Many happy returns

Looking for a French property you can come back to in any season and enjoy healthy rental returns too? Step this way, says Tim Swannie

- Tim Swannie

Deciding to buy a new home in France can sometimes make buyers feel that they’re spoiled for choice. From the sunny villages of Provence to the charming chalets of the Alps, the country offers a seemingly neverending variety of landscapes, climate, and lifestyles. For many, the hardest decision is often not what to buy, but where to buy.

THE FOUR SEASONS

To find the location of their perfect French home, many buyers draw from their own experience and fond memories of previous stays and holidays in the country. But while many French towns and villages feel glorious in the summer, they can look a little like ghost town in the winter months.

So how should buyers looking for towns that are lively all year around approach their search? As a first step, I always advise a prospective buyer to think carefully about what they want from their home. Which amenities would they like to have nearby? Are they planning on renting their property out – and if so, when?

By thinking about these factors carefully, you will be able to identify where exactly you should target your search. For example, you will need to focus on towns of a certain size for certain amenities such as train stations, or on areas with good rental returns if you want to let your property.

But the most important factor for buyers to consider is when they will be visiting their property. Many places, including famously beautiful ones such as the French Riviera, are very different during winter than they are in the height of summer. That’s why it’s very important to do your homework, especially if you’re looking to relocate full time or visit during the winter.