There are some really good reasons to look favourably on owning property in France.  Sure, it's close geographically and most of us enjoy their food and wine (sometimes more than we should!), but it also has some strong financial reasons to commend it as a place to buy a second home.

Reasons to be cheerful

Firstly, there has been a study conducted recently which identified that the prices of second homes in France have risen by an average of 19% annually for the last 10 years.  This growth doesn't look like slowing down any time soon either.

Then there's the matter of getting there - it is difficult to imagine anywhere overseas that can be reached so easily and with such a variety of transport forms.  With the opening of St Pancras as an international hub too this will add to the ease of reaching France.

Demand for property in France is at its highest for a long time and, quite frankly, the poor builders can't keep up.  The number of new construction sites opening up is not sufficient to match the demand for hew housing - so virtually guaranteeing further upward movement in house prices.

And one mustn't forget the Sarkozy effect - love him or hate him one has to admit that his moves to solidify the property market in France are bound to keep values strong.

So what are you waiting for

So, there you have it:  France is one of the most attractive places for people to buy and the country has so much to offer on top.  If you'd like to have a look at some properties check out:

Properties on the Cote d'Azur

Some leaseback opportunities in France

French apartments

Some nice French holiday homes

Bonne chance!