I just read your very interesting post on french prices falling. You make the correct assumption that its a lifestyle choice not an investment choice. I would be very concerned for the large number of leaseback properties on the market and the perception that they will give good returns. Having attended several "shows" in Dublin I decided a couple of years ago that they were not for me. I went the route of buying a new build in the final stage of completion and as such had only 5 months to wait until I collected the keys. With reduced Notair fees and a two year stay on our local taxes, I was very pleased we chose a new build. We had considered an off plan new build in a town close to us now but I recently visited this development of 14 houses and while the services are in and it appears that 5-6 plots are sold, nothing has started. We will have our second summer in our house this year. How different would our experience be if we had opted for this development. Every time I return to France I check the immobillier's windows and am surprised at seeing the same properties still for sale. I was offered , recently , what I thought was a very good investment. It is a 2 bed apartment on the first floor with a third floor for development into the same, the location is a period house on the main square in Limoux. It really is a beautiful location but further investigation, showed that it has been on the market a long while and asking price was €150k.At €75 per apartment I thought that it would make a great rental investment but it appears that the market is not so sure yet. A location like this in Dublin would need a zero added on. I will continue to watch the space and see what happens.
I do think that the Sterling / Euro problem might mean that you could see an increase in Irish interest in France at the expense of UK buyers. Perhaps sellers should target that market now.
Dave