Hi..I'm new to the forum, I am hoping to buy in Lot, France around the St Cere area. I was over there last week for a couple of days and saw a property that I am really interested in buying. But the more I look in to it the more daunting it looks, I can't speak the language, neither does the immobilier selling the property, it needs renovating so I need a translator, builder, surveyor and Notaire, etc then when I read about the tax laws in France, wealth tax, different inheritance tax laws etc it all sounds a bit scary. Any help advice would be greatly appreciated. Steve
OK, then if you want my advice - don't do it. You've pointed-out the problems yourself, really. Add to that French inheritance law (which brings hordes of family claimants out of the woodwork when a sale is in the offing); who-knows-what local regulations about what you can and can't do; taxes; etc. etc.
Anyway, the days of the Rural French Farmhouse Restoration project are over: On holiday, I got talking to some retired English owners in the Dordogne who said that they were moving into a modern house in the local village, and that a lot of Brits are trying to do the same. Winters were still as low as -6°C. and summer's were stormy and they'd had enough. Trouble is that there's no local market for these rural retreats - you spend €150,000 renovating the place, and there's no one to sell to. The reason they're available is that the economics of restoration don't work for the locals.
I'm not trying to put you off the idea of a second holiday home in France, but I think that you have to be happy about what you're letting yourself into.
Hi we bought in the Normandy countryside although we are only a mile away from a town.We bought through a notaire who was acting as the agent. We spoke very little french but luckily for us a friend of ours lived over there and translated for us, although we know people who bought and could not speak any french. I would advise you not to jump in take your time, if they want to sell it they will make sure they bring in someone who can translate for you , if not walk away.Its been 4 years since we bought and we have had many happy holidays over there, lots of hard work too.Think long and hard.
Hi They are still good places to invest in France especially Limousin above Perigord where prices are still reasonnable (my mother is selling a cottage for renovation at 30k€). Prices in France and especially Limousin are going up and there is still growth potential. It is quite unsual to have -6°C in south of France and in summer although it may not be as hot as Spain it is hot enough to sunbathe and have a pool. French law is a bit complicated but you would have French "douceur de vivre" with good foods, lots of wines and local spirits like "eau de vie". For 150 000€, you would renovate a big house or mill. philkodak@oceanfree.net I have pictures of the cottages.
quote:
Originally posted by msej449: OK, then if you want my advice - don't do it. You've pointed-out the problems yourself, really. Add to that French inheritance law (which brings hordes of family claimants out of the woodwork when a sale is in the offing); who-knows-what local regulations about what you can and can't do; taxes; etc. etc.
Anyway, the days of the Rural French Farmhouse Restoration project are over: On holiday, I got talking to some retired English owners in the Dordogne who said that they were moving into a modern house in the local village, and that a lot of Brits are trying to do the same. Winters were still as low as -6°C. and summer's were stormy and they'd had enough. Trouble is that there's no local market for these rural retreats - you spend €150,000 renovating the place, and there's no one to sell to. The reason they're available is that the economics of restoration don't work for the locals.
I'm not trying to put you off the idea of a second holiday home in France, but I think that you have to be happy about what you're letting yourself into.
Hi Gingerself, you could buy mine, already renovated. And it is not cheap to renovate. Brittany has beautiful summers, and is not stormy as in the south. The winters are cold. As they are in England and most other places. The lifestyle is great, everyone is friendly. Cheap food and wine, and a good road network. Plus beautiful beaches. A Notaire should have a translator for you so that you will understand what is going on. Good luck.
