After two years of falling, commercial property values in France have risen during the first two quarters of 2010.

The Investment Property Databank index (IDP), which is based in London, said that the first six months of the year saw a rise on average of 1.6%. The properties included ranged from commercial buildings such as shops and apartment blocks. With a rise of 2.4% across the nation, the values of office buildings saw that greatest gains.

At gains of 2.8%, the central business district in Paris saw the biggest rise.

This rise is welcomed after a fall of 18% in commercial property values over the last two years. It was this drop that encouraged wealthy investors such as German insurance company Allianz SE to begin buying commercial property on the cheap. They concentrated their investments mostly on Paris properties.

Second in popularity behind only London, Paris boasts the largest office market by size in Europe.

One of the properties includes three buildings that are leased to finance advisors Aforge and investment bank Rothschild & Compagnie. The properties are part of the prestigious Capital 8 office in Paris.

IPD's managing director, Christian de Kerangal, said "French property has finally turned the corner. Since the middle of 2009 we have seen quite a lot of cash rich investors seeking to buy prime stock, that is properties in prime locations, with financially strong tenants on longer leases"