With airline fares falling and real-estate markets opening up, now is a great time to buy a holiday home in France. Apartments are up for sale in many French cities in the north and south of France. Though the south of France is more popular among tourists due to marvellous beaches and Mediterranean climate along the French Riviera, the apartments are often overpriced and with international celebrities purchasing homes and property in the region, prices are shooting up everyday. Cities like Marseille offer reasonably priced housing and apartments as do some regions in the Corte D’Azur, though the region has a somewhat harsher climate than other parts of France.

You may take a mortgage on any type of French property as long as you can provide sufficient proof of funds. Mortgages are available from local as well as international chain banks and other financial institutions. The loans by international banks are at higher rates and lesser mortgage period than local offerings. The mortgage rate is often dependant on the currency in which you take the loan. It is advised to take a mortgage in the currency you earn in to avoid any loss in exchange. Also 10% as an add-on is recommended because of land taxes and municipal fees. Banks in France also give a 10-day period to finalise the mortgage in case you change your mind. Mortgage rates for a euro mortgage are normally around 3.90 to 3.98% and you may take a loan of up to 80% of the total property value.