Property market in the Languedoc heating up at the same time as the weather!!

Well this is not supposed to be, the weather that is, the 10th of February today and a balmy 21 degrees and the forecast for the next fortnight suggests more of the same! The almond blossom is in full bloom and the daffodils are on their second flowering already !

At the same time as we bask in this wonderful weather the property market is feeling as unseasonal as this winter. The demand from european and english buyers for property in our region is much higher than normal for this time of the year. And these visitors are buying! For the first time in a long time I am receiving multiple offers on properties with one property just sold for asking price two days after going onto the market and with 12 buyer enquiries the first day on the market.

This is good news for sellers with quality properties to sell and it is great to see properties that have languished on the market for too long suddenly finding buyers, in fact after 18 months on the market I sold a villa this week which had three offers on the same day.

So what are the factors driving the market in our area which basically encompasses the villages, towns and countryside from Carcassonne to Narbonne. It is a beautifully diverse area with stunning countryside, endless vineyards and olive groves, and of course 360 days of sun a year!! ( more or less! ). The best is the winter sun, even on a cooler day having blue skies and full sun is the perfect antidote against the winter blues !

So driving factors.... include BREXIT with many British buyers indicating to me that they are taking their last opportunity to become full time residents in France with the ability to work and obtain their 'carte vital' before this option disappears on the 31st of decemerber 2020.

These buyers have accounted for a significant number of sales already in 2020 with many buyers are now booking property visits in advance for the months of March and April.

Another driving factor is the northern European market which also seems to be particularly buoyant. Our region has always been popular with retirees from Northern France and northern Europe owing to the climate but also the infrastructure and world class health facilites. Buyers in this market tend to be looking for villas with swimming pools around the 300-350,000€ range.

A percentage of younger european buyers are also attracted by the record low mortgage rates available which are definitely stimulating the market and also the high seasonal returns available through renting out properties in the June to end of September 'hot enough to swim' period. Seasonal rentals are more popular than ever and for astute purchasers this can be a very attractive option with well managed properties also able to attract out of season clients.

If you are looking to sell your property or purchase a property please feel free to contact me, I am always to share the expertise I have in the local property market place with you.

Je vous souhaite une bonne journée dans cette belle region et à bientot j'espere!