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 Latest Articles on www.1st-for-French-Property.co.uk. - click title for more details Copyright: 1st for Property LTD Thu, 08 May 2008 01:00:00 +0200 Instead of waiting until you arrive at the airport, having the inconvenience of queuing plus the added cost of getting charged between 6-10% on the exchange rate, HiFX Travel Money Online will make your money go further.
Order your travel money online with HiFX and you will not only receive excellent exchange rates but your cash or travellers cheques will be delivered direct to your door free of charge* saving you both time and money. ... Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:00:00 +0100 For now, Languedoc remains that rarest and most precious of places: a corner of western Europe filled with great natural beauty, superb wines and a long and fascinating history that has somehow escaped the notice of the world's tourist hordes. Property in the Languedoc too is still very affordable.
Wed, 19 Mar 2008 01:00:00 +0100 The 8.16 train to London Victoria has been cancelled due to leaves on the line. We apologise for this inconvenience". A collective groan, with British reserve, reverberated along the station platform. Another normal day in the life of the commuter trying to get into work to earn a heavily taxed crust.
Tue, 18 Mar 2008 01:00:00 +0100 Properties in the Languedoc, over the last few years,have seen a great growth. It was always called the poor mans Provence, but they can eat their words now. Over the last 5 years, properties in the Languedoc have increase by about 80%. Also, there has been a huge rise in these properties being turned into Gites.
Wed, 30 Jan 2008 01:00:00 +0100 One big advantage for existing French Property Investors (from the UK) is that they are already sitting on good profits on their French property thanks to the strength of the Euro.
In the last six months the Euro has increased in value by about 10% against sterling (six months ago it stood about 1.48 euros to £1 - now about 1.33). So a property bought at 200,000 euros costing £135,000 is now worth in £sterling: £150,000. Many ... Mon, 21 Jan 2008 01:00:00 +0100
French MortgagesFor example, it is possible to fix rates at less than 5% for up to 7 years. There are many ... Mon, 14 Jan 2008 01:00:00 +0100 With the Buy to Let market in the UK showing signs of decline - where to look next? Well Provence (Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur) looks a hot prospect. Apart from the playground of the jetset - from Elton John, Tina Turner, David and Victoria Beckham, Brigitte Bardot, Ivana Trump, Bono, The Edge, James Gandolfini, Roman Polanski, Michael Jackson and many more - this has much more going for it. Weather, gastronomy, glitz, beaches, night life and beautiful villages and stunning landscapes. ... Sun, 13 Jan 2008 01:00:00 +0100 With
a background of economic uncertainty, it is difficult to call the
property market in France for 2008.
2007
was a tough property market for most regions of France - the result
was that property valuations became far more realistic, and sale
prices were open to negotiation!
In the UK, many mortgage clients on fixed period discount mortgages were shocked by the new monthly payments on variable rate mortgages. Families have had to adjust their monthly spend, and may even ... Wed, 26 Dec 2007 01:00:00 +0100 The following is a list of the Public Holidays / Bank Holidays in France:
· 1st January - New Year's Day · Good Friday · Easter Sunday · Easter Monday · Ascension Day · Whit Sunday/Pentacost ... Thu, 25 Oct 2007 01:00:00 +0200 Off to University I go .... here is our quick guide to
Universities in France.
They are arranged by French Region with all contact information. Just like the
French education system, the universities are renowned for their high
educational standards.
French Universities by Region There are Universities and Poly-techniques in every region of France. The regions are sorted in alphabetical order:- ALSACE Mulhouse
Tue, 23 Oct 2007 01:00:00 +0200 Converting an old derelict barn into the perfect home is one of the most interesting challenges, and is guaranteed to test the limits of perseverance. On the other hand, French barns for renovation are plentiful, the lifestyle in France is more appealing, and with proper planning will provide a home for all the family not obtainable in the UK for the same price.
Buying the right property will make the renovation go so much more smoothly. Rebuilding a barn can be a difficult and time consuming process and if it has started to deteriorate from ... Tue, 16 Oct 2007 01:00:00 +0200 The Poitou-Charentes region offers a great many market days, it almost seems as if every town, village and hamlet has it's own at some point during the week. Known as marchés publics or foires, most markets are organised in most larger towns at least once a week sometimes as often as twice a week, while smaller towns and villages are scheduled once a month.
Market days have always been popular in France, and typically involve traders setting up their stalls in long lines along one of the main streets or main square of the town. ... Thu, 04 Oct 2007 01:00:00 +0200 Moving to France is costly enough without having to replace all of your electrical appliances. The good news is that you can use your British electrical appliances in France, in most cases without worrying about the different voltage.
Electrical Supply in France France, like most of our continental cousins, uses 220-230v at 50Hz, which is very similar to the UK's 230-240v at 50Hz, and since most electrical items are rated at 220-240v you can be reasonably certain your British appliances will work in France. If you happen to have an older ... Mon, 01 Oct 2007 01:00:00 +0200 Health care in France is broadly comparable to any industrialised economy, incorporating both a public and private health care system. Funding for health is sourced from a combination of social security levies on income for all salary and wage earners, and self employed artisans, along with supplemental insurance premiums to private insurance providers. Government health policy is similar to the UK in terms of promoting healthier lifestyles, and combating major diseases.
The French Health Care System French residents are free to choose the doctor or specialist they wish to consult according to ... Fri, 28 Sep 2007 01:00:00 +0200 Moving to France may be the most exciting event in your life, and in this article we explain how to arrange your French water connection, possible problems you'll encounter with mains pressure and water quality, and how to deal with these, and finally, when to expect water restrictions.
Wed, 26 Sep 2007 01:00:00 +0200 The Poitou-Charentes region is generally considered one of the quieter
less developed regions of France, and for good reason, the region has
one of the lowest population densities in France.
With the exception of Poitiers and La Rochelle, no town has a population greater then 50,000, making for a distinctly peaceful lifestyle. In point of fact, Poitiers and La Rochelle are hardly large cities, a small London Borough having a greater population. A drive into the country isn't to be feared, it won't take more than a few minutes until fields of sunflowers or the ... Tue, 25 Sep 2007 01:00:00 +0200 When traveling in the Auvergne region of France there are many different sites to see and cities to visit. Some of these must see places are a bit out of the way, so hotels will be more like inns or old mansions transformed into hotels in these areas. This lends a special air to the stay because there is history involved and all the old hotels have a story to tell. Families visiting this area can find quite a few different hotels that are great, even for young kids. They may not have all the ... Fri, 21 Sep 2007 01:00:00 +0200 The Atlantic Coast of France is beautiful and worth a visit, although it does not get as much attention as France's Mediterranean coast. Nevertheless, the beaches are long and sandy and the sun beats down just as strong as on the Mediterranean. However, there are more things to take advantage of in the Aquitaine region than just the beautiful beaches. One city that is a must visit in the Aquitaine region is Bordeaux. In fact, it is quickly becoming one of the country's most popular destinations and this is because it has been made over completely and is ... Tue, 11 Sep 2007 01:00:00 +0200 Autumn tends to be an active time for foreign buyers in France. The holidaymakers are returning home and serious buyers are returning to the market. But after years of rising prices, finding bargains is harder than ever. Average Price rises: Last year 15%, Over five years 73% So it is growing more difficult to find bargain properties - we recommend the following areas Champagne-Ardennes, Poitou-Charente, Pyrenees-Atlantiques, Limousin. Typically the Brits are spending 150K to 250K euros on a French property. In the above areas your budget ... Mon, 03 Sep 2007 01:00:00 +0200 Do you want to hear the good news first or the bad news?
Good News - President Sarkozy has introduced some new measures. So the good news - three significant changes. On IHT (Inheritance Tax): There is an exemption for husband and wife, and the exemption has increased to 150,000 euros for each child. French Wealth TaxOn the dreaded Wealth Tax, there have been significant changes. First you are assessed on 70% of the value of your assets, and the starting asset value has increased to 760,000 euros. So no wealth tax would be due on properties up to 1 million euros. ... Tue, 28 Aug 2007 01:00:00 +0200 The Dordogne in the Aquitaine region of France remains one of the most popular areas of France for British holiday-makers, and buyers of holiday homes!
The good news is that property prices have been dropping over the last few months. There are some good bargains around. As always be prepared to negotiate - try a reasonable offer and you may be surprised. The Dordogne has good access from the UK with cheap flights to Bergerac, and the international airport at Bordeaux. 1st for French Property has a large selection of Dordogne Properties ... Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100 Few can fault France when it comes to wine but it seems that our closest neighbour is also looking to outdo Britain on the cider stakes.
Normandy, particularly, is renowned for producing some of the best cider in the country, as well as harvesting some of the best apples. To celebrate this fact, 15,000 revellers head down to the Apple Fair at the Normandy town of Vimoutiers each year to enjoy the tasty fruit and have their fair share of cider alongside. Most delicious applesLocals hold competitions to determine which has produced the Most Beautiful Apple and Most Delicious Cider of the ... Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100 Brittany has long been a popular haunt for UK tourists with its endless sandy beaches and traditional French food.
Investors looking to buy property to rent out to holidaymakers would do well to consider the region as a place to make their purchase - with rent almost guaranteed all year round. The Grand Pardon de Sainte-Anne-La-PaludBrittany is not just renowned for its beaches, however, with the region offering up hundreds of different activities for the UK visitor.One of the most moving of these has to be the annual Grand Pardon de Sainte-Anne-La-Palud where 10,000 pilgrims head the ... Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100 Nicolas Sarkozy's election as French president is helping to drive a surge in the country's property market, website holidaylettings.co.uk has reported.
Trevor Leggett, executive director of real estate firm Leggett Immobilier, commented to the site that new reforms by the incoming administration are helping to drive interest from overseas investors. Buy-to-let opportunitiesThey are also encouraging greater investment in buy-to-let properties. "Over the last 20 years I have spent living and working in France I have seen plenty of ups and down - now, for the first time since I first moved here, there seem to be major changes happening very quickly," said ... Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100 Les Soirees d'ete des Gordes is an eclectic music festival which takes place every August in the middle of picturesque Provence.
Running from the 2nd to the 12th of the month, it features all kinds of musical styles and performers playing at varying times at the small village of Gordes. Performers at Les Soirees d'ete des GordesAmong the performers this year will be the Paris L'Opera ballet as well as the 'world champions of hip hop' Pokemon crew. A region of southeast France, once part of Italy, Provence is one of the most evocative regions in the ... Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100 If you are looking to buy French property, or are just interested in getting to grips with the language, then Limousin is a good place to start.
Each year the region holds a festival dedicated to the French language where tourists, teachers and students all come together to celebrate its unique style. International Festival of FrancophonyAs well as offering up lessons, the International Festival of Francophony is also a good opportunity for those hunting for Limousin property for sale to meet some local people and get some tips on communicating with their French neighbours. There are also ... Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100 Love cheese? Then France is certainly the place for you to buy a holiday home and those who are really keen on the creamy treat should look at staying in Normandy.
As well as being a popular historic centre, Normandy is also renowned for its cheeses, with the dairy product being celebrated in festivals throughout the year. Get a taste of FranceOne of the most popular of these events is the annual Livarot Cheese Fair, which gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy the region's delicacy and even take some home to share with their friends back in the UK. Anyone house hunting for ... Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100 A property expert has revealed that while it is vital that families looking to buy French property to use as holiday home should visit the location - it is not quite as important that investors do the same.
According to propertyshowrooms.com, people who are hunting for Brittany property for sale or are looking at renovating a farmhouse where they will spend the holidays should always have a good idea about the area they plan to buy in. Holiday homes need more attentionAndy Welland, an agent for the firm, said those buying property for use as a ... Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100 House hunters searching for Limousin property for sale may want to consider heading to the region in August when the late summer brings in a huge variety of festivals and shows.
One such event, which has proven popular year-on-year, is the annual Felletin Music and Folkdance Festival which sees tens of thousands of people revelling in the streets of Felletin. Folk festival in FelletinThe small town plays host to around 30,000 visitors from August 1st to 5th each year, who enjoy performances from musicians, actors and dancers from across the globe. And it's not just the Europeans who ... Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100 Heading to France's ski resorts has just become that bit easier after an airline has announced the launch of a new flight headed straight from the UK to the mountains.
Tourists are expected to flock to the resort of Chambrey over the ski season when Astraeus Flystar introduces direct flights from Gatwick airport. Head to the slopesSkiers and snowboarders often choose to head to the slopes of France over neighbouring European ski resorts as it is not only closer but provides some of the best runs in Europe. This is good news for any investors considering buying French property in ... Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100 French leaseback property is particularly popular with Brits who are investing in ski resorts, one expert has claimed.
Ewan McGarrie, chief executive of Property Investment.co.uk, said that the scheme was becoming increasingly attractive to those who were buying on the slopes - particularly in France. Guaranteed rental incomeFrench leaseback provides the owner with a guaranteed rental income by leasing the property back to a management company who will let it at an agreed rent. In general, the initial lease is for nine to 11 years. Mr McGarrie said of leaseback: "That's getting a very popular choice for people because the property is managed ... Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100 Investors who are looking into buying Normandy property for sale may want to consider house hunting in September when the historic city of Lisieux holds one of the most spectacular events in the region.
Each year, thousands take the pilgrimage to the huge Basilica to celebrate the life of Sainte Therese and see a collection of her relics. Thousands flock to LisieuxAlthough the scale of the event is not quite the same as that of the Lourdes shrine, the occasion still attracts visitors from across the world who flock to the town on the last Sunday of September. There, pilgrims can observe ... Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100 France's Languedoc-Roussillon is emerging as one of latest property hotspots for Brits investing abroad.
According to a number of property firms, the southerly region is becoming more and more popular with those buying off plan and new developments across the Channel. Sunshine and wineThe area's sunny climate and 740,300 acres of vineyards also make it an attractive holiday prospect for European travellers hoping to soak up some of France's charming atmosphere. According to holidaylettings.co.uk, which advises travellers on the best places to stay when abroad, the "scorching summers and a cosmopolitan lifestyle" are seeing visitors flock to ... Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100 Investors thinking of purchasing property in one of France's numerous ski resorts are likely to see high returns, according to one expert.
French property specialist Trisha Mason revealed that thanks to the accessibility of France's slopes throughout the year, investors have a "greater chance" of summer income as well as rent in the winter months. Altitude an 'important factor'She added that altitude was having more and more of an impact on people buying property on the slopes, as the higher resorts tend to be more expensive. "Access to ski resorts has always been reasonably good during ski season. However, the growth ... Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100 Retiring to France can be one of the most satisfying moves of a person's life but to make sure it all goes smoothly, it is a good idea to double check some of the legal issues which may arise. According to Heyday, a membership organisation for Brits approaching retirement, many older people head overseas without getting a firm grip on the potential pitfalls beforehand. Laws differ in UK and FranceAlisa Ogilvie, director of Heyday, said that some people assume that the laws in the UK and France are the same and do not, therefore take into ... Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100 Whether you are hunting for Normandy property for sale or that perfect holiday home in Provence, it is recommended that before you make the move you get to grips with the language.
Make life easier by learning lingoFrench is, for many people, the first and only language they have ever been taught but people who are hoping to buy property across the Channel would do well to take up a refresher course. Elie Barbeau, office manager at Association Integration, said that although most big property companies have English-speaking staff, it makes life much easier if buyers have at least ... Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100 The dream of investing in overseas property has now become a reality for nearly £1 million Brits, many of who choose to buy a home in France.
But it seems that many people are getting themselves into difficulties because they are not up to speed on issues regarding French law, taxes and potential financial risks. Know your French financeSpeaking to the Daily Telegraph, Ian Luder of accountants Grant Thornton said that he "never ceased to be amazed" by the risks people took when buying abroad and that more care needed to be taken regarding financial, tax and legal considerations. Inheritance tax, for example, ... Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100 Limousin is a popular place to buy a holiday home, not only because it is one of the more untouched areas of France but also because of the wide variety of entertainment and activities on offer.
Aubusson organ festivalAmong those which are often enjoyed by visitors to the region is the popular Aubusson Organ Festival - a rare and stunning event dedicated to the humble organ. Whether you are thinking of looking for Limousin property for sale or simply visiting the region on holiday, it is worth stopping in at the event held annually at beginning ... Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100 A rental expert has said that Brits considering purchasing a buy-to-let property in France should think about the sort of people they want to attract before they seal the deal, Assetz reports.
Ross Elder, managing director of short-term rental website Holiday Lettings, said: "House prices are increasing in France, but as long as the investor purchases and furnishes a property to meet the demographic of the visitors to that location, there should be potential for attracting holidaymakers and achieving a return on investment." Buy-to-let in the southFor many people investing in a rental property in France, the south is a preferable ... Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100 Many people dream of retiring to France but are concerned that they will struggle to go back and forth to the UK and visit friends and family.
But heading across the English Channel has just been made that bit easier with tickets for the new St Pancras-based Eurostar going on sale this week. Although the train has been travelling to and from France for 13 years from Waterloo, it is yet to depart from its new home in north London and looks set to see thousands more holidaymakers head to Europe. First train departing soonThe first train will leave ... Mon, 23 Jul 2007 01:00:00 +0200 Sports fans looking for Normandy property for sale will not be disappointed, with the region offering up plenty to entertain everyone from golfers to footballers and tennis players.
Another popular sporting activity among locals and those with a holiday home is running, with the huge expanse of beaches and cool climate creating the perfect atmosphere for a jog. Celebrate sport and freedomIndeed, each summer sees many of these athletes join together for the annual Freedom Races which not only celebrate athletics but serve as a memorial for those who lost their lived during the 1944 D-Day landings. Every July, thousands ... Mon, 23 Jul 2007 01:00:00 +0200 There are few better places in France to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of opera than Provence, with the region also housing some of the most beautiful opera houses in the country.
Perhaps the most spectacular way to enjoy it, however, is at the Les Choregies d'Orange - France's oldest opera festival. Relax at the Choregies d'OrangeThe event, which was first held in 1860, has now become an annual celebration attended and enjoyed by music fans from across the world. Held at the Theatre Antique, a huge first century AD Roman amphitheatre in Orange, it is a must see for ... Fri, 20 Jul 2007 01:00:00 +0200 A property expert has revealed that the stunning French Riviera may be the ideal place to buy property as its popularity with the rich and famous was making it an "exclusive" place to be seen.
According to French estate agent Cluttons, the area also has a limited amount of plots to buy, therefore adding to the demand for housing. Shopping and sunThose who are thinking of buying French property to rent out would do well to consider this part of the country as holidaymakers flock to the area for shopping, sunbathing and celebrity spotting. Famous faces from footballers to Hollywood ... Fri, 20 Jul 2007 01:00:00 +0200 If you are thinking of retiring to France but are yet to decide where to live out your days, it may be worth considering a place in Limousin.
France is fast becoming one of the most popular places for older people to buy, which in some areas has caused property prices to rise. But Limousin, which is still relatively untouched by developers, it the perfect place to bag a bargain in a region renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful countryside. Lovely LimogesFor those who decided to make the move, one of the first ports of call ... Thu, 19 Jul 2007 01:00:00 +0200 Provence is renowned for its beauty and peaceful atmosphere but for ten days each year the region's quiet roads are invaded by the honks and revving of hundreds of vintage cars.
Whether you have bought Provence property for sale or already have a holiday home in the region, car fans would do well to head to the Alpes Retro antique car show. Cars at Cours MirabeauThe event in Cours Mirabeau is attended by people from miles around who come to marvel at the old vehicles on display. Owners, many of whom have spent years restoring their cars to their ... Thu, 19 Jul 2007 01:00:00 +0200 Brittany is a top destination for holidaymakers with many attracted by its close proximity to the sea and ease of access from the UK.
Tourists flock to the region throughout the summer to enjoy the sandy beaches and the French cuisine on offer - with seafood proving particularly popular among visitors. As well as muscles and oysters, Brittany is also known for its delicious scallops which are enjoyed by locals and foreigners alike. Scallop festival in Loguivy de la MerTo celebrate the delicious morsel, Loguivy de la Mer, on Brittany's Cotes d'Armor, holds a two-day scallop festival ... Wed, 18 Jul 2007 01:00:00 +0200 A property expert has revealed that European property, and in particular French, will outperform the UK in all sectors.
According to Ben Stirling, head of European property at Morley, rental growth predictions each year for the next four years see a 6.6 per cent annual return across the continent. Good returns on French rentalsThis is a rise on the current five per cent return as of last month for European rental property. Mr Stirling is particularly optimistic about the French property market with office space in Paris and new developments in Limousine all being hailed great value. ... Wed, 18 Jul 2007 01:00:00 +0200 Normandy is renowned as a truly historic region having, among other things, been the birth place of William the Conqueror.
Anyone who is thinking of investing in France with young children may want to consider buying Normandy property for sale, with the area being a truly inspirational and educational place for families to visit. Experience Falaise's castleAnd perhaps one of the most exciting attractions for kids and adults alike is Falaise's medieval castle, where the young William was born in 1027. After conquering England in 1066, William, who had by now been given his new title, returned to the three-towered Normandy castle ... Tue, 17 Jul 2007 01:00:00 +0200 If you thought gold panning was solely the preserve of those living in southern America then a trip to France's Limousin region may be just what you need.
The area has become more popular in recent years with many investors buying Limousin property for sale thanks to bargain prices and untouched expanses of countryside. The treasures of Saint YrieixBut beyond all this lies another type of treasure which is celebrated annually in the pretty little town of Saint Yrieix. Here, tourists or families who have bought Limousin property for sale can get classes on the best ways ... Tue, 17 Jul 2007 01:00:00 +0200 Although for many Brits retiring to France has been a lifelong dream, it seems that young people are also being attracted by the country's unique charm.
Figures show that it is not just the older generation who are thinking of purchasing property abroad but more and more young professionals who are hoping to bag themselves a bargain. Young and old heading to FranceA survey by Bank of Scotland International has revealed that three in ten workers under the age of 25 have considered moving abroad with France still remaining one of the most popular European destinations for Britons. The ... |
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