Those seeking property in rural parts of Normandy can get it at a "competitive" price, it has been stated.

Overseas property portal nubricks.com reported that the region is a popular one with British buyers, offering fine cuisine and scenery but particularly favoured because of its easy transport links to and from the UK via boat or train.

It stated that bargains available included a cottage in Calvados for €45,000 (£35,700) and a stone longhouse with possible land and outhouses for €150,000.

Those looking to buy Normandy property or invest elsewhere in France are adopting novel strategies, French specialist firm VEF has stated.

It said a common solution to the inability to sell a UK home to finance such a purchase is to take advantage of the currently strong UK rental market and let it out, with the money paying the mortgage on the French property until the British market improves and the UK property can then be sold at a higher price.

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