Paris is now vying with London for the title of Europe’s top property hotspot. According to agents Savills, residential property values in the French capital rose by no less than 5.9% in the last six months of 2011, while markets elsewhere showed signs of cooling. The increase means Paris overtakes Tokyo to take third place [...]

This year is a big one for Southampton, and not just commercially. Events evoking the city’s proud maritime heritage promise to be high on emotion too. The city will have its own unique take on celebrations for the Diamond Jubilee, with the three Cunard “Queens” – Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth – [...]

Forget the doom and gloom of the eurozone – British expats still love living in Spain. That’s the welcome verdict for anyone planning removals to Spain, from research published by the Daily Telegraph. The survey, carried out by Lloyds TSB, involved asking over 1000 British citizens to rate aspects of their new homes overseas, including [...]

France is planning a big new theme park south-east of Paris to commemorate Napoleon – much to the bemusement of the UK press. It’s reckoned the attraction will cost £180 million, help create 3,000 jobs and even vie with Disneyland. For the British, the French emperor has always been a bit of caricature – the [...]

Southampton’s property market remains buoyant – belying some of the gloomier headlines in the national press. That’s the message from a number of recent surveys, including the respected Nationwide House Price Index. Figures from the lender show prices in the Southampton area rose by 1% in the last quarter of 2011 compared with the same [...]

It’s long been a byword for its balmy climate, magnificent scenery and luxurious lifestyle – and it seems that the South of France retains its hold on Britons moving abroad. According to data from TheMoveChannel, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, in the far south-east of the country, is the region most sought after by potential purchasers of French [...]

The latest survey of French property prices gives food for thought for anyone thinking of moving to France – or moving back to the UK. According to figures from estate agents’ body the FNAIM, average prices have risen for a fifth consecutive quarter, with an increase of 3.3% contributing to a 6.8% rise for the [...]

Portsmouth holidaymaker Russell Lucas got a surprise on his return from Almeira in Southern Spain, it’s reported. A tiny lizard had stowed away in his suitcase – and soon made its presence felt. The lizard – a Moorish gecko – survived a two and a half hour flight in a cargo hold and almost 24 [...]

France still tops the league of property hotspots most in demand by Britons, it’s been revealed. Figures from overseas mortgage specialists Conti show that the country accounted for no less than 39% of customer enquiries received by the company over the past year. Old favourite Spain was in second place, with a 7% rise in [...]

never mind riches, France and Spain lead the way when it comes to the good life –that, at least, is one conclusion to be drawn from figures compiled by comparison site uSwitch. Their Quality of Life Index ranks ten European nations according to a mix of attributes – and confirms what many Brits may have [...]