|
1- Set your objectives: Are you buying a home in
France as a family holiday home, a place to retire to
or an investment for letting purposes. This will be a
factor in choosing the location and the type and size
of property.
2- Set your budget.
3- Find out about the purchasing costs – legal
fees, agency fees.
4- Bear in mind exchange rates fluctuations. You can
save yourself substantial money by getting advice
from currency specialists and by fixing your exchange
rate in advance.
5- Ensure the finances are in place (savings or
mortgage). If raising a mortgage have an agreement in
principle well before you set out to visit
properties. Knowing that the money is available or
can promptly be called upon could be a money saving
benefit in negotiating with the vendor.
6- Decide on the region. France is a big country and
each region has its own identity. The
time spent researching the regions will be well
invested and will save you time and miles of
unnecessary journeys in France.
7 - Good transport links and ease of access are key
factors. Does the region have a low cost airport,
convenient railways stations, good access to Channel
ports or the Tunnel?
8 - Bear in mind the proximity of amenities and
shops. This is particularly important for the benefit
of holidaymakers if you wish to rent the property and
will be reflected in the rental price. Properties in
the middle of nowhere are less in demand and do not
generate the same income.
9 -If looking at a renovation project ensure that you
have all the information about the costs and the
administrative procedures involved. Renovation is
expensive in France (particularly labour). Choosing a
property requiring minimal work or a new build
property may cost more on purchasing but will save
you money (and subcontractors’ frustration!) in
the long term.
10- Finally buying/owning a place in France must be
an enjoyable project/achievement. Of course choose a
property and location that you are going to enjoy but
never lose sight of the resale potential as you may
have to sell on.
Patricia
Février
Founder and Managing
Director
|