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?

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.

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.

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