SERIOUS BRITS BRAVE SNOW FOR FRANCE SHOW
The first UK property show of the year drew determined buyers at the weekend, despite poor weather conditions.
Travel and property exhibitors at The France Show at Earl’s Court, London, reported a busy show on Saturday 9 January despite the total number of visitors expected to be around half of last year’s figure.
“Generally the quality of buyers was better than at other shows and a lot of people were going on visits in January and February,” said Chris Bishop, managing director of agent Latitudes.

The French property show last week was well attended and we at Latitudes found that people were really fed up of waiting to see what happens and had decided that they were ready to take things further and go and look in France to see what they can find for their budget – even if, in some cases they had reduced it.   Prices are bound to rise from here on in with France being least affected by recession and mortgages continuing to be available.   The exhibition provides potential buyers with all the information they need regarding how to buy, where to buy, the legal system, the French market, how to get work done etc – all the facts are provided by the many stand holders so that it makes a worthwhile visit.  For those who missed it, there will be another one coming up at Earls Court in January so hope to see you there to help and advise you.    However if you are not able to attend please dont hesitate to give us a call and we will be happy to give you all the information you require and do some research for you to find the ideal property if we dont already have some suitable properties to send to you.   Our service is free as we work in association with French agencies and share the standard commission which is included in the listed price, so that you pay exactly the same as you will do if you go direct to an agency in France.

With the turn around imminent in the property market why not beat the crowds and the price increases and come to The French Property Exhibition at Olympia on 11th, 12th and 13th September and see what is on offer.   Latitudes will have a selection of their properties on view and be able to offer their expertise as well as the invaluable knowledge of their local agents who will be on their stand with them.

Price reductions in many areas of France mean that prices remain attractive even with the bad currency exchange rate. Admittedly as an estate agent selling French property to British people it is hard to find reasons why now is a good time to buy in France – but some of the reductions on properties in France are taking prices below what they would be even if the exchange rate was 1.45 Euros to the £1. We have a beautiful property in the Tarn et Garonne which has just been reduced from 475,000 Euros to to 355,000 Euros which is almost 30% down on the price – which makes the property cheaper than it would have been a year ago.

Many people believe that the Euro might never go back to 1.45 Euros to the £1 and that around 1.30 might be the most likely rate – so you really are winning if you buy at present.

In the Gers we have a property which over the last two years has dropped from 720,000€ to 420,000€ – a drop of more than 40% – admittedly it may have been overpriced or priced over –hopefully at the beginning – but if owners are now becoming more realistic this really is the time to go and see what you can get for your money.

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday Latitudes will be exhibiting at the French Property Exhibition along with many other agents and associated services.  Did you know it is the only French Property exhibition in London although many other International property shows do advertise French property, there are normally only one or two companies dealing with France attending.

This show promises to be of great interest to serious buyers with some terrifice offers and reductions on properties.   See Latitudes’s news for full details of what is on offer but in brief there are reductions or notaire’s fees included on certain new properties purchased before the end of November 08.  Latitudes are also offering £150 towards travel costs for anyone buying before the end of April 09.  And for those that are just starting, Penny Zoldan’s book on Buying property in France is on sale at just £5.99 instead of £8.99 and she will sign it for you on the stand (No 97).