Waiting and wondering was the story for sterling this week. And although it took a distant fourth place behind the US dollar and Japanese yen, the pound was only narrowly beaten by the Canadian dollar and strengthened by an average…
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 …
Sunday’s Covid-19 report from Santé Public France showed the country had 12 deaths in hospital in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total number of deceased to 31,585. There were 10,569 new cases of contamination in 24 hours. The number…
Here at FrenchEntrée we try to make our property articles as practical as possible, to save you time, effort and money. This week we asked our amazing (and very busy!) FrenchEntrée network of partners a simple question… “If you could…
Securing a mortgage in France doesn’t have to be difficult and can be more cost-effective than paying for your property in cash FrenchEntrée Property Director Alistair Lockhart advises prospective buyers on the best way to secure a mortgage and get…
Sarah Bright, property lawyer in Toulouse, tackles the unmentionable As comical as it seems, I spend one huge dollop of my time rectifying expats’ scatological disputes. Leaky drains, overflowing cesspits, broken pipes… Bad plumbing, though hardly glamorous, has become a…
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…
We are fortunate to work with a network of highly experienced, licensed estate agents across the most popular areas of France. This week, as some countries ease out of lockdown and others face a potential second wave, we examine what…
Last week we saw the pound fall nearly 4% against the euro. Not great news for those in the UK looking to exchange their funds into euros to pay for their dream property in France. The only thing that stopped…
The latest assessment provided by French health authorities concerning the COVID-19 pandemic shows at least 381,094 confirmed cases (+10,561 in 24 hours) and a total of 30,910 deaths. In the 24 hours to Sunday, September 13, a total of six…
The single currency has been performing very well despite the pandemic crisis, however there are some risk factors ahead that might weaken its position. So what is creating pressure for the EURO? There has been some negative development in the…
In this week’s round up of French news, we bring you full Covid-19 developments plus sports and crime news According to the latest report from Santé Public France, France has reported three deaths in hospital in the 24 hours to…
Since the 1970s, France has been a property and lifestyle destination for retired and pre-retirees from overseas, particularly the UK. Every week we speak with clients in their 50s and 60s who are either looking for a holiday home or…
If you are just setting out on your journey to buy a property in France – maybe a holiday home or perhaps you plan on emigrating – here are 12 of the most important things you should be aware of:…
In this week’s French Covid-19 round up, news of a major spike in infections but relatively low rates of hospitalisation and death According to the latest report from Santé Public France, France had four deaths in hospital in the 24…
This week we take a look at the French Property Market as we approach the end of August 2020, as well as offering some top tips for prospective buyers on how to build a good relationship with an estate agent…
By law, all property transactions in France have to take place in euros – even if it happens to be a British client buying from a British seller, which we have seen many times. So if you are buying in…
In our weekly French news round up, the latest Covid-19 figures and measures plus outcry at graffiti daubed on one of France’s most precious memorials. France has recorded 4,897 new cases of Covid-19 in the 24 hour period to Sunday,…
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…
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…
In this week’s news digest, a pandemic update, news of more mask wearing enforcement and how Puy du Fou is under the spotlight again. In France, the latest assessment provided by health authorities concerning the Covid-19 pandemic shows at least…
It’s worth bearing in mind, as you plan your purchase, the minimum criteria for what French banks will lend if you’re looking for a mortgage. Over the last few weeks, since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, and the likely…
The enforced Covid-19 lockdown has generated a surge in enquiries for professionals looking to relocate abroad but continue working for the same employer. They have enjoyed the freedom of working from home, have demonstrated to their bosses that their location…
We’re offering a lucky reader the chance to win a three month action-packed Adventure Activity kit subscription for children worth £41 from our friends Our Little Globe.
In this week’s French news digest, latest Covid-19 developments and patient figures, plus details of public places where a mask is now mandatory following a dramatic rise in cases. Plus, a heatwave update as France’s canicule looks to be coming…
A sudden surge in coronavirus cases in America, Europe and UK is threating the precarious balance achieved on the last months. For those thinking of buying in a different country and with a different currency this situation is really difficult.…
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…
In this week’s digest we bring you the latest Covid-19 statistics and current measures in place, plus other news from around France The latest assessment given by health authorities concerning the Covid-19 pandemic showed at least 187,919 confirmed cases (+1,346…
Mr and Mrs Smith were looking to buy in France and they travelled to the country at the beginning of the year. They found a lovely chateau with a price tag of €400,000 in Mayenne in the North and put…
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. Equity…
One of the most common requirements from prospective buyers is that they want to own a property in France is, “must have nice views”. This week we have a look at some wonderful French properties for sale with views to…
Charlotte Macdonald is an associate solicitor in Stone King’s international and cross-border team. Over a series of articles Charlotte answers legal and practical questions that are often asked by her clients in relation to France; whether that be buying or…
If you are buying in France and holding a currency other than Euros, it is more important than ever to get good guidance on the best way to exchange your funds. Your property price will depend heavily on the exchange…
In this week’s FrenchEntrée news digest we provide a round up of the Covid-19 pandemic in France and look at other news stories from around the country As of Friday, July 24, there were 30,192 Covid-19 related deaths in France…
If you are planning a trip to France to view a few houses, you may find that the estate agents refuse to give out the address of the properties you are interested in. We tell you why…
If you are self-employed or run your own business and are looking to take on staff, what are your legal obligations regarding providing a healthcare scheme to your employees? In France, employers have a legal obligation to provide a company…
Welcome to the French news round up from FrenchEntrée. This week, as well as latest Covid patient figures and new mask-wearing obligations in shops and other indoor public places, we also report on the fire that destroyed the historic organ…
Many of our prospective buyers have sufficient savings to buy their French property outright in cash. And yet they choose to take out a French mortgage in Euros. Why is that? We look at five reasons why taking out a…
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought a great level of uncertainty and volatility to the markets. Should you have to send money abroad now more than ever it is important to look at the best way to do it. Here are…
In this week’s round-up of news from France, we bring you a Covid-19 update, plus how Bastille Day is very different this year. Happy Bastille Day to all FrenchEntrée readers! For obvious reasons, July 14 celebrations in France are different…
Our experts and selected estate agency partners reveal their top French property search tips, to help you find your new home in France. Knowing where you want to buy is very important. France is a huge and varied country and…
If you haven’t already heard, mortgage rates have never been lower. This means that borrowers may be able to restructure their mortgage costs by moving to a more competitive deal. Remortgaging your French home may not have occurred to you…
In our latest weekly round up of news from France, we bring you a Covid-19 update, plus it’s all change in the French cabinet. The Directorate General of Health announced last Friday evening that eighteen people had died in the…
With the possibility of travelling to France again, visiting trips to complete transactions or find a property are back on track. If you’ve read our previous articles you will have seen that exchange rates have been in flux during this…
In the last few weeks we – and our partners – have seen an increase (in certain regions of France) in properties receiving offers for the full asking price. This is pretty astonishing, as outside of major conurbations (Paris and…
FrenchEntrée Property Tips Webinars – Buying in France before Brexit. Dreaming of owning a property in France, but unsure on what you need to know pre Brexit? Following on from the success of the first webinar (which is now available…
This week we hear from FrenchEntrée Partner Sophie Folley, based in the Pyrénées Atlantiques in South West France. Sophie explains how the pandemic and lockdown affected the market and the way they do business, and what the future might hold.…
Here is your weekly French news digest, featuring a Covid-19 update, a travel update for those visiting France and news of big wins for the Greens in French local elections. On Sunday, the latest information provided by French health authorities…
Charlotte Macdonald is an associate solicitor in Stone King’s international and cross border team. Over a series of articles Charlotte answers legal and practical questions that are being asked by her clients in relation to COIVID-19; buying or selling property…
