Why is it the best time to buy a home in France?

Sextant market research has noticed over the last 6 years that best negotiations are realised in November and December.

It is very easy to draw a parallel with UK house prices as seen on the Rightmove house price report:

It is quite easy to understand this trend: fewer people are looking to purchase a property during the winter season because they focus on Christmas and New Year festivities, that is why they usually postpone their important projects to February or spring.

What does that mean?
It means that with fewer buyers on the market at this precise time of the year, it is easier to negotiate the price of a property in France or in the UK.

There is another element which is equally important: Sellers are more incline to accept an offer from a buyer who can prove he can move fast by being a cash buyer or having an agreement in principle (AIP) from a French bank.

At Sextant Mortgages we have the latest lending criteria and rates from our bank partners and we can provide an AIP within 48 hours. It gives buyers more negotiating power with sellers by showing an AIP to the agent during the visit (the French agent always help you in the negotiation).

What next?
If you are going home hunting in France in November or December, you just need to contact one of our mortgage advisers on this number:
+44 (0) 207 428 4918 or by filling this contact form on our website:

Before you travel to France to visit properties make sure you start your mortgage application with Sextant so we can provide you with our in house Agreement in Principle which will increase your negotiating power and will enable you to purchase your dream property at the best possible price.