Buying Homes in France - How To Do It

Buying homes in France is actually easier for foreign nationals than it is in many other countries, such as Greece. There are actually no legal restrictions on non-French people buying property and I haven't heard many horror stories - if YOU have a horror story, or have heard any, please get in touch! The only problem some foreign buyers have met with is that in some areas that are very popular with overseas buyers, the local people have sometimes shown resentment at their village or town being "taken over".

Of course you can't really blame them for this, especially when the "incomers" insist on speaking English, setting up shops, cafes and restaurants selling their own type of food, etc. Half the enjoyment of buying properties abroad is in learning about other people's way of life. And the French way of life has A LOT to recommend it! (Likewise French food!) So I would suggest if you want to get the maximum pleasure from your new home, that you are prepared to learn some French, and fit in with your neighbors a bit. They may even become your friends and you will enjoy your property so much more! That's my experience anyway - let me know if you agree or disagree!

Of course, when buying homes in France, the first step is choosing your property. You can do this the same way as you would at home - by looking in the windows of estate agents (immobiliers). However, if you buy your property through estate agents they will charge you 10 percent. The other way is to drive round looking for houses with an "A Vendre" (For Sale) notice. It's very common in France to sell property privately so if you see a house you fancy, there's nothing to stop you starting negotiations with the owner. However, if you don't speak French, it's a good idea to take a French speaker with you. A lot of French people wouldn't appreciate someone turning up at their house and insisting on talking English to them, even if they do speak English themselves.

In the next post we'll look at the legal process of buying homes in France. And if you can't wait to start your search for your perfect French property, you can go to http://www.bizwrite.co.uk/realestate/propertyabroad.html for a wonderful selection!