Owning a Vacation Cottage in France – How to Make the Dream Come True
Those of you who dream of buying a place in France should find the French property system very safe compared to places such as Bulgaria or even Spain. The French property-buying process is straightforward and well-regulated. The Euro has recently dropped in value so it may be a good time to consider making that dream come true as French property prices dropped quite considerably during the financial crisis also and are only now just starting to recover.
France is widely acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, perhaps offering a more relaxed lifestyle than some other countries in the world.
Property Purchase Process
There are several different ways to hold property in France so some research is necessary to make sure that you have found the best way for your needs. In addition, all property in France on death, must be settled according to French inheritance laws, no matter what your principal country of residence is or whether you have a will or not. Conveyancing is likely to be done somewhat differently from that in your own country. Once you find a property and agree on a price, the actual contract process will be handled by a notaire as they are the only persons permitted by law to perform conveyancing in France. You will need to consider foreign currency transfer and you could be well advised to lock in (hedge) your exchange rate with your local bank or forex broker as soon as possible after signing to purchase. The whole process should take two to four months, from making the offer to signing the final contract. Although the process is clear, be careful as gazumping does and can happen in France. Remember that your offer is not official until the compromise de vente has been signed by both buyer and seller.
When considering a property, look for something manageable. Barns to renovate may seem cheap but they will take a considerable amount of money and time to transform into your dream property and then maintain afterwards. Tradesmen costs in France may be very expensive compared to your own country. Although you may still consider renovating a property you like, be careful that you do not overspend (easy to do in France) making it impossible to resell the property for a realistic price should you need to. Land is also very cheap in some parts of France, but be careful; as this could cost a considerable amount, both in time and money, to maintain.
Choosing a Lifestyle Location
Look for an area which will give you a good lifestyle. Buying in a dead village with no shops may seem a lovely quiet backwater option, but you will likely get fed up with driving 10-15km to get your delicious baguettes quite soon. In terms of lifestyle. Buying in or near a village with a good market and a few shops and restaurants and buying in a department with a varied landscape will give you more options and make it easier to sell in the future. The Department of the Lot, for example, although one of the least populated places in France (good – not busy with tourists in summer) but with over 450 protected historical sites to view, will provide plenty of activities and sights to see both for you or your visitors. It is also reputed to have, according to recent government surveys, some of the highest qualities of life opportunities in France, and is a major factor in the majority of moves to the department.
The climate in France is an important consideration. The north of France is generally more English in its weather with a lot of rain. Areas in the central or eastern part of France while hot in summer will have hard winters. The south of France may offer a good climate, but has been very overdeveloped with high rise right along the coast virtually from St Tropez to Menton. So the Lot in South West France can offer you the best of both worlds with a good climate, great history, interesting natural resources, and foie gras with red wine.