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Interest in French property on the rise
Talk of green shoots in the UK economy and predictions that the recession should soon be over were reflected...
Talk of green shoots in the UK economy and predictions that the recession should soon be over were reflected in increased visitor numbers at this year’s French Property Exhibition at Olympia, London, held on 11-13 September. There was a definite buzz at the exhibition, among both exhibitors and visitors, with many people expressing a desire to look to the future and following their dreams of owning a home in France.
Longstanding exhibitor Charles Smallwood of Agence l'Union, an estate agency based in south-west France, was more than happy with the exhibition. “It was everything we could have hoped for and the desire to acquire property in France has returned significantly,” he said. “During the busy three days we met with many positive clients, 80% of whom had higher purchasing budgets than expected. And 80% of these potential buyers had the ability to proceed as soon as they found their dream home. In addition a considerable number of viewers are coming to see us in October! All in all, an excellent show.”
Charles York Miller of Cabinet Charente Immobilier agreed: “For us, the exhibition was a great success. With attendance up on last year’s show, despite the intervening recession, we met with well over one hundred potential new clients over the three days, all eager to find properties in France.”
First-time exhibitors were equally pleased, as evidenced by James Thew of SkyBlue Leisure Homes’ comment following the show: “Although new to the French Property Exhibitions, I met lots of interested visitors, the show was well organised and I’m looking forward to being there again!”
The French Property Exhibitions have now been held for two decades, bringing together a host of property, legal and finance experts, all able to offer the best advice to visitors, whether those just dipping a toe in the water, those ready to book viewing appointments and even those who’ve already made a purchase across the Channel. Visitors Andy and Christine Tait enjoyed the show so much they sought out the organisers to offer their congratulations. “We wanted to tell you that it was really informative and we gained so much insight into buying in France - thank you!” said Andy. “We’ll be progressing this process forward and are looking forward to having contact with you in the future.”
The exhibition saw a 10% increase in audience, while seminars on both the buying process and living in France were fully booked up. French Property News editor Karen Tait said: “I’m not surprised to hear that visitor numbers are up. We’re definitely seeing increased interest in French property at the moment – over the past year, many potential purchasers have held off, waiting to see which way the market, economy and exchange rates would go. Now it seems people are tired of waiting and have decided to go ahead and pursue their dreams of a home in France. And as many vendors in France have been dropping their prices over the past year, anyone taking the plunge right now can be sure to find some great property bargains!
“France is definitely a hotspot right now,” she added, “with two independent surveys recently revealing that it is the most popular overseas destination for expats and housebuyers.”
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The next French Property Exhibition will be held within The France Show at Earls Court, London on 8th-10th January 2010.
For information on the exhibitions, please contact:
David Storrar
Tel: 01242 211071
David.storrar@archant.co.uk
To book a stand, please contact:
Debbie Macleod
Tel: 01242 216087
Debbie.macleod@archant.co.uk
For information on French Property News, please contact:
Karen Tait
Tel: 020 7978 3493
Karen.tait@archant.co.uk