5 Great Reasons to Buy Property in the Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne Areas of France

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!

2. Lower cost of living

If you wish to escape ‘rip-off Britain’ you’ll find most
consumer goods are cheaper in France. Even food and drink prices are
lower both in the shops and restaurants, and very importantly, you
will pay less for your petrol.

3. Country Life

Known for its beautiful forested hillsides, peaceful vineyards, scenic
chateaux, and rustic beauty, the Dordogne is a favourite destination
for Brits seeking the quiet life in France. The largest ex-pat
communities are settled in and around Verteillac, Ribérac, and
Bergerac, but if you know a bit of French and your accent’s not
too strong then even the deepest countryside is a possibility for
you!

4. Lovely weather

Although it’s not terribly difficult to better the English climate, the Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne departments seem to have the ideal
balanced weather. Average summer highs are about eighty-five degrees,
with more moderate temperatures in spring and early autumn. Swirling
morning fogs make ethereal and beautiful patterns over the trees in
the mornings before being burnt off by the hot sun during the day.
Average winter temperatures (December to March) are in the forties,
but by early spring the heat start to rise again in a much more
reliable way than Britain.

5. Easy access to the UK

Just an hour’s flight from the UK, half a dozen flight companies,
including the budget airlines, fly direct to Bergerac in the heart of
the Dordogne, and to Bordeaux, Limoges and Toulouse (a little further
away - at 2.5 hour drive). These four airports give good access to
the whole of the Dordogne region, but there are excellent roads and
rail links too.