French House Prices Rise

The value of homes in France has risen dramatically in the year ended during the first quarter, Global Property Guide has reported.Figures from the National Institute for Statistic and Economic Studies revealed a 9.1 per cent increase in prices during the period, the news provider stated.During the first three months of 2011, the cost per square metre for apartments in Paris jumped by 17.11 per cent, while large rises were also recorded for houses in Ile-de-France - the region in which the capital is located - and the Petite Couronne.Marseille and Lyon experienced year-on-year hikes of 7.2 per cent and 17 per cent respectively among residential real estate values, compared to the first quarter of 2010, the publication noted.Last month, founder of PropertyJounalist.com Marc Da-Silva stressed that there are some fantastic opportunities for investors in Europe at present.He noted that there is the potential for good rental yields to be achieved in many areas across the continent.