IF you have not previously received the UK’s winter fuel allowance, which can be paid to those living in France, then now is the time to get your claim in.
And if you are making a new application, and the forms are received by September 23, you will get the £200 payment in time for Christmas.
I HAVE reviewed a number of books about moving to France which cover buying a home, installing services and a whole range of other important points.
A selection of the most popular books I’ve taken a look at include:
More France Please, We’re British, by Helena Frith Powell.
Au Revoir Angleterre, by Paul Jenner
Guide to Buying Property in France, by Charles Davey
And I have put together a page featuring a range of books that cover many different subjects connected with France.
AT least once a week there is a story in the newspapers of a couple who have sold up and headed to France to ‘live the dream’.
Often they are quite formulaic articles so it is good to see one that offers some useful advice and information, as well as how to steer clear of problems and pit-falls.
THE French government introduced the leaseback scheme over 30 years ago to promote development of accommodation in tourist areas.
The deal is that you get a property at a substantially reduced price, as there is no 19.6pc VAT charge, but you agree to let it through a management company for a number of years.
RENTING a property long-term provides you with a certain security whilst searching for a dream home in France, but finding a place can be tough.
All the books on buying in France recommend renting a place first so that you can get a better idea of an area, and see it outside of just two weeks in the middle of August.
HAVE you ever thought of offering your gîte to house-hunters instead of holidaymakers, and so taking the stress of changeovers off your shoulders?
MANY people buy a property in France without first taking out a survey, beyond taking a quick look at the walls and the roof.
But as prices rise then it may be wise to either take a more thorough look at your potential purchase or turn to the services of a surveyor.
HERE’S a handy website to keep all those addresses, emails and thoughts in one place whilst looking for French property.
A QUESTION I am often asked is the rights and wrongs behind allowing a farmer to graze his livestock on a field you may own.
Just last week I received the following email from a reader of the site:
THE reasons behind why people move to France are often many and varied.