This is what you need to consider when making an early choice between purchasing or renting accommodation in France.

Finding accommodation is one of the first tasks on arriving in France. But are you best off renting— or should you jump head first into the French property market?

The cost of property in France has risen dramatically in the past 10 years or so

Housing prices have climbed rapidly and dramatically in the past decade across France — a trend encouraged by low interest rates — but the overall market appears to have stabilised for the time being as interest rates have begun to head back up.

Demographic trends mean certain pockets have proven more subject to price ramp-up than others. Prices in the south-west, particularly in areas close to low-cost airline terminals, have risen dramatically as foreigners buy up homes in the surrounding areas; other areas have simply become suddenly popular with French buyers. The French are also increasingly willing to commute longer distances to work, meaning more competition for houses in outlying areas.

Still, France still has a relatively stable property market; buying a home in any major urban area is a relatively safe investment providing, of course, that nothing is wrong with the property.

To rent or own a home is not an indication of social status in France

Even if you intend staying for the long-term, however, it can take a while to settle into your new surroundings. If you are new to France, it is generally wisest to first rent a home while getting to know what's on offer and what you can really afford. And, unless you are wealthy enough to shrug off any risks, never attempt to buy a home in France if you can't speak French.

Renting is also your best option if you don't plan to stay for at least five years as legal fees and associated taxes, including potential capital gains taxes after re-sale, can make short-term home ownership expensive.

Renting is still widespread for French city-dwellers; it is not at all unusual for high-income earners to rent property, especially in Paris, and renting or owning a home is not a mark of social status in France.

The choice of renting or buying is more complicated for those who wish to settle in rural areas; here the availability of houses to rent is in shorter supply and many who move to the French countryside have done so with the specific intention of buying a home.

While estate agents say it's nearly impossible to find a liveable property for less than EUR 100,000 in the current market, there are still many rural regions with attractive prices — especially for renovation projects.

Still, the risks in short-term rural ownership are great. There is no solid rule of supply and demand, as there is in urban areas, and one person's dream home is not necessarily that of another; many French families simply prefer the conveniences and comforts of a newly built house to an older home, even a charmingly renovated one.

Lastly, French tax law does grant advantages to owners of certain rental properties known, since 2003, as loi Robien properties. The conditions are very specific; consult with an estate agent if you are interested in becoming a landlord in France.

UPDATED April 2008

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Subject: Living in France, Survival Guide, buying a home in France, renting a home in France, French housing market