• French property prices grew 0.8% overall in 2012 
• Up to 2% fall in house prices across France expected in 2013 according to FNAIM
• But Languedoc-Roussillon bucks the trend with overall 0.5% property price increase and 1.8% for houses specifically in Q4 2012

Bucking the nationwide trend, Languedoc-Roussillon recorded an overall 0.5% property price increase with an encouraging 1.8% rise in the price of houses specifically in the region (Q4 2012 vs Q4 2011, FNAIM).

Commenting on this data, Danny Silver, Founder and Managing Partner of The Villages Group, active living resorts for over 50’s, says:

“Price falls for 2013 have indeed been widely predicted by agencies such as Standard & Poor’s and Orpi but it is naive to think that all regions of France will the affected to the same extent. Q4 2012 actually saw price growth in Ille-de-France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Champagne-Ardenne, Upper Normandy and Languedoc-Roussillon where our new Villages project is located and I see no reason why this growth will not continue in 2013.”

Indeed the French themselves remain confident in their market with 77% of nationals surveyed in the latest European real estate assets investment trend indicator 2013 from Ernst & Young agreeing or moderately agreeing that investment activity by international real estate investors will increase in 2013 compared to 2012.

Danny Silver continues,

“France has, for many years, been and will remain one of the most stable property markets in the world. Compared to some markets such as neighbouring Spain, a slowdown in house price growth to 0.8% is nothing and as long as buyers choose the right property, in the right location, for the right reasons then they should not be concerned.”

With buyer needs and market trends in mind, Danny and his team are purposefully constructing detached houses at The Villages Group as opposed to apartments or duplexes. With 1.8% price increases of houses seen in Languedoc-Roussillon towards the end of last year and new build properties riding by 1.2% in 2012 (Fédération des Promoteurs Immobiliers), he believes that his single level eco maisons are just the ticket.

Exclusively available to over 50’s from around £200,000, owning a home at The Villages in the stunning Canal du Midi in the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon, offers more than just bricks and mortar. Owners become part of the active-living community with access to all on-site amenities such as the gym, hotel, restaurants, pool, sauna and full cultural and entertainment program. The syndicate style programme also helps keep prices at least 30% lower than similar properties in the area and an individual can live comfortably with everything included for just £40 per week.

For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com.