task, especially with the country’s diverse regions and significant differences in local property markets. And with so many online listings and a huge number of estate agents to choose from, it is hard to know where to start. But there is another, less stressful and easier way to find your perfect house, much more likely to result in success; you could enlist the help of a chasseur immobilier to do all the hard work for you. Literally translated, a chasseur immobilier is a hunter of property but that sounds better in French than it does in English so let’s stick with property finder.
I may be biased but, arguably, using an expert who understands the local market and is working for you (not for the seller) is the best way to streamline your search, eliminate all the wasted time and find the right property in the best location. Here’s why:
1. Tailored expertise
A property finder specializes in understanding your exact needs, preferences, deal-breakers and budget. We will scour the market for homes that meet your specific criteria, whether you’re looking for a countryside retreat, a village house, or a base for a new life in France. With knowledge of local market trends, nicest local towns and villages, best schools, restaurants, air, road and rail access, we can help you pinpoint the best location for your home and also help you avoid costly mistakes.
2. Access to exclusive properties
Many of the best properties in France are sold before they even hit the market. Property finders often have connections with local sellers, agencies, and networks of contacts that allow us to find houses that you would not find otherwise. This insider advantage is invaluable and means that we can uncover hidden gems that general agents or property listings websites might miss.
3. Save time and effort and let someone else do the legwork
Navigating French bureaucracy, local regulations, and language barriers can be a challenge for foreign buyers. You can leave this all to us; we will handle all the legwork, from the initial search via our contacts and agents to arranging the preliminary viewings and writing up reports to send to you with warts and all photos. Once a short-list is agreed, we will arrange a viewing schedule to suit you and accompany you to all the viewings before negotiating the price and then look after you right through the buying process, hence ensuring that the whole experience is smooth and stress-free. This allows you to focus on finding the house that really feels right for you without getting bogged down in the logistics.
4. Better deals and negotiation
Experienced property finders also have an in-depth knowledge of market values, which gives us an edge in negotiations. We can therefore often secure a better deal on your behalf by knowing what a price should be, how much an agent is charging and when and how to negotiate effectively, hence saving you money in the long run.
5. Start-finish support
From the moment you start searching to the final signing of the Acte de vente (completion) we will be by your side. We will guide you through entire process, recommend trusted professionals when needed and ensure a stress-free and smooth purchase of your new home. We live in the area and are likely to see you in the future so we will do everything we can to ensure that you are happy in your new home.
Using a property finder to search for a house in France is the ultimate way to find the right home for you. Local expertise, access to exclusive properties, and a personalized service makes buying a house in France a pleasure and, at the same time, you are likely to save money, avoid wasting a lot of time and making mistakes. Why wouldn’t you use a property finder in fact?
If you would like some help with your property search in France, please get in touch: nadia@foothillsoffrance.com
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By nadia, on 24th September 2024
There is currently a very noticeable shortage of high-quality houses for sale in southwest France. The agents I work with are tearing their hair out with fewer and fewer good properties on their books to sell and it has been the case for most of this year. But why?
It seems as if there are several factors at play right now.
1. Increased Demand
In recent years, certain parts of France, and particularly southwest France, have grown in popularity among both French and international buyers. The gently rolling hills and beautiful landscape, mild climate, easy access to the Atlantic coast, the Pyrenees and Toulouse and the great quality of life make it highly desirable for families, retirees, and commuters particularly with more hybrid working. As well as a perfect base for second-home owners.
The covid pandemic also accelerated interest in rural properties as people sought more space and tranquillity but with easy access to towns and cities and this surge in demand quickly absorbed much of the available housing stock, especially quality homes in prime locations. In 2021 and 2022, there was a very noticeable trend of people moving out from the major cities to the countryside in France. This was a direct result of their experiences during the covid confinements and this reversal in buying patterns (previously there was a long-term shift away from rural areas to towns and cities) helped soak up the supply of rural homes and village properties as well as slowing long-term declines in population levels in rural areas.
2. Supply Chain Disruptions
The construction and renovation sectors are facing delays due to the global supply chain disruptions caused by the Ukraine war, further limiting the availability of homes. Builders and renovators are finding it difficult to source materials, which has slowed down new construction and renovation projects.
3. Owners Holding On
Many homeowners in southwest France are reluctant to sell due to rising property values in the countryside. If they want to stay in the same area, they know they will struggle to afford anything better, and mortgage rates have increased at the same time. Plus, there are no houses on the market for them to move to, so they are staying put. Additionally, with the region becoming more dynamic year-round, holiday homeowners and retirees are choosing to stay put. This restricts the number of high-quality properties that enter the market. Similarly, land prices for new builds are probably the highest they have ever been, and the cost of construction materials are about 20% above what they used to be prior to Covid and the Ukrainian war.
4. Stronger Environmental Regulations
France has implemented new environmental regulations targeting energy efficiency and sustainable building practices, which means that owners of old properties which don’t meet the new standards are putting off listing their houses for sale until these improvements have been made.
If you are having no luck in finding your perfect house to buy in southwest France, however, don’t despair. With the economy improving, mortgage interest rates coming down and no elections on the horizon for the foreseeable future, all the signs are strong and the elements in place to see a gradual increase in houses coming onto the market. Like most things in France, the property market n’est pas pressé and does not move quickly so be patient and if you need help in finding that elusive French house, please get in touch: nadia@foothillsoffrance.com
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