It was an unusually – and surprisingly – successful week for sterling, continuing its fine start to 2021. On three days the pound was in either first or equal first place among the major currencies, with six days of unchallenged…
Many of the properties for sale come with that key caveat. they ‘need work’. Our expert contributor shares tips for buying a property to renovate in France.
The process of borrowing money to fund a property purchase is broadly similar on both sides of the Channel, but there are certain differences between French and UK mortgages which buyers need to bear in mind. Overview The first thing…
This fact sheet explains the procedure for importing and registering a UK registered motor vehicle or trailer/caravan in France. (The procedure is more or less the same for importing a vehicle from any EU country.) It applies to anyone living…
As in other countries, people selling a house in France have certain obligations and duties. Here we examine the selling process in detail…
In the run up to Brexit, national law firm Stone King has launched a service to support clients from start to finish in the sale or purchase of property in France. Usually people looking to buy or sell will…
From 2018 French residents no longer need to pay wealth tax on savings and investments, and investment income benefits from a new tax rate. The French tax reforms which were first announced in September came into effect on 1st January…
Private sales are becoming an increasingly popular trend in the French property market. Here, we talk you through the advantages and potential pitfalls of choosing to go it alone in L’Hexagone without an agent… Value Your Property Realistically Without an…
‘A common error made by a lot of foreign business owners who moved to my area was to think that France was basically the same as back home, except for the language and this just isn’t the case,’. See what people working in France are saying.
This is a comprehensive list of things to do at various points during the removal process. Following this checklist will take away some of the pressure of thinking of too many things at once, or having to make last minute changes for forgotten necessities.
Want to invite more birds, butterflies, and bees into your garden? Here are the plants and flowers that will encourage biodiversity …
While you will be familiar with home and car insurance, in France you also have to know about civil liability and other policies that may be new
For anyone trying to learn French or hoping to communicate better in France, this page is the place to search our many useful French glossaries on a wide range of topics, from living in France to what to say at the hotel on…
Mar Bonnin-Palmer runs down the basics of planning a trip to check out likely French dream homes and explains the advantages of getting your budget sorted out beforehand
There’s nothing like the pleasure of eating vegetables fresh from your own garden. The flavour and texture far exceed anything you can buy in a shop. Growing vegetables is also a natural incentive to to spend time outdoors. It is not necessary to have a large space to begin a vegetable garden, you can start one with just a few pots.
Want to know what your carbon footprint is? Measure how green your lifestyle is the impact it’s having on the environment.
French law no longer requires non-resident sellers domiciled in the EU to appoint a fiscal representative on the sale of property in France, an experience that could be quite costly and verging on the surreal.
A pet passport means that your much-loved animal can easily travel with you to France, but getting your pet ready for travel can take weeks or months. Vet Diana James takes you through the process, step-by-step.
If you are a EU citizen residing in France (primary residents only), you have the right to vote in both European elections and local communal elections. You will need to register before December 31.
Wine is a complex beverage, or at least it should be, and to understand a wine’s complexity and depth you need to analyze it.
Reach more than 330,000 Francophiles, expats, property buyers and investors through FrenchEntrée’s leading portfolio of magazines, newsletters, and website. FrenchEntrée offers a flexible and proven range of online and print marketing solutions to suit every type of company and every…
If you’re buying property in France then you will need to make an international money transfer to move your money from the UK to France. The traditional way of doing this is with a high street bank; however you could…
Look out for these four definite legal”no-no’s” when buying in France.
If this is the year to sell your French property, here are some top tips to help you which we have collated from estate agents and property experts across France…
Award-winning designer James Besson shows us how a garden can thrive in an unlikely setting in the south of France.
What is the best approach if you’re planning to put your house on the market, or if it has lingered on the market for a while? Three ways savvy sellers can make their property stand out from the competition.
The role that Diagnostic surveys play in the purchase of a house in France is very different from what you may be used to.
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…
The French conveyancing system is very well organised and secure. There is no equivalent of reported problems with non existent title deeds (such as in Cyprus) or invalid planning permissions (such as in Spain). So what should those preparing to buy a property in France be wary of?
Introduction: Although being expensive to maintain – the World Health Organisation has stated that France spends 11% of GDP on healthcare and outranks major countries on this basis – France offers a wide choice of general practitioners and healthcare specialists.…
If you’re from the USA, UK or Australia the concept of School Insurance may seem a little strange. What is it for? When you register your child for school you will be asked for an attestation d’assurance scolaire (certificate of…
Pool security is a legal must in France. There are four government approved methods – here is an explanation of the pros and cons of fencing, alarms, covers and abris.
There is an unbelievable choice of swimming pools available nowadays. Here, Chris Harrison of Piscine-Plus runs through how they differ in terms of price, space, number of pool users, filter type, sanitation and security.
French state education is well-organised, well-funded and with generally average to high standards in comparison to other European countries. The state system is also complemented by a comprehensive network of Private Schools including international schools…
If you would like to choose an alternative or greener supplier of electricity in France, there are providers who can supply energy produced only from renewable sources such as hydropower, wind power and biomass…
All in ground swimming pools in France require planning permission. Abris or pool houses also require planning permission, but above ground pools that are not built as a permanent structure do not.
Another way to start a winter herb garden indoors is to move plants from your garden into your kitchen, says gardening topic host Elaine Jarvis.
Insurance broker Aon conducted an online survey. It was sent to five-hundred English speakers in France (66% of which are British). There was some interesting feedback concerning confusion with French insurance…
In France, insuring your main place of residence against fire, theft and natural causes is not obligatory but it is advisable. However, you do have to insure yourself against damage you could accidently cause your French neighbours
Do you love wine and dream of having a wine cellar of your own instead of just buying a bottle when needed? This simple guide to starting a wine cellar will show you how to go about it.
Installing your own swimming pool can be very rewarding and certainly save you a packet. Follow these 10 easy stages and you won’t go far wrong.
A handy list of common terms in French on gardening, plants, and tools.
The french national anthem “La Marseillaise” got its name during the French revolution because it was sung by troops from Marseille upon arriving in Paris. Here are the words in French and English.
A brief introduction to wine, its components and how it is made. Wine is produced from the fermented juice of the grapes of the Vitis Vinifera, a species of vine known to man for millennia. A number of natural factors are important …
The separation of church and state has an impact on school and public administration. France is a secular state, but what are the implications of “laïcité” in everyday life?
Image not found.One of the joys of gardening is seeing your garden grow in sheer numbers of plants that you have produced yourself. Obviously there is always the time and …
With new Brexit rules and regulations from January 2021 and strict COVID-19 travel restrictions currently in place, what does this mean for British people looking to travel to the EU? Here’s everything you need to need to know about travel…
While a British driving licence is recognised in France, there may be changes ahead for residents and visitors driving in France after Brexit.
Across our network of partners, sometimes we come across properties which just blow us away. It might be a picture-postcard stone house in Dordogne, a chocolate-box cottage in Normandy or a stunning modern villa in Provence. You are never spoilt…
With the current economic turmoil due to both Brexit and Covid-19, many UK mortgage brokers have continued to be accused of being ‘ageist’. This is because many are lowering their maximum age limits on traditional mortgage lending for an older borrower…
Mr and Mrs Palmer were looking to buy in France for years and they finally found a country home before Christmas in the region of Aquitaine with a price tag of €400,000. They made an offer for the asking price.…
The latest report from Santé Public France revealed 310 additional Covid-19 related deaths in hospitals in the 24 hours to Monday. This brings the total number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic to 68,060. In the same 24-hour…
The latest Covid-19 figures in France from Santé Public France show a total of 378 additional deaths in the 24 hours to Monday, bringing the overall number of deaths to 65,415. There were 4,022 new cases in the same period,…
In the midst of the pandemic and with restrictions on international travel, we look at how you can prepare for your purchase from the comfort of your home. center If you are looking to own a property in France, don’t…
Answer: When it becomes a business loan. If you’re a prospective French property buyer, you need to be aware that if you plan on buying a property to run as a business – if the primary goal of buying that…
After the Brexit deal was agreed we saw a timid rise in GBP/EUR which nearly reached 1.12 on Christmas Eve. Soon after, the rate dropped to levels of 1.10 where it has remained for most of the festive period. So…
According to the latest report from Santé Public France, France saw 363 deaths from Covid-19 in the 24 hours to Monday, bringing the total to 63,109 since the pandemic began. 2,960 new cases were confirmed in the same 24 hours,…
The good news on the vaccination programme has not been enough to keep Sterling safe. A new variant of COVID 19 which is rapidly spreading through parts of the UK forced the government to cancel the initial plans for Christmas…
Welcome to this week’s French news roundup, featuring the Covid latest, travel restrictions and important information for pet owners. According to the latest report from Santé Public France, there were 351 Covid-19 related deaths in the 24 hours to Monday,…
During December we catch up with a few of our FrenchEntrée Partners and ask them for their reflections on 2020 – one of the most topsy-turvy years any of us have experienced – and their thoughts on what 2021 will…
Following a EU policy decision, the UK government has announced details of NEW documentation required by British people travelling to France with a pet dog, cat or ferret from January 1, 2021. From this date onwards – the end of…
Datacolor, a global leader in color management solutions, have got just what you need. Datacolor’s nifty ColorReader devices were created to inspire and can detect colours and give you an instant match right to your phone, along with giving complementary…
With the Brexit transitional period coming to an end in a matter of weeks, many British people with assets in Europe are thinking about the future and are concerned whether their Wills will still work from 1 January 2021. Laura…
During December we catch up with a few of our FrenchEntrée Partners and ask them for their reflections on 2020 – one of the most topsy-turvy years any of us have experienced – and their thoughts on what 2021 will…
The last report provided by French health authorities concerning the Covid-19 pandemic revealed 3,063 new cases in the 24 hours to Monday, though this total is not definitive due to some reporting issues. This brings the total number of confirmed…
The most common mortgage product in France (and the most easily obtainable) is a Capital Rayment mortgage. Interest-Only products are possible, but they are considered a tax planning product in France, therefore have very strict wealth and income tests.…
In the past few weeks, good news of a vaccine coupled with the expectation of an imminent BREXIT agreement saw the pound gain substantial ground against the major currencies. GBP/EUR nearly hit the 1.13 level – the best in weeks.…
During December we catch up with a few of our FrenchEntrée Partners and ask them for their reflections on 2020 – one of the most topsy-turvy years any of us have experienced – and their thoughts on what 2021 will…
The latest report from Santé Public France revealed 366 hospital deaths in the 24 hours to Sunday. This brings the total number of Covid-19 related deaths to 55,521. 3,411 new cases were confirmed in the same 24 hours, though the…
It’s a tough mortgage market out there at the moment, so it is worth bearing in mind the minimum requirements so you don’t waste your time or get your hopes up. What is the minimum amount I would have to…
According to the latest report from Santé Public France, France saw 406 deaths in hospitals in the 24 hours to yesterday, Monday, November 30. The number of new cases and hospitalisations is declining, with 4,005 new cases confirmed in the…
This week we take a look at some of the most commonly-asked questions from international buyers looking to take out a mortgage in France. These are genuine questions posed by our readers over the last few weeks. If you have…
When the Chapmans stayed at their favourite Dordogne guesthouse on a house-hunting foray and fortuitously found it was for sale, they snapped up the pretty manor, says Nicola Venning. When Christopher and Sarah Chapman visited the Dordogne in 1990, their…
Since our last article on this subject, more information has come to light regarding this. Barclays have now stated that they will be closing all bank accounts (that includes current accounts, deposit accounts and savings accounts) and Wealth Management Accounts,…
The British Pound is this week’s best performing major currency. The rise has been aided by two future major events that are hugely impacting exchange rates at the moment. One is the news of a COVID -19 vaccine developed by…
Latest figures from Santé Public France concerning the Covid-19 epidemic revealed 215 deaths in hospitals in the 24 hours to Sunday, bringing to 48,732 the total number of deaths. There were 13,157 new cases confirmed in the same period. While…
Generating an income from a property in France has long been an aspiration of would-be buyers. Some clients are looking to earn just enough from the property to cover some bills, the taxe foncière and a couple of nice bottles…
In the current economic climate, many French property owners are keen to maximise the equity they have tied up in their homes, or are looking to restructure expensive loans from 10 years ago. A typical scenario we might see is…
Over the past year, we’ve seen huge market volatility whether it be through stalling Brexit negotiations or the ongoing pandemic that is affecting markets globally. GBP/EUR has been as high as 1.2047, and as low as 1.0608 this year, which…
Usually we focus on how to be eligible and obtain a mortgage in France to buy the property of your dreams. This week we flip this on its’ head, and explore how to NOT be eligible for a French mortgage.…
In our weekly news round up from France, we look at the Covid-19 latest figures and measures. According to the latest report from Santé Public France, France reported 9,406 new cases and 506 deaths in hospitals in the 24 hours…
A guide to the basics of planning from French Plans Many people misunderstand the planning process in France. In our experience, mis-information can cause problems for everyone, so we regard it as part of our job to ensure that clients…
France is a popular place to go for entrepreneurs and businesspeople. If you’re going to start a business, why not do it in a dreamy location? With recent reports claiming that French people tend to be wealthier than in the…
French Plans explain the documentation and processes required for a planning application, and how they can assist. 1. Preparation of the planning dossier This includes all application forms, relevant plans and scale drawings, photographs, explanation of the project, details of…
How many times have we heard tales of friends or acquaintances who have fallen foul of cowboy builders, electricians, or plumbers? Most of us are familiar with the term ‘P&O Qualified’, which refers to the shady operators who suddenly…
The latest report from Santé Public France revealed 270 deaths in hospitals in the 24 hours to Sunday, bringing to 40,439 the total number of deaths from Covid-19. There were 38,619 new cases of contamination in the same 24-hour period.…
Alistair Lockhart, FrenchEntrée’s Property Director, shares some thoughts on how French Property buyers can make their lives – and their relationship with their estate agents – easier: I first got involved with French property in 2004, when my wife and…
No matter if there’s rain, shine, you’re indoors or out, owning holiday homes is easy and still very possible. Whether it’s the picturesque South of France, rolling hills of Tuscany, sunny Mallorca, snow capped Chamonix or quintessentially English countryside of…
The overriding focus this year has been on COVID-19 and the impact this has had across the globe. With the threat of the virus still strong and the recent announcement of further lockdowns in most European countries, including here in…
In this week’s news digest: Covid-19 updates, confinement news and what you cannot buy at a supermarket Latest figures from Santé Public France concerning Covid-19 in France reveal 231 deaths in hospitals in the 24 hours to Sunday, with 46,290…
France will be placed under a second national lockdown from midnight Thursday in a bid to stem the second wave of Covid-19. The measure was announced in a TV address by President Macron last night, saying a ‘brutal brake’ was…
As the Covid-19 second wave takes hold in France, this week’s news digest focuses on current statistics and possible measures to be introduced to stem the spread, including a stricter curfew (couvre-feu) in 54 departments. Latest figures from Santé…
Forget ‘to the manor born’ – live your best life in South West France by owning one of these wonderful manor houses! Gironde €659,600 Dating from 1884, this Manor House is situated in a peaceful environment with views of the…
Charlotte Macdonald is an associate solicitor in Stone King’s international and cross border team. Over a new 12-part series of articles Charlotte answers legal and practical questions that are often asked by her clients in relation to France; whether that…
This is probably the most asked question about the French property market. Typically my response would be, “Oh, you know, pretty steady…”. The French property market is historically very stable. Dare I say, even unexciting. In 2020 though, when all…
