french property

According to a study on housing in France commissioned by the Savings Bank, Caisses d'Epargne, more and more French see home ownership as the key to ensuring a better quality of life in retirement.

source: comstock photos
WE are often asked for advice on how to go about getting a mortgage to buy french property. Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

Photo: Laguna poolsAS FRENCH estate agents here in the Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne, it's not uncommon for us to meet people looking to buy french property with a swimming pool at the top of their wish list.

The summers here are usually long and hot and it's a long way to the coast.

photo:Le Figaro
IF you're one of the lucky ones who can afford to buy euros for your new french home then do it now.

AS estate agents we're often asked for our opinions and advice on not just buying french property but a host of other topics that interest people about the lifestyle in France. Of couse, a favourite topic of discussion is wine.

In this part of the country, the south of the Dordogne and north Lot-et-Garonne, there's a vineyard in almost everyone's back garden.

Some of the the best known are St Emilion, Pomerol, Sauternes and Médoc around Bordeaux.

With so many more people now choosing to buy homes in France, prices are rising and it is becoming more difficult to find locations in truly rural parts of the country. Eymet in the Dordogne is a beautiful, traditional town and is an ideal spot to look if you’re thinking of buying property in France. A Dordogne holiday home is a great investment as this is such a sought after region for people wanting to experience the slower pace of French life. However, the area is one of the most popular, and Dordogne property for sale at the moment is more expensive than five years ago.

1. New tax breaks introduced by Sarkozy

The new Sarkozy Government has reformed the inheritance tax rules, trebling the threshold for bequests from parent to child, and introducing an exemption for husband and wives. Whether you’re French born or not, the rules apply to all property owners in France. MUCH better than England!