Good food, fine wine and sunnier climes, it´s no wonder France is a top emigration destination!
Many house hunters are still keen on buying homes in Europe despite the euro-zone crisis, with French property topping the list. Around one in four prospective buyers (23%) are trying to buy something across the English Channel according to the latest HiFX Property Hotspots report.
Retired Brits in particular seem to be keen to make the move overseas. According to the Home Office “Emigration from the UK” Research Report 68 (Nov 2012) around 4,000 to 8,000 retired British people emigrate each year with France proving a top destination for this age group.
And indeed unlike their younger counterparts, long-term migrants were more common amongst those going to France. 75 per cent of British citizens emigrating across the Channel reported that they intended to stay for more than four years.
Danny Silver, expert in French real estate and MD of The Villages Group, comments,
"With more and more people looking to move abroad for their golden years, seeking lower living costs and a better quality of life, France remains a popular destination.
"It goes without saying that the superior climate, especially in the south, the relaxed lifestyle and easy access by road, rail, sea and air has boosted emigration to France and with the weakening of the Euro plus no capital gains tax, potential buyers are able to get more for their money!"
Indeed researchers King et al. in 2000 found that retirement emigration to southern Europe was primarily fuelled by the difference in property prices and familiarity with the area due to British mass tourism, with the main reasons given by retirees for migrating being to enjoy the better climate and physical environment of the area, while still being within easy access to the UK.
Home to the world´s largest single wine-producing region, over 300 days of sunshine per annum and a coastline that stretches all the way from the Camargue down to the Spanish border, the southern Languedoc-Roussillon region has plenty going for it.
Well served by low-cost flights into Montpellier, Nîmes, Carcassonne, Perpignan, Béziers and (just over the Spanish border) Girona, and a high-speed TGV train connection to Paris. It´s no surprise that a good number of foreigners have already settled here.
Further capitalising on this demand, The Villages Group has chosen the stunning Canal du Midi area, nestled in the beautiful Languedoc region, as the site of the first active living resort in the country dedicated to the over 50´s.
Designed for living, The Villages offers one-level eco-friendly homes set within an outstanding natural environment with full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and a quality entertainment programmes.
This concept will provide a fresh alternative to buying abroad for the older generation, offering a unique lifestyle choice for the active 50+´s.
For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visitwww.thevillagesgroup.com.