A good area to invest in - buy and holds

[Jon B.]

Hi 

I'm fairly new to the investment business although have held a couple of small rental houses for three years or so. But bought those with a builders head rather than an investors head and only now getting to grips with what makes a good investment. I'm based in france so I expect very different scenario to there in the states.

I'm have decided to invest further in a town near me called Saint Yrieix (SY) - it has about 7000 inhabitants, high employment and good connection with a larger town Limoges 25 miles and 140 000 inhabitants

Looking at the chart below on right SY has much few tenants (locataires) ratio to owners compare to the large town also below.

Is there any guidance you guys can give me on selecting an area to invest and what sort of signs one should look for. Is there any preference for this ratio - in my eyes top one suggests lack of rental properties so not so much competition but the lower one perhaps give an indication of a large tenant pool to choose from. Appreciate many factors to consider.

It also appears that that the is shortage of studios T1s and T2s and one bedroom homes in SY so could be interesting aiming at this sector.

Great to hear advice on what makes an area and attractive proposition.

St yrieix stats

Limoges stats