With delightful sights and enticing cuisine, it's no wonder France is at the top of the list for many tourists. And not only tourists, people who are banking on profiting from these fascinations are snapping up properties fast too. France also boasts collections from masters of both modern and contemporary art.

However, if you're looking to buy a home in France as a foreign investor, don't be distracted by the sights. It's easy to be carried away by the beaches of Riveira, wandering through the battlefields of Normandy or viewing castles along the French countryside. You will need to focus your efforts on getting the deal done right. Let’s consider some stats on French property prices.

Facts about property prices in France

Prices are competitive and mortgage rates are currently low in France, according to Notaires de France. In the past year, over 900,000 properties have changed hands. Even though a surprisingly large number of these properties (90%) were bought by people looking to live in, rather than let. For investors, this means there hasn't been a property bubble and this might just be the right time to buy a house in France. Price is increasing steadily. Notaires de France estimated a year on year increase of 1.2% in property prices by August of this year and a jump of 4% in property prices by the end of the year.

What to know when buying property in France

Although the process of buying property in France is fairly straightforward, here are some things you need to know:

1. You're not required to hire a solicitor. As a general rule, buying property in France must proceed without an advocator or solicitor. It can't be delegated. So you have to travel and spend time and effort on acquiring the property.  Although property buying and land registration in France are secure, you need to have your wits about you.

2. You should learn French. If buying a house in France, you should know French or at least hire a translator. Trying to infer what the other person is saying will only give you a false sense of security. On the other hand, a knowledge of the language will bolster your confidence.

3. The notaire will not verify everything. The notaire may not be able to tell you if the property would give good ROI or what liens are currently on the property. There is room for you to do your own research about the property and about prices in that neighborhood. It's also advisable to get a specialist property lawyer.

4. Estate agents mostly act for the seller. Take care to read through any written offer. Make sure that the content of the offer are subject to a written sales and purchase offer. Also make sure you read through the content of the sales and purchase offer prepared by the agent to ensure equity. As with buying property anywhere, take your time before signing on the dotted line.

5. Local mortgages can be favorable. You might want to consider buying with a French mortgage as mortgages in France are relatively cheap. If you'll be seeking a mortgage, it's important you throw in a conditional clause in the sale contract.

In conclusion, having your own notaire is advisable. Don't expect the notaire working for both seller and buyer to seek your best interest.

When you hear stamp duty, don't run for cover! Stamp duty fees are only applicable in the Commonwealth of Nations countries, Singapore, Australia and a few states in the US. It is a tax that arises from the transfer of property, usually, you pay when you sell. In this case, there will be a transfer of documents. Stamp duty legally requires that these documents are stamped, this shows the amount of tax paid. This means you’re actually paying for government stamp. Where enforced, stamp duty is placed on transfer of lands, homes, buildings, copyrights, patents and securities.

Facts About Stamp Duty fees

Stamp duty can be one small additional cost to your home, especially if you're dealing with a second home or investment property. Here are some things you should know about stamp duty:

* In the UK, the government levies stamp duty tax on all share transactions, currently at 0.5%. This generates £4bn for the treasury.

* In the European Union, Germany, Sweden, Luxembourg and the Netherlands have no stamp duty.

* France charges stamp duty only for transactions above £5,000. In the US, stamp duty is more or less insignificant, only 0.003 percent is charged.

* When you deal with really big money, it becomes a problem. Stamp duty is the reason why influential fund manager, Fidelity, moved half of its £6bn UK special situation fund offshore in 2016.

* Stamp duty came into being 200 years ago in the UK and some people believe that it was the sparking flame for American Independence Movement. When it was introduced to the American colonies in 1765, it was met by protests.

* Stamp duty is only paid on brick and mortar of the house. It shouldn't feature fixtures and fittings, white goods or items of furniture as they are exempt. You pay stamp duty on land and property purchases.

* You also pay the stamp duty when you buy shares valued at more than £ 1,000, although it is a different system, and the rates are different as well.

* You do not pay it on properties in Scotland. Instead you have a Land and Buildings transaction tax on properties costing more than £ 145,000.

* In the UK, just because your property is below £ 125,000 does not mean you can ignore Stamp Duty. You still have to submit a Stamp Duty land tax return.

* Even though your lawyer usually takes care of it, it is your responsibility to make sure that the return and payment are shipped on time. If it is late, you will pay a fine of £ 100, plus any interest.

* If you are transferring a portion of your home to an ex-partner after divorce or separation, or if you are giving the deeds of your house to someone - as a gift or in your will - you do not have to pay stamp duty.

How Much Stamp Duty Should I Expect To Pay?

In the UK, there are several price bands for Stamp Duty. The tax is calculated by the part of the purchase price of property that falls within each band. For example, if you buy a house for £ 275,000, the tax on the stamp duty (SDLT) you owe is calculated as follows:

0% on the first £ 125,000 = £ 0

2% on next £ 125,000 = £ 2,500

5% in the final £ 25,000 = £ 1,250

Total SDLT = £ 3,750

In this case you pay £ 3,750. This will not be the case in other countries. So, it is important that you contact a lawyer in your destination country who’d give information on how stamp duty is calculated.

Home values are decreasing, making it an ideal time for buyers to invest in real estate. This article explores the reasons behind the decline in home values and what it means for buyers.

Introduction

The real estate market has seen a significant decline in home values over the past few years. This trend is a result of several factors, including the pandemic, economic downturn, and changing demographics. The decline in home values is good news for buyers as it makes homes more affordable, and they can now get more value for their money. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the decrease in home values and what it means for potential buyers.

Why Are Home Values Decreasing?

Several factors have contributed to the decline in home values. Here are some of the most significant ones:

Economic Downturn

The economic downturn caused by the pandemic has had a severe impact on the real estate market. The job losses and business closures have resulted in a decrease in demand for homes, which has led to a decline in prices.

Changing Demographics

Changing demographics have also played a significant role in the decrease in home values. Millennials, who make up a significant portion of the home-buying population, are delaying homeownership due to financial constraints. Additionally, baby boomers, who make up a significant portion of homeowners, are downsizing and selling their homes.

Oversupply of Homes

Another factor contributing to the decrease in home values is the oversupply of homes. Home builders have been constructing more homes than the demand, leading to a surplus of inventory. This has given buyers more options and bargaining power, which has resulted in lower prices.

What Does It Mean for Buyers?

The decrease in home values is excellent news for buyers as it makes homeownership more accessible and affordable. Here are some ways in which it benefits potential buyers:

More Value for Money

Lower home values mean that buyers can get more value for their money. They can purchase a more significant property for the same price or buy a property in a more desirable location that was previously out of reach.

More Options

The oversupply of homes has given buyers more options to choose from. They can now take their time and select the home that meets their requirements without feeling rushed.

Bargaining Power

Buyers now have more bargaining power as there is less competition for homes. They can negotiate a better price or ask for additional concessions such as repairs, closing costs, or upgrades.

The Pros and Cons of Buying During a Market Downturn

While there are several advantages to buying during a market downturn, there are also some disadvantages to consider. Here are some of the pros and cons of buying during a market downturn:

Pros

• Lower home prices
• More value for money
• More bargaining power
• More options to choose from

Cons

• Potentially lower quality homes
• Potentially higher repair costs
• Limited financing options
• Uncertainty about the future of the market

FAQs

Q1. How long will the decrease in home values last?

A1. It is challenging to predict the length of the market downturn. Still, experts believe that the decrease in home values may continue for a few more years until the market stabilizes.

Q2. Should I wait for home values to decrease further before buying?

A2. It is challenging to time the market, and waiting for further decreases in home values may not be worth the risk. You should consider your financial situation, long-term goals, and personal preferences before making a decision.

Q3. Will I get a good return on investment if I buy a home now?

A3. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the current state of the real estate market in your area, the condition and location of the property you're considering, and your long-term plans. In general, if you buy a home in an area with a strong real estate market, and the property is in good condition and a desirable location, you may see a good return on your investment over time. However, it's essential to consider your long-term plans and the costs associated with owning a home before making a decision.