SCPI

In order to invest in French Real Estate you have 2 different ways:

1. First option: to buy directly a property.
It is remarkably trustworthy in France because the legislation is especially severe, so if you purchase properties you will be the possessor at 100%.

But the hassle is that if you intend to rent it, and obtain money from it, you must realize that French law is particularly protective for the renter.

For example if your renter doesn't pay out, you must make numerous official actions with attorneys and ushers, and then you must wait for a judgement to expropriate your renter.

And the expropriation can't be applied during the winter time, you will have to wait until the next spring.
It needs typically one year to expropriate someone...

2. The other way to invest in French Real Estate is much easier and safer: you just need to buy SCPI shares
SCPI is a company that gathers shareholders money, then invest it by buying real estate, rent it and distribute the income each quarters to the shareholders.

As an investor you get to know what the Scpi owns, and you are given net payments.

It means that the Scpi takes care of just about everything: purchasing, leasing, managing tenants, reselling.

And if you need to sell your shares it is pretty easy, you only have to inform the Scpi, and you will sell your shares to a new buyer.

There are a great number of Scpi in France, which means that you should pick carefully.

First you can choose Scpi Scellier, they are investing in brand new real estate that will be leased to individuals.
The drawback of Scpi Scellier is that the yield is about 3% which is quite low. But you'll also a tax reduction if you keep the shares 9 years or more. So if you pay income tax in France Scpi Scellier are best for you

Another type of Scpi are Scpi Scellier Renove, it's almost the same as Scpi Scellier except that it invests in old buildings that will be fully renovated. It gives you also a tax advantage

Another type is called Scpi Malraux, it invests in old constructions in protected areas. It lets you to have access to old stones constructions

A different type is called Scpi de Rendement, it invests in professional and industrial buildings. The yield is pretty good, close to 5,40% net in 2011.

You have 2 groups:
Many are specialized in Workplace Buildings
The one which are investing in Commercial Buildings

On my opinion, Scpi present the best yield/risk ratio, you get physical assets, great yield and no hassle

If you want to discover a lot more about Scpi, then you are advised to visit the internet site of one of the recommended French CGPI