Good research and finding English-speaking notaires are among a series of tips provided to French property buyers by an overseas investment portal.

French Property News said a key move for purchasers is to study closely the area in which they wish to buy, noting that to simply target a region such as south-west France would be to ignore the variety within the region from the Biarritz beaches to the Pyrenees.

The portal advised a wise tactic is to "scour" the market for the best agents, some of whom might be little known.

Being honest with agents over matters like budgets and using their contacts to get the best service is another helpful measure, which can save time and obtain good services, like English-speaking notaires.

Such advice may prove useful for those looking to invest in property in the country.

French prices have become more affordable in the last year, according to the latest Knight Frank global house prices survey.

This revealed that in the 12 months to the end of the first quarter of 2009 the average value dipped by 5.7 per cent.

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