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From 'booze cruise' to BTL boom?

Jaimie Kanwar

One of France's most famous port towns is reportedly attracting investor attention...

According to French property portal VEF, the 'booze cruise' image of Calais is all in the past.

A spokesperson for VEF explained: “The Pas De Calais region lacks nothing in terms of being authentically French, with all the culture and cuisine that implies. But the key difference is price, with houses available for half the cost of those in the home counties across the water.

”Such a contrast has already led to a considerable increase in demand and popularity for second or even first homes in such places. The ease of access via Eurostar means that London can be reached easily via the Calais terminal, while Paris and Brussels are also easily linked to the coast.

”For those buying property for letting there, the market is therefore likely to be for people who may wish to live somewhere affordable while working in London or the south-east, perhaps those with a strong taste for French food and culture but undoubtedly a wish to save money and stay connected with the UK.

”Therefore, such a market is likely to appeal less to those who may wish to escape the British lifestyle altogether and emigrate completely.