For the past few decades France has been the country of choice for people looking to invest in overseas properties and the majority of interest has concentrated on property for sale in the South of France.
Historically it has been the South-East of France and Provence in particular that has received most interest from foreign investors. As a result, prices in many parts of the region have risen sharply, and it has become increasingly difficult to find good value for money.
In recent years, however, there has been increasing interest in property for sale in the South West of France, and in the region of Aquitaine in particular.
Situated in the South-West corner of France, Aquitaine shares its southern border with Spain, and is defined to the east and west by the Midi-Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean respectively. As such it is a region of remarkable diversity with Pyrenean hill-top towns in the east contrasting with Atlantic seaside resorts in the west. There are also great natural wonders and the region is home to the Dune de Pilat and the Forest of Landes, respectively the largest sand-dune and the largest pine forest in Western Europe.
Part of the reason for its growing attraction has been its increasing level of accessibility. The region is served by several airports many of which offer low-cost services to destinations all over Europe, with Easyjet serving Biarritz and Bordeaux and Ryanair serving Biarritz, Bergerac and Limoges. The region is also extremely well connected to the TGV network with stations at all the major towns including Bordeaux, Pau, Bayonne, Arcachon, and Biarritz.
Investment Property in Aquitaine
It is this combination of beautiful scenery, excellent transport links, and high quality of life that has caused Aquitaine to become increasingly popular amongst those looking for both budget and luxury properties in the South West of France.
If you are seeking investment properties in Aquitaine, it is worth noting that in 2006 property prices in region rose 7 per cent for existing properties and 19 per cent for new-build, while demand for land was high and plot prices were increasing.
Although many of the people investing in Aquitaine properties are relocating on a permanent basis, the excellent transport links make the area very attractive to those looking for a holiday home that they can let during their absence.
Luxury Property in Biarritz
Those looking for luxury French property for sale in Aquitaine should look no further than Biarritz. Situated in the south-west corner of the region and within a stone’s throw of Spain, Biarritz is one of the most fashionable seaside resorts in France.
Biarritz property prices for typically range from 200,000 euros for a 1 bedroom apartment to 400,000 euros for a 4 bedroom apartment or house. However there are also some luxury Biarritz properties for sale prices closer to 1,000,000 euros.
Property in Pau
Situated 100km to the west of Biarritz, Pau is a charming town that overlooks the valley of a mountain river called the Gave de Pau. It is dominated by the Château de Pau, and its principal claims to fame are that it’s home to continental Europe’s first golf club as well as the world’s first Formula One racing circuit.
Like much of Aquitaine, properties in Pau represent extremely good investment potential and in the fourth quarter of 2007 property prices in Pau had increased by 12 per cent.
Beginning your Search for Property in Aquitaine
If you are serious about investing in luxury properties in the south-west of France, or more specifically property in Biarritz or Pau, then you would be well advised to spend at least two or three weeks in the area. Why not spend your next holiday in Aquitaine? Even of you don’t find a property to your liking, you are sure to enjoy your holiday in this wonderful and diverse corner of France.
Historically it has been the South-East of France and Provence in particular that has received most interest from foreign investors. As a result, prices in many parts of the region have risen sharply, and it has become increasingly difficult to find good value for money.
In recent years, however, there has been increasing interest in property for sale in the South West of France, and in the region of Aquitaine in particular.
Situated in the South-West corner of France, Aquitaine shares its southern border with Spain, and is defined to the east and west by the Midi-Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean respectively. As such it is a region of remarkable diversity with Pyrenean hill-top towns in the east contrasting with Atlantic seaside resorts in the west. There are also great natural wonders and the region is home to the Dune de Pilat and the Forest of Landes, respectively the largest sand-dune and the largest pine forest in Western Europe.
Part of the reason for its growing attraction has been its increasing level of accessibility. The region is served by several airports many of which offer low-cost services to destinations all over Europe, with Easyjet serving Biarritz and Bordeaux and Ryanair serving Biarritz, Bergerac and Limoges. The region is also extremely well connected to the TGV network with stations at all the major towns including Bordeaux, Pau, Bayonne, Arcachon, and Biarritz.
Investment Property in Aquitaine
It is this combination of beautiful scenery, excellent transport links, and high quality of life that has caused Aquitaine to become increasingly popular amongst those looking for both budget and luxury properties in the South West of France.
If you are seeking investment properties in Aquitaine, it is worth noting that in 2006 property prices in region rose 7 per cent for existing properties and 19 per cent for new-build, while demand for land was high and plot prices were increasing.
Although many of the people investing in Aquitaine properties are relocating on a permanent basis, the excellent transport links make the area very attractive to those looking for a holiday home that they can let during their absence.
Luxury Property in Biarritz
Those looking for luxury French property for sale in Aquitaine should look no further than Biarritz. Situated in the south-west corner of the region and within a stone’s throw of Spain, Biarritz is one of the most fashionable seaside resorts in France.
Biarritz property prices for typically range from 200,000 euros for a 1 bedroom apartment to 400,000 euros for a 4 bedroom apartment or house. However there are also some luxury Biarritz properties for sale prices closer to 1,000,000 euros.
Property in Pau
Situated 100km to the west of Biarritz, Pau is a charming town that overlooks the valley of a mountain river called the Gave de Pau. It is dominated by the Château de Pau, and its principal claims to fame are that it’s home to continental Europe’s first golf club as well as the world’s first Formula One racing circuit.
Like much of Aquitaine, properties in Pau represent extremely good investment potential and in the fourth quarter of 2007 property prices in Pau had increased by 12 per cent.
Beginning your Search for Property in Aquitaine
If you are serious about investing in luxury properties in the south-west of France, or more specifically property in Biarritz or Pau, then you would be well advised to spend at least two or three weeks in the area. Why not spend your next holiday in Aquitaine? Even of you don’t find a property to your liking, you are sure to enjoy your holiday in this wonderful and diverse corner of France.
Source...