The value of French property has increased in the second three months of 2009, it has been reported.

French property prices rose by an average of 3.9 per cent in quarter two, compared to quarter one, according to Athena’s French Property and Mortgage Watch which incorporates French property price trends and gross yields information.

John Luke Busby, director of Athena Mortgages, said: "Very competitive interest rates, the lower sterling/euro exchange rate and the availability of French funds are seeing more people opt for a French mortgage to buy their second home.

"In the second quarter of 2009, we’ve seen a 42 per cent rise in the number of mortgage enquiries compared to the first quarter and a 22 per cent increase on the second quarter of 2008."

He added that the buy-to-let French property sector is currently attracting a lot of interest from overseas buyers eager to snap up a bargain during the economic downturn.

Former London fashionista Karen Wheeler recently told the Daily Mial she would recommend the lifestyle afforded by a French property to anyone considering a move abroad.

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