Quercy Property Guide
CONTENTS
Property Buyer's Guide
Welcome to our guide to buying property in the Lot, Lot et Garonne and Tarn et Garonne departments.
Useful Information
Links to help you buy your place in the sunThe Purchase Process
A step by step guide to buying your own little piece of sunny south west France.How Much Will it Really Cost?
In France, the buyer pays the agency and legal fees which could make that dream home more expensive than you thought. Make sure you know what the price really includes...The Role of the Notaire
An essential part of every property sale in France and more than just a tax collector...What to Watch Out For
Once you sign the compromis de vente, you are committed to buy, or forfeit 10% of the price. Unless you make use of clauses suspensives...Which Airport?
Public Holidays
Did you know that Good Friday is not a public holiday in France?
Why not print out our list of holidays for 2008...more...
Property Guide
For property finding, buying and renovating Our guide to the Lot and Quercy region for property buyers covering the essentials of the purchase process, facts about the region and types of property available from little stone cottages to crumbling chateaux.Buying A French Property?
Let the buyer beware... It is a cliché to say that the French usually do things differently from the British. The French turn it round and say that the Brits do things differently to everyone else. But just like all clichés there's a fundamental truth. Disclosing problems in a house purchase is a very good example. The fundamental principle in British law is "buyer beware" – in other words, it is up to the buyer to determine the nature of what he's buying. Buyer Beware...Why Are French Estate Agents So Expensive?
An Estate Agent Speaks.jpg)
While the basic job of UK and French estate agents is the same, in practice they are vastly different. First, the French move house less frequently than the British. So the volume of transactions is smaller. Secondly the French population is dispersed over a much larger area than the British. We take properties...
Why Are French Estate Agents So Expensive
BNP Paribas International Buyers
British Buyers Still No.1 in France
BNP Paribas International Buyers have been taking a look at the French property market and have come up with some interesting figures, plus the announcement of a special deal on fixed rate mortgages...
BNP Paribas International Buyers...
Property Renovation In France – Good News On VAT
New Tax Changes Help Renovators
French estate agents often get asked what the sale value of a property will be after it has been restored. This question often arises because the potential purchaser is looking for an opportunity to make a profit. But French property doesn’t work like that. The UK concept of moving in, doing up and moving on just doesn’t work....
Property Renovation In France…
Lot and Quercy Property Review 2009/10
Market starting to recover after a difficult 2009
The economic crisis and Euro to Pound exchange rate had a dramatic impact on the French property market in 2009. We look back at the year and make some predictions as to how the market will develop in 2010. Prices have certainly dropped during 2009, but the signs are that the market is starting to pick up again - a great time to buy?...
Lot and Quercy Property Review 2009...
Planning A Move To France?
Ten things you need to know
So you’ve finally done it, you’ve found your dream home in France and are getting ready for the “big move”. Congratulations and welcome!Here is our top ten list of things you need to do when arranging your move to France. Ten things to know...
Running A Gite Business In South West France
What's it really like?
So what’s it really like running a Gîte business in France? Well, in short – it beats working for a living! So forget what you think it’s like and give 5 minutes to reading a real life account of setting up and running gîtes in France...
Running a Gite Business...
Buying A Dream House in the Lot et Garonne
My Little French House
My love affair with France began nearly 20 years ago, when I was 18 years old. I was drawn to France, why - I don’t know. I had never been to France, never experience the French culture or food; I just knew I wanted to be there someday. I used to dream and believe by the time I was 35, I would live 6 months in Australia and 6 months in France...
My Little French House...
Buying and Renovating an Auction Property Part 2
The Renovation Work
Buying a property at auction is an exciting prospect, buying an auction property that needs total renovation promised to be an even bigger challenge for James and Vanessa HOPKINS. In the concluding artcile of this two part story, Vanessa describes the renovation work...
Buying an auction property Part 2...
Running a Bed and Breakfast in France
Still a good option?
Mark and Fiona Vallance have been running their thriving Bed and Breakfast business in the Lot Valley for the last three years. We caught up with them recently as they were planning a new business venture and they gave us an update on their experiences of running a B&B in France…
Running a B&B in France...
Low Priced Properties in the Lot and Quercy
We look at what's available for less than 160k euros
Although the property market in France is quieter than usual, some agents are suggesting this is actually a good time to buy. There is a huge range of choice available and many sellers are willing to negotiate on price which can more than offset any recent changes in the exchange rate. The current slow down is not likely to last forever and once things pick up again prices can only increase.Properties up to €160k...
Running a Gîte Business in South West France
Could you do it?
How many of us dream about moving to France, but somehow it all fails to materialize? Mike Burrows tells us about his dream come true running a Gite business and why it could be your turn next...
Running a gite business...
Property Bargains in the Lot and Quercy
A good time to buy?
The recent dramatic shift in the GB pound to euro exchange rate has contributed to a slowing of the French property market. The shift in the rate from around 1.45 to 1.25 has effectively reduced the purchasing power of the pound by about 15%. In response to this shift we are seeing increasing numbers of properties with reductions in the asking price.
Property Bargains...
Exclusive Properties For Sale in the Lot and Quercy
A selection of Sole Agency properties
The French property market is largely dominated by multiple agency selling. Each vendor tends to list their property for sale with a variety of local agents. The sole agency or exclusive deal is still relatively uncommon. We have uncovered a selection of these rare sole agency properties from less than €100k to more than €1 million...
Sole Agency Properties...
Moving to the Lot and Quercy? €500k Budget?
We look at what’s available...
The recent currency exchange rate fluctuations have reduced the buying power of people moving from the UK to France. But French property is still outstanding value compared to the UK. Sell your detached four-bedroom house in Sussex for £425,000 and see what you could buy in the Lot and Quercy region of southwest France...
Lot and Quercy Property...
Regional Snapshot - The Lot and Tarn et Garonne
In the Northern Midi-Pyrenees
The Midi-Pyrenees is the largest region in France, and possibly the most diverse, stretching from the undulating charm of the Dordogne valley in the north to the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees in the south...
Regional Snapshot...
The Perfect Holiday Home in the Lot and Quercy?
We look at what’s available...
What makes an ideal holiday home? A property that is ready to move into, low maintenance and easy to "lock and leave", or is a pool really an essential item for those long hot summers? Here we present a selection of properties from our Featured Property Agents.
Ideal Holiday Home...
Buying and Renovating an Auction Property
From Bougies to Bank to BuyBuying a property at auction is an exciting prospect - buying an auction property that needs total renovation promised to be an even bigger challenge for James and Vanessa HOPKINS. In the first of a two part story, Vanessa describes the purchase process...
Buying an auction property...
Regional Snapshot - The Lot et Garonne
In Eastern Aquitaine
Glorious Aquitaine, fabled land of many rivers, once stretched from the Loire valley to the Pyrenees, that was many years ago when it was a rich, medieval dukedom, when Eleanor was its Duchess and her court attracted the greatest troubadours of the age...
Regional Snapshot...
Barn Renovation in the Lot
Creating a dream come true
Leslee Carsewell, originally from the East Coast of the US fell in love with France at an early age and dreamt of one day having a house there. Here she tells the story of her barn purchase and renovation.
barn renovation in the Lot...
New House Build in France – The Final Part
Stephen Leitch concludes his cautionary tale of getting a new house built in the Lot. Having waited over a year to get started on the building, the actual construction of the house goes quite smoothly and is actually completed ahead of schedule. Ready to move into? Well not quite, as EDF haven’t yet connected the electricity...New House Build Part 3...
Lauzerte en Quercy Immobilier
Property sales in Lauzerte
So, you’ve decided you want to buy – a permanent residence, a holiday home, a DIY project, somewhere you can relax with your friends and family. No matter what your motivation, you need look no further than Lauzerte en Quercy Immobilier to get you started.
Lauzerte en Quercy Immobilier...
An Estate Agent in France – The Perfect Profession?
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What profession allows you to live the dream in France and make a living at the same time? Beautiful countryside, interesting people and memorable lunches are offset by hours of driving, difficult clients and sheer hard work. Alison Hibbard of Quercy Gascogne Immobilier gives us an insight into life as a French Estate Agent.
more...
New House Build in France – The Story Continues
Stephen Leitch continues his cautionary tale of getting a new house built in the Lot. After a year of battling through the minefields of French bureaucracy, architect’s sloth and planners lethargy to achieve the full planning permissions, the building can finally get underway...
more...
House Prices in the Lot and Quercy Region
How do they compare with the rest of France?
For many, the Lot and Quercy region in the south of France is the ideal place to buy a property – far enough south to experience true heat and sharp light, well serviced by airports with low cost flights from the UK and still relatively undiscovered – but what are the prices like?
more...
New House Build in France – A Dream Come True?
A cautionary self-build tale from the Lot
Having a house built to your own specification in rural France is an increasingly popular way of realising the dream of French property ownership. But is it really as simple as the Immobiliers, Builders and Architects make it sound? Stephen Leitch presents a first hand account of the many pitfalls to be avoided.
more...
Intasure - House Insurance for French Property
Is your French home properly protected?
As an owner of a French home, you already understand the importance of protecting your valuable asset. Until now it has been hard to find an insurer who provides comprehensive protection combined with a flexibility that covers all eventualities - but that has now changed... more...
Running a Gîte Business in France
Some first hand experiences
Ariane Delmonte and Monique van Veldhoven came to France seven years ago and established a Gite business in the village of Albas in the Lot Valley. Here they recount some of their feelings and experiences on their adventure so far...
more...
Solar Heating in France
A guide to some alternative energy options
Lot resident and regular Forum contributor Papibryn shares some of the results of his research into alternative energy solutions for homes in south west France. In this article he outlines the options for solar heating.
more...
Finding Your Dream House in the South of France
Phil Voice shares his experiences
Phil & Donna Voice moved to France in 2004 and spent many hours driving around, visiting Immobiliers, viewing websites looking for the right house. In their case the house was found quite quickly but this does not always happen...
more...
Preparing Your Pool for Winter
Hints and tips for winterising (l'hivernage)
Preparing your pool for the winter is an essential task that will keep the pool and equipment in good condition ready for quickly re-opening the pool in the spring. Here is a guide to the procedure that should be followed...
more...
Building a House in the South of France
Our plot in the Lot
Bill and Rosalind spent 3 years trying to find their dream home in France. They couldn't find what they wanted and decided to build their own. In the first of a series of articles they describe finding their perfect plot and why they ended up much further south than they first expected...
more...
An American in the Lot
A Short Experiential Guide to Our Purchase in France
I bought what? Well, we really didn’t plan a purchase, but... While we were vacationing in France last year, we decided to act on our previous plans to take a look at a few properties, and one thing led to another...
more...
Property Hot Spots in the Lot and Quercy
Town mouse, country mouse
The Quercy has become enormously popular in the last few years, and popularity brings price rises. However it is only in the last five years that we have seen a real increase in the foreign population and the vast majority were retired older couples. The situation is just beginning to change again...
more...
Buying a House in France?
Make sure you understand the key decisions before you start.
With a background in international marketing and project management, Alison Hibbard took a carefully planned approach to buying her house in the Lot region four years ago. Here, she offers some useful advice for others embarking on a house hunting adventure and outlines the key decisions that should be analysed in advance to save a lot of time, money and heartache...
more...
New Build Houses in South West France?
A little corner of a foreign field
Many people dream of moving to France, and as a general rule these dreams include derelict stone houses that within the year look like something out of the pages of House and Garden. It does happen of course but not very often...
more...
Swimming Pool Safety in France
New laws are now in force The recent changes to French Law mean that all privately owned swimming pools must now have a safety device in place that conforms to AFNOR Standards. The law is enforced by a fine of up to €45,000 and inspectors are checking swimming pools in all regions for the correct installation of alarms and barriers. more...The Building Trade in France
How the system works and how to work the system
Finding a good tradesman in France isn't usually too difficult – finding one who can do the work quickly is quite a different matter! It helps to understand how the building trade functions so that you can comprehend why your builder will take a long lunch hour and disappear at midday on a Friday.
more...
A Little Stone Cottage in the South of France
Are they still out there?
It’s every chilly Northern European’s dream. A little cottage, full of character, metre-thick stone walls and a glorious view over the vineyards or sunflower fields... more...
What’s the Weather Like?
A few facts about the Lot and Quercy climate.
As Peter Mayle famously reminded us, Provence has been described as a cold country with a high rate of sunshine, although as we all know, the summers are consistently hot. Exactly the same can be said of the Lot and Quercy region, but let’s look at some actual figures...
more...
South Dordogne & North Lot-et-Garonne Properties
We offer a service dedicated to assisting you in finding your dream property in the beautiful surroundings of the Bergerac, Southern Dordogne or Northern Lot-et-Garonne territories. Find out more on how Southern Dordogne Property Finders can assist with your property search.Tarn et Garonne Properties for sale
Medieval villages, glorious countryside, varied landscapes, riverside locations, the Tarn et Garonne offers a great range of properties, have a look at our selection of Tarn et Garonne properties for sale.Looking for a Rural Heaven in the Lot?
Being one of the least populated départements of France, the Lot offers great traditional properties in amazing rural peaceful locations. Have a look at our properties for sale in the Lot.Properties in Unspoiled Lot et Garonne Area
Located south of the Dordogne area, the Lot et Garonne offers the perfect combination of things to do and see as well as a very relaxing environment. Visit our properties for sale in the Lot et Garonne.Featured Property
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What's the Weather Really Like?
Property Books
How to Renovate a House in France: The Essential Know-how to Create Your Dream Home in France. Only £25 - free P&P to U.K.