French property ideal for pension portfolio

Property in France is ideal for use as a long-term retirement investment, according to a property consultant.

Trisha Mason, managing director and founder of VEF, said that it is always "more interesting" to purchase property in a slowing market because of the potential long-term returns.

Sensible purchase of the right sort of property could lead to higher than average capital growth over the next ten years, Ms Mason said. She warned against short-term investment though.

"For anyone looking for a quick return on their investment we have never advised French property," Ms Mason added.

France is an ideal location for investment because it is easy to visit the country via cross-channel ferry.

According to Leapfrog properties, French property should remain relatively unscathed by the credit crunch because properties cost only two-thirds of what they do in the UK.

Figures in French Property News magazine predict that property prices in France will rise by between six and eight per cent in 2008.