1/ The development of digital techniques:
Since the first confinement in March 2020, we've seen a surge in the dematerialization of exchanges, affecting all real estate professionals, from estate agents to notaries and co-ownership managers.
The remote electronic signature made available to notaries has enabled the continuity of real estate transactions, which had come to a complete standstill last March.
Everyone has had to adapt, every link in the chain, and today it would seem that the use of digital technology has become essential: real estate research, remote visits using virtual methods, online co-ownership general meetings, signing of mandates, signing of authenticated deeds...
2/ Volume of transactions in existing properties maintained:
Despite the restrictions imposed by the health situation, activity in the existing real estate market has not only been maintained, but has actually increased, as confirmed by the figures for the first quarter of 2021.
According to notaries and other professionals in the sector, the volume of sales of existing properties continues to grow.
On a daily basis, we see a cruel lack of properties for sale, and the market is very tight, which is why we recommend using a property hunter! (see OUR SERVICES)
Conversely, the new housing market is suffering from this pandemic.
OUR SERVICES3/ The emergence of new research criteria:
As a result of successive confinements, and especially the more draconian March 2020 confinement, buyers have put their desire for greenery, nature, outdoor and indoor space at the heart of their search, and now want a room or corner dedicated to telecommuting.
The quest for a better quality of life is now at the heart of real estate research.
4/ Attractiveness of medium-sized towns:
More and more French people seem to be fleeing the big cities in favor of medium-sized towns: the peace and quiet, the cost of living, the surrounding nature and the larger homes attract them.
For the same reasons, smaller but well-served towns are also very successful.
5/ Attractive home loans:
Since 2019, the trend has not reversed; on the contrary, we continue to witness a historic fall in borrowing rates.
This reduction, coupled with the easing of mortgage conditions, is encouraging the French to take the plunge into home ownership, whether for their main home or their second home.
6/ To sum up:
The French people's taste for "stone" has not waned with the health crisis - quite the contrary. Real estate remains a safe haven for many of us.