FOREIGN BUYERS

In some regions of France, the presence of foreign buyers is less prominent, but there are also areas where this percentage is significantly higher. In sunny Provence, for instance, the attraction for foreign buyers is high. In certain parts of this region, they account for more than 5% of property transactions. Generally, however, the percentage is around 3%. This is a clear sign that although the majority of buyers in the French market are domestic customers, foreign buyers are an important niche.
In other regions, such as central France and Brittany, the number of foreign buyers is significantly lower. This may be due to the less international appeal of these areas, compared to the touristy and sun-drenched regions of southern France.
From British to Belgians: changes in the demographics of foreign buyers

Until 2015, Britons were the largest group of foreign buyers in France. However, this changed after the Brexit and the weakening of sterling against the euro. Since then,
Belgian buyers have taken the lead. This is mainly due to the geographical proximity and favourable price-quality ratio of the French property market for Belgian citizens.

In the border regions near Belgium and Germany, we see a striking trend: buyers from these countries dominate the market. This is true, for example, in the northern departments of France, where Belgians account for as much as 68% of foreign buyers. These buyers often choose to purchase property in France because they can benefit from the lower property prices while keeping their jobs in their home country.
British buyers along the Atlantic coast
Along the so-called ‘Atlantic wall’ - the western regions along the English Channel and the Atlantic coast - it is mainly British buyers who dominate the property market. This is due to the strong historical ties between Britain and France, as well as the easy connections via the Channel ports. The Gironde region, including the city of Bordeaux, has an extra British charm, as the area was under the rule of the Plantagenet dynasty for three centuries.
Burgundy: The destination for Dutch buyers
Unlike Provence and the Atlantic coast, where Brits and Belgians thus drive the market, Burgundy is the region where Dutch buyers gain the most foothold. About a third of all foreign buyers in Burgundy come from the Netherlands and Flanders. Our France4U headquarters is located here, so we like to think we play a part in that-though geography probably deserves most of the credit! This region is particularly attractive to Dutch-speaking buyers because of its rich history, rolling hills and location just eight hours' drive from Utrecht.

A place for everyone

Although foreign buyers account for a small percentage of property transactions in France, they are essential to the cultural and economic dynamism of the French property market. The choice of foreign buyers for certain regions highlights not only preferences for certain living environments, but also the appeal of the French lifestyle. After all, those who move to France do not do so to live close to compatriots. The French charm - with its delicious gastronomy, warm hospitality and breathtaking nature - is precisely what attracts many foreign buyers.

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