WHEN buying a French property it sometimes helps to be reassured by the experience of others.
And interviews with people who have bought a place in France are one of the main features in a new book.
The French Property Buyer’s Handbook, by Natalie Avella, provides a range of useful information covering everything from tax to notaires; solar power to car insurance.
But it is the interviews that provide something a little different from the many books that are out there on buying a French property.
There are more than ten extensive articles with people who share their experiences of working with the Mairie, buying a farm and getting to know the neighbours.
They tell of the good times for example, when a family opened its door to the local villagers just after they moved in and they have soon become part of the community.
But others also share the bad times, including the collapse of a marriage that saw the husband leave France and the wife stay to forge her own career.
The sections of the book that deal with purchasing a property are extensive and offer advice on buying older property, apartments and even self-build.
Many websites are featured alongside contact details, some have a brief explanation of the site whilst others do not, so it will be up to you to take a look at it and decide its usefulness.
There is also an extensive Appendix that gives statistics and a description of the regions of France, plus a glossary of property terms and the dates of public holidays.
This book is one of the most up to date of its type as it was published this year, which is vital when considering buying a book about French property.
Contents:
1. It’s a big decision – what to consider first
2. Overview of the French property market
3. Choosing an area
4. What type of property?
Old property
New property
Apartments
Shared ownership
Timeshare
Renting
5. Building your own house
Architects
Land
Planning permission
Builders
Types of contract
Using a master of works
Employing tradespeople
Building an environmentally friendly property
Building a swimming pool
Builders merchants and DIY shops
6. How to find that perfect property
The internet
Estate agents
Notaires
UK-based agents
Personal property searchers
Classifieds
Auctions
7. The property transaction
Surveys
Contracts and conveyancing
Fees
Mortgages
8. Moving in
9. Living in France
Visa requirements
Banks
Tax
Inheritance
Social Security
Learning French
Children’s education
Energy in France
Cars
Taking pets abroad
Holiday home swapping
10. Working in France
Running a gite or B&B
Employment in France
Appendices
Paperback. 440 pages.
Find out more about, the French Property Buyer’s Handbook