⁠Ville vs campagne : où investir ?

The video discusses the pros and cons of investing in real estate in urban versus rural areas, drawing on personal experience and observations. The host begins by praising the city of Angers, highlighting its beauty, cleanliness, and well-managed infrastructure, crediting the local government for its success. He notes that Angers has been recognized as the best city in France for ten years, emphasizing its preserved heritage and lack of "insufferable ecological" restrictions seen elsewhere. The central question posed is whether it's more profitable to invest in apartments in a city like Angers compared to rural properties. The host acknowledges that he primarily focuses on older country houses but invites a friend, Yano, to share his perspective. Yano suggests that it depends on the location; some rural areas are developing, while cities, especially student towns, offer opportunities for affordable apartments to rent to students, ensuring consistent demand. The host agrees, recalling a time when city apartments could be bought for €70,000, and such opportunities still exist in well-managed buildings in good locations. He emphasizes that Angers is a beautiful city, a privilege not found everywhere, allowing for inexpensive apartment purchases that can be rented to students. While student rentals might yield less per unit, the lower purchase price can balance this out. He admits he's not an expert in urban real estate but has done a few city operations and observes significant differences. One crucial factor is personal preference and experience. Someone raised in a city might find urban investment more intuitive and have a network of contacts interested in city rentals. Conversely, the host, who is more connected to rural areas, finds it easier to rent out country houses because his contacts are often looking for such properties. He stresses that investment choices should align with one's comfort level and existing network, rather than rigidly following generalized advice on property types or rental prices. He compares this to legal structures, where a basic framework exists, but adaptations are necessary based on one's work, residence, and tax situation. Regarding budget, the host notes a key difference in rural real estate: the demand is primarily familial, with few students or short-term renters. However, he observes a recent shift, with more students considering rural areas due to high city prices or lack of space, willing to commute. Still, country properties are typically sought by families, often aged 30-50, with stable jobs. In contrast, urban properties attract a younger demographic, including students and young professionals. A significant advantage of city investing, from the host's experience, is the speed of rental. For his four city properties, an advertisement can generate dozens of inquiries within ten minutes, even with standard rental prices. He also notes that in cities, he often doesn't even need to advertise; word-of-mouth quickly finds tenants. This suggests that city properties rent much faster and attract more demand. However, finding and purchasing suitable rental properties in the city can be more challenging. He differentiates between the city center, its immediate surroundings, and the periphery, where the market might resemble rural areas. While his city experience is limited, he has observed that both excessively small and excessively large houses in rural areas can be difficult to rent. Despite this, he reassures viewers that most "classic" properties—neither too small nor too large—will find tenants quickly, whether in the city or country. He believes that for similar budgets and property sizes, urban investments are often more advantageous. Ultimately, he advises people to invest where they feel most comfortable and knowledgeable. If one lives in the city, an urban apartment might be a more comfortable first investment. If in the countryside, a nearby house might be preferable. Proximity to the property is crucial for managing tenants, repairs, and visits; long commutes for property management are a hassle. He also suggests starting with smaller, more manageable investments, aligning with one's current budget and financial level. He references a previous video about garages, noting that in cities, one can rent parking spaces or storage units (boxes). These smaller properties, or even inexpensive apartments (€50,000-€60,000) requiring minor renovations, can be a good starting point to understand property taxes, rental income, and profitability. This approach helps new investors avoid overcommitting financially or time-wise, especially if they have limited credit or available funds. The host briefly touches on commercial properties, noting less difference between city and country in this segment. He expresses concern that city centers are "dying," with pedestrianization and car park removals negatively impacting small businesses. He points out numerous vacant commercial spaces in Angers' city center, suggesting that commercial rentals might not be as easy as one might assume, even in a thriving city. He then transitions to a rural setting to list the pros and cons of country investments. **Pros of Country Investing:** * **Lower Property Prices:** Generally less expensive than city properties. * **Space and Calm:** Offers more space, quiet, and nature, appealing to families and those seeking a different quality of life. * **Specific Clientele:** Attracts people looking for land for animals or a quieter lifestyle, often willing to commute for work. * **Different Quality of Life:** Many people are willing to commute an extra 10 minutes for a more tranquil environment with a garden and animals. **Cons of Country Investing:** * **Variable Resale Potential:** Demand can be less consistent; very small or very large houses can be hard to rent. * **Limited Transport:** Car often necessary, unlike cities with public transport. * **Fewer Services:** Shops and services can be more distant. * **More Work and Maintenance:** Country houses often require more renovation and upkeep, including potential land maintenance. * **Slower Turnover:** Properties can remain vacant for several months, and reducing rent for a long-term tenant means a sustained loss. **Pros of City Investing:** * **Higher Property Prices (but higher demand):** While more expensive, strong demand ensures quicker rentals and easier resales. * **Strong Resale Potential:** High demand makes reselling properties easier, though not necessarily guaranteeing large capital gains. * **Accessibility:** Excellent public transport (like trams) makes properties attractive to students and young professionals. * **Proximity to Services:** Easy access to shops, services, and entertainment. * **Faster Rental Turnover:** Properties rent out very quickly, often within minutes of advertising, ensuring consistent income. * **Financial Security for Investor:** In dynamic "small cities" or villages close to larger cities, investment feels more secure. **Cons of City Investing:** * **Higher Property Prices:** Initial investment is higher. * **Potential for Abuse in Rental Prices:** Some landlords overcharge for small, poorly equipped spaces. * **Co-ownership Fees:** Many city properties are in co-ownerships, incurring additional fees. * **Less Space/Nature:** Denser urban environment, less private outdoor space. He concludes by encouraging viewers to visit Saumur, a beautiful historical town, as an example of a dynamic small city that offers a rich experience at an affordable price. He reiterates that he is personally more inclined towards rural investments due to his familiarity and his construction business, which aligns with renovating older country homes. For those with limited budgets, he advises starting with small investments like parking spaces, garages, or even well-located fields that can be rented for summer activities or animals. This allows new investors to gain experience with property management and costs before committing to larger projects. The video ends with a call to subscribe to the channel.