France's property market has recorded yet another drop, ensuring British ex-pats currently looking for a renovation project across the Channel are likely to see their money stretch further.  

Prices for existing homes and older properties fell by 1 per cent between the first and second quarters of 2026, marking a reduction of 0.8 per cent year-on-year. 

The figures, from the National Institute for Statistical and Economic Studies (INSEE),  show a difference between houses and flat prices, with those looking for a larger home likely to find the biggest bargains.   

Over the year to the second quarter of 2026, apartment prices dropped by just 0.1 per cent, while house prices fell by 1.3 per cent. 

Speaking to French News publication The Connexion, Priscille Caignault, a member of the official authority representing all notaries in France, said buyers should be wary of price drops, saying the cost of renovation in France can mean what seems like a dream deal initially ends up being a money pit.  

'With houses, there can be a cost of energy renovation that weighs on the investment. You are buying a property which already has a certain price because it is a house, but you also have to think about the work that will be required.'

Ms Caignault said purchasers should consider whether they have 'the financial capacity to plan for the work', adding: 'With a more restricted financial capacity, it may be easier to buy an apartment than a house.'

Currently in Normandy, for instance, you can buy a former stone barn in Giel-Courteilles for a real project for just £17,112, or a small farmhouse in disrepair, ready to be renovated, in Carrouges for £20,629. 

Other plots and derelict homes are available on Rightmove in a similar price range, such as terrace cottage in Morbihan, Brittany in desperate need of repair for £22,873.

Those considering a move might also consider how welcome they might feel across the Channel too. 

While France hasn't seen the kind of anti-tourism protests that took place across Spain last year, there has been a growing resistance to tourists - including French ones.

Locals in Brittany told visitors to 'go home', joining the throng of Europeans across the continent fighting back against over-tourism. The incidents were focused against Parisians, as well as tourists in general.

Families in the Finistère port of Plobannalec-Lesconil in France found their car doors had been scratched with aggressive slogans reading: 'No to Parisians' and 'Tourists go home'.

Anti-city dweller sentiment has erupted across France, after local residents have been priced out of housing following a boom of second home purchases since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Loïc Le Fur, the mayor of Plobannalec-Lesconil, said: 'The spirit of these acts deeply shocks us.'

However, some local residents are in support, with one explaining they 'completely understand' the anger.

Although second homes are purchased by French citizens from across the country, as well as international buyers, the acts of vandalism speak to the wider anti-Parisian and anti-tourism sentiment keenly felt by many.

This August, a masked armed group of Corsican separatists threatened tourists thinking of moving to the island or buying second homes.

The Corsican National Liberation Front-Union of Combatants (FLNC-UC) released a video in which around 12 armed, hooded members stand with sub-machine guns and rifles.

In the footage, a man believed to be the group's leader says in a muffled voice: 'Until our national rights are recognised and respected, we have only one message for them: stay at home.'

The FLNC-UC condemned the 'insane' flow of 5,000 foreigners who move to the island for work or to buy a second home each year, and said 'the vast majority of whom are French.'

They deemed it as 'rampant settlement-driven colonisation', comparing it to 'a weapon of mass dilution that colonialism has always used against the peoples it seeks to subjugate, or even wipe out'.

Elsewhere, other protests have taken place in the Basque Country and Marseille – and it has emerged this resentment towards tourists has been driven by housing shortages caused by tourism, the i Paper reported.

Much resentment is directed towards Parisians but British tourists can often bear the brunt of anti-tourism sentiment. Holiday homes, rentals and Airbnbs have come under fire too.

Locals in a picturesque French mountain village recently hit out at rowdy Airbnb guests, claiming late-night parties and noise are taking a toll on residents' 'mental health'. 

La Bresse, nestled in the Vosges mountains, is famed for its stunning scenery and sweeping views.

But two large chalets, which can accommodate 15 and eight guests respectively, have transformed parts of the village into a magnet for party groups.

Pierre Mengin, the mayor, held a meeting of officials, holiday rental home owners and local residents to voice concerns.

Annick added: 'We are not against tourism. We want tourism but we are calling for a virtuous form of tourism that respects our tranquillity.'

There are, of course, many reports of Britons being welcomed in France.

'Nice is very expat friendly. Every time I spoke to them in French they started speaking perfect English to me. I was hoping to get more practice, every one was wonderful!' one Brit said.

Another added on Reddit this month: 'I’m a Brit and I’ve visited France many times over the years. I just wanted to take a moment to give France, and the French, a bit of appreciation.

'I’ve had so many positive interactions during this trip, just as I have on previous visits. 

'People have been friendly, helpful, patient and welcoming, whether it’s been a quick interaction in a shop or café, asking for directions, or just chatting to someone along the way. 

'I often hear the stereotype, that “the French are rude”, and it genuinely has never been my experience. Of course you’ll meet lovely people and less-than-lovely people in every country, but I feel like France gets an unfair reputation for this sometimes, so I wanted to stick up for you guys!'