month of May , 2008

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.

Step 1. The Compromis de Vente

This is the first contract that the purchaser and vendor will sign and is a legally binding document.

Situated in the beautiful, hilly region of south west France, the Dordogne is home to famous French wines, ancient ‘bastide’ towns, mouth-watering cuisine, incredible historic monuments and castles, and a wide variety of cultural attractions.

photo: flikrTHE Lot-et-Garonne area, located just south of the Dordogne, is one of France’s best kept secrets. Blessed with abundant natural beauty, it is home to many charming medieval towns, and boasts unspoilt countryside, tranquil rivers and mysterious caves.

IT took Dave Marsland a couple of attempts. France it's all about paperwork. But get the documentation in order and French plates on a UK registered car is a doddle.

He bought his left hand drive in the UK at the end of 2007, insured it and drove it to France.

"Why bother?", you ask. "Why not just buy a French car?".

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.

THE true cost of a property in Dordogne, or anywhere in France, can be confusing for people to calculate. Before you buy your property in France you need to know exactly what the final cost is to you. Nobody likes surprises. So, here we answer five of the most common questions from people about the costs involved in buying a property in France.

Are the fees of Premier French Property included in the purchased price?

THIS is a common question posed by our clients when they come to see us here in the Dordogne.

French law requires that all real estate loans in France be insured so that the lender is paid in full in the event of the borrower's death. While it is possible that an existing life insurance policy could be assigned to the bank and offered as proof of insurance, typically the bank will impose its own policy at fixed rates as a requirement of granting the mortgage.

OUR news article about the falling prices in new build property in France today prompted this post about the cost of renovating older properties.

With specific regard to property for sale in the Dordogne, old, stone properties with character attract more buyers.