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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
If you’ve read our previous articles you will have seen that exchange rates have been in flux during this time with political tensions, economic uncertainties and the returning talk of Brexit. If we specifically take a look at Sterling Euro,…
In this week’s Mortgage Update we’re going to look back on some of the genuine questions asked by FrenchEntrée readers and prospective property buyers, and share the answers from our team. Q: “My wife and I are both over 70…
The British pound started this week with a modest gain against the Euro and the Dollar on the view that a Brexit trade deal could be soon be delivered. All eyes are on the meeting that the EU leaders…
Given the current economic uncertainty it will come as no surprise to our readers to learn that enquiries for new French mortgages on purchases have increased over the last few weeks. Enquiries for remortgaging and equity release have remained steady.…
It was the 18th February 2020 and Andrew and Theresa were celebrating that after nearly 3 years searching they had finally found their dream property in France. They put an offer straight away on a rural chateau close to Poitiers…
House hunting abroad doesn’t have to be a whole new ballgame – as long as you know the rules Book appointments in advance This will help to avoid disappointment, especially at peak viewing times. Do bear in mind that agents…
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…
New owners of property management franchise, LBV France, prepare for expansion following surge in enquiries prompted by global pandemic and looming Brexit deadline. Carmel O’Connell and husband Joe Wilson – joint owners of French property management company, Les Bons Voisins,…
A host of the UK’s major banks such as; Lloyds Banking Group (which includes Halifax and Bank of Scotland), Barclays and Coutts have notified customers that if a ‘No Deal’ ensues in the upcoming trade deal talks between the UK…
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…
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 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…
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…
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.
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:…
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 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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
