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France is Top of the Props!

Overseas property website TheMoveChannel.com has today launched its new monthly global property market tracker – Top of the Props!  Adopting the style of the iconic music TV programme, the Top of the Props chart will provide a monthly view on the Top 40 overseas markets among users of TheMoveChannel.com website and its network of distribution partners.

So which destinations represent the prime movers and shakers in today's property market? This month the top positions are dominated by the established European countries, with France coming in at Number 1...

Vive la France!

With its fantastic culture, climate and cuisine, France currently receives more tourists per year than any other country in the world.  France's main attractions include its elegant capital, Paris, and its glamorous Riviera on its southern Mediterranean coast.  But if you also consider the staggering range of tourist experiences the country offers –skiing, wine tasting, world-beating culture, fabulous beaches – it's not hard to understand why everyone's flocking to this holiday hotspot.

Matthew Rayner, France Manager at Leisure-Invest.co.uk commented: “In many ways France has it all.  It is a beautiful country with varied landscapes which offer something for everyone.  Furthermore its geographical situation means that it is probably the easiest foreign country to visit for most people in the UK and Ireland.”

Many people buy a property in France as a holiday home getaway.  But with a stable economy and an attractive range of government incentives for foreign purchasers, the French market also represents a solid investment.

Rayner continued: “France is a stable and prosperous country with probably one of the safest property transaction procedures in the world.  There are many opportunities for investors including genuine long-term rental guarantees and tax incentives, such as the VAT rebate in the case of 'leaseback' investments.  When combined with easily arranged low interest rate mortgages, this creates the perfect environment for investing in property.”

Andrea Marie Portugal, Marketing Director for Imoinvest International Real Estate commented: “The French property market is steady and viable, backed by a strong economy and not to mention that France is the first #1 destination for tourists. The Leaseback scheme offers guaranteed rental income and a plethora of tax advantages. And as well, France is the only country offering financing with fixed rates for a period of over 20 years. Capital growth is a huge factor concerning the success of the French property market. With an estimated 10% per year growth rate over the last 10 years, you just can't go wrong.”

The established European markets still dominant

Despite the notable presence of hot emerging markets amongst the favoured destinations  – Bulgaria occupies second spot, while Brazil and India both make the Top 10 – the top positions in the chart are dominated by the established European markets – France, Spain, Italy and Portugal.

Like France, Spain, Italy and Portugal are also very popular holiday destinations with great beaches and climate.  Portugal is perhaps slightly less established than the other three markets but has emerged strongly due to its world class golf courses.

Rolf Christensen, European Sales Director for MRI Overseas Property commented: “Like France, Spain and Portugal have long been favourites with British tourists holidaying abroad.  With great climates, beaches, food and culture as well as proximity to UK, the three countries have much in common, and are now very popular places for Brits to buy holiday homes.  These property markets are rising fast due to the world beating quality of their golf resorts and promotional activity around other key attractions, in particular, the Algarve Riviera and the Costa Almeria/Calida in Southern Spain.”

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Top of the Props!
Overall Enquiry Volume for September 2006
Rank	Country	Share	Change	Comment
1	France	14.33%	Non-mover	1 month in top spot
2	Bulgaria	11.12%	Non-mover
3	Italy	10.52%	Up 1
4	Spain	7.19%	Down 1
5	Cyprus	4.17%	Up 2
6	Portugal	3.74%	Non-mover
7	Turkey	3.02%	Down 2
8	India	2.99%	Up 1
9	Brazil	2.75%	Up 4	New to Top 10!
10	USA	2.03%	Down 2
11	Thailand	2.01%	Up 1
12	Poland	1.76%	Up 8
13	Egypt	1.61%	Up 2
14	Greece	1.33%	Non-mover
15	Romania	1.24%	Up 14	Highest Climber
16	UAE	1.21%	Non-mover
17	Estonia	1.20%	Up 14	Highest Climber
18	Philippines	1.09%	Up 5
19	Morocco	0.81%	Down 9
20	Sweden	0.80%	Down 9
21	Germany	0.78%	Down 4
22	Czech Republic	0.72%	Up 14	Highest Climber
23	Panama	0.62%	Up 9
24	Croatia	0.56%	Up 4
25	Australia	0.52%	Up 4
26	South Africa	0.50%	Down 3
27	Venezuela	0.47%	Down 1
28	Bahamas	0.46%	Down 9
29	Lithuania	0.44%	Down 2
30	Latvia	0.43%	Down 13
31	Cape Verde	0.41%	Down 6
32	Hungary	0.38%	Down 12
33	Dominican Republic	0.36%	Non-mover
34	Canada	0.34%	Down 14	Biggest faller
35	Slovakia	0.33%	Non-mover
36	Argentina	0.30%	Up 1
37	St Lucia	0.25%	Up 5	Highest New Entry
38	New Zealand	0.24%	Down 5
39	Montenegro	0.24%	Up 7	New Entry
40	Grenada	0.18%	Up 11	New Entry

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