THE work involved in renovating a French property can be a challenging prospect for the most confident person.
There are sure to be questions over the materials required, the amount of time it will take or the builder to use, and all this alongside doing it in a foreign language.
MOST septic tanks in France are of the type known as toutes eaux, in other words, they take all the grey water from the kitchen and bathroom, as well as sewage from the lavatory writes Patricia Mansfield-Devine.
The main thing to remember about the system is that it is ‘live’ – it’s a living organism, so, as all septic tank users become aware very quickly, you have to be very careful about cleaning products.
ONE method of buying a property in France is en viager, which sees the purchaser agree to pay a monthly charge whilst the owner lives in the house.
But the twist is that when the owner dies then ownership transfers to the person who has been making the payments, of course this should be seen as a long-term investment.
HIGH on the list of pressing concerns when heading to France is the setting up of financial details such as pensions and investments.
It is possible to receive certain State benefits whilst in France but there is plenty of paperwork to go through and it is important to start early.
A FRENCH researcher is keen to explore the reasons behind why British people find the appeal of France so strong they are willing to leave everything behind.
Marie-Martine Gervais, researcher and doctor of economic science at the University Montesquieu Bordeaux IV, is looking for Brits to complete an online survey.
AS the cost of oil increases across the world its impact is felt at the petrol pump and in the cost of heating your home.
Being able to plan ahead and forecast the price may help you out and a French government website could offer you some advice.
FROM April next year people will be able to invest in residential property both in the UK and abroad, through their pension funds.
Under the new rules higher-rate taxpayers will only have to find 60 per cent of the purchase price of a property as the government will meet the remainder through tax relief.
ONE of the biggest fears anyone has is that their little hideaway village is going to be featured in a newspaper.
Many people joke that as soon as an article covers an area then you can expect property prices to shoot up, and the Brits to arrive.
WITH autumn already here, and winter just around the corner, now is the time to make sure your home in France is ready for the coming months.
Despite many people heading to France for the sunshine, winters can be particularly hard with plummeting temperatures, heavy downpours and storm force winds.
IF can sometimes be a little daunting setting up a holiday home in France especially if you have only a little experience.
Questions about ways to promote your home, regulations that have to be met and what style of bedding to use are just some of the things that are likely to be going around your head.