French News Archive

Property Market

Sales to British Buyers in 2017

Friday 06 July 2018

Sales of French property to British non-residents fell for the third year running last year, whilst those to existing residents is on the rise.

Whilst non-resident British nationals continue to be far and away the largest group of international property buyers in France, their share of the market fell to 26% last year, down from 33% in 2016, although in line with historic trends.

Total purchases by UK non-residents was 4,527, compared to 5,492 in 2016 and 6,066 in 2015.

However, the fall in non-resident purchases was matched by an increase in sales to existing residents, up 17% from 2016 to reach 3,285. Sales to UK residents in 2016 was 2,804, with a similar figure (2,827) in 2015.

The table below shows the 5-year trend in purchases by resident and non-resident UK nationals since 2013.

Sales to UK Nationals
Year
Residents
Non-Residents
2013
1,974
3,267
2014
2,295
4,198
2015
2,827
6,066
20162,804
5,492
20173,285
4,527
Total
13,18523,550

The average spend by UK resident buyers last year was €209K, in line with previous years, whilst non-residents spent on average €252K, down from €262K in 2013.

However, these figures disguise substantial differences by region, ranging from €57K in the Auvergne to €741K in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, as is shown on the following graphic.

Source: BNP Paribas International Buyers

Related Reading:

Thank you for showing an interest in our News section.

Our News section is no longer being published although our catalogue of articles remains in place.

If you found our News useful, please have a look at France Insider, our subscription based News service with in-depth analysis, or our authoritative Guides to France.

If you require advice and assistance with the purchase of French property and moving to France, then take a look at the France Insider Property Clinic.