The France’s second home real estate market is thriving, with a 33% increase in acquisition intentions for 2025, as detailed by expert Benoît GALY.
As we delve into the intricate tapestry of the France’s second home real estate market, it becomes evident that this sector is not merely surviving but thriving, particularly as we approach 2025. Following the tumultuous waves of the health crisis, the market for second homes and properties catering to an international clientele has displayed remarkable resilience. Green-acres, a platform dedicated to leisure real estate and second homes both in France and abroad, has reported an astonishing 33% surge in acquisition intentions for the upcoming year. Benoît GALY, the founder of Green-acres, provides insights into this burgeoning trend.
In 2024, the market exhibited a commendable stability, buoyed by comfortable budgets. Despite the overarching challenges within the real estate landscape, second homes have retained their allure. Notably, Green-acres recorded an 11% increase in requests for property visits during the latter half of the year, juxtaposed against a stark 17% decline in overall real estate transactions. A pivotal factor contributing to this resilience is the financial profile of buyers; a staggering 80% of purchases initiated through Green-acres are executed without the need for loans, thereby circumventing the adverse effects of rising interest rates.
These discerning buyers, armed with substantial budgets reflective of their chosen locales, are primarily in pursuit of spacious abodes averaging 150m², nestled within verdant settings that marry the charm of antiquity with modern comforts—swimming pools being a non-negotiable priority. Ironically, as the budget for primary residences diminishes, the financial allocations for pleasure purchases, or second homes, are on the rise, averaging between €250,000 and €400,000, with figures soaring to around one million euros in the southern regions.
Geographically, investment trends in 2024 have remained consistent, with a pronounced concentration of interest in the PACA region (18%) and Aquitaine (15%). While the top ten most sought-after departments have remained stable, five of these have witnessed a remarkable uptick in interest compared to 2023: Alpes-Maritimes (+23%), Var (+23%), Hérault (+20%), Lot (+16%), and Aude (+12%).
The resurgence of international buyers in 2024 is particularly noteworthy. After a post-COVID lull, foreign investors are flocking back to France, drawn by the allure of Paris, the Côte d’Azur, and the picturesque French countryside. Several factors underpin this renewed enthusiasm: the impending 2024 Olympic Games, which have elevated Paris’s global appeal; a robust dollar, rendering purchases more enticing for American buyers; and the upcoming American elections, which are prompting some investors to secure properties in Europe as a hedge against uncertainty.
Interestingly, Greece has emerged as the new haven for French retirees, overtaking Portugal as the preferred destination for second homes abroad. This shift can be attributed to two primary factors: the cessation of the Portuguese Golden Visa, which has dampened investor enthusiasm, and the introduction of new tax incentives in Greece, making it particularly attractive for French retirees seeking sun-soaked shores.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a banner year for pleasure-driven acquisitions. Green-acres has observed a remarkable 33% increase in searches on its platform, a figure that bodes well for the market, especially if interest rates continue to trend downward. As we navigate this evolving landscape, one cannot help but marvel at the resilience and dynamism of the second home real estate market in France, a sector that continues to captivate both domestic and international buyers alike.
