2009-5-01 10:00am
A few words of advice and some useful tips …
Like many happy owners of property in France, you and your family could very soon be living the relaxed lifestyle you dream of in your French house, as well as securing a sound investment for your future by increasing your assets. The following is to help achieve the ultimate goal …
Here are few guidelines and information when visiting properties in France:
The rules of house hunting and visiting properties in France are pretty much the same as the ones in the UK or any other country. There is no reason why you shouldn’t behave in a similar manner with the agent and the vendor as you would do when visiting a property at home.
It is important that you observe the basic etiquette when visiting, as this will establish the basis of a harmonious relationship with the potential vendor and the agent, optimising your chances of finding your dream home and completing a successful purchase. In fact, you will probably be surprised by the warm reception you will receive by the owners. Don’t forget to shake people’s hands, it does work …
Look out for the same things and ask the same questions as you would at home, for example “What are local schools like? What public transport is there and how often does it run? What is the weather like at other times of the year? What local shops and amenities are there? What are the rules and rates on local property tax and other taxes?”
Ensure you allow sufficient time for travel and please be on time for your appointments. If for any reason you are running late or are unable to attend, please contact our agent or us immediately. Although we appreciate some of you may be embarking upon an eye-opening experience, please show due consideration and respect for others’ time by keeping to your appointments. If for any reason you feel you have been misled or you have misjudged the property you are visiting, tell our agent or contact us immediately. We will then try our best to readjust and reschedule accordingly, so please help us to help you.
Prior to the visit, our agent may ask you to sign a “bon de visite” according to French Property Regulations which all registered agents are obliged to comply with. This is to confirm you have visited a property with that agent on that day. The law stipulates that you cannot view and even less purchase the same property with another agent. If for any reason you were offered to view a property you have already visited with another agency, you should politely decline and if you wish to arrange a second viewing, simply contact us or the agent to organise. In case of a dispute between two agencies, the agent with the earliest “bon de visite” would be attributed the sale of the property.
At the end of a visit or your viewing trip and before leaving, you may want to secure the property of your dreams by putting in an offer. We encourage you do this, especially if you believe it is just the right place for you. We say “Get in there before someone else does!” To make an offer on your ideal French house, please contact us in the first instance and then inform the agent as soon as possible.
Useful Checklist and Hot Tips
We have put together this checklist so that you have a handy list of important things to remember to do before you set off and tips on what to take with you.
On your visit you will need with you…
- A valid ID card or Passport for you and your family
- Credit Cards. Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards are widely accepted and we recommend you travel with an International Credit Card. This also means that the goods and services you purchase abroad may be covered by your card’s insurance. Ask your bank before setting off whether this is the case. You may be able to withdraw cash using your switch and solo cards in certain cash machines.
- Travellers’ cheques. For those who need by a different currency, see your bank to arrange travellers cheques which are widely accepted and the safest option when travelling
- Cash. If required, we recommend you purchase some euros prior to setting off. You can arrange this with your bank or at your local post office who do not charge commission. It will save you some valuable time once you’ve arrived and you are likely to benefit from a better rate.
- Tickets. Remember your plane, ferry and train tickets
- Official documents. You may need copies of the following: - proof of address, marital status (marriage certificate or divorce papers), birth certificates, proof of employment and references, bank account details.… Why? Well, you don’t want to miss out if you want to put an offer on a property whilst on your viewing trip!
- Health. You may want to take a basic kit with aspirin / paracetamol, sun protection cream, insect repellent, plasters, and any medicines you usually take.
Before you set off you may want to consider…
- Arranging health and travel insurance for you and your family - talk to your insurance company, there are some good deals around
- Mobile phones. Ask your provider whether you have an international option allowing you to make and receive calls abroad.
- Remember to pack a Power adaptor: for charging your mobile phone, for your stereo, your electric shaver, your portable PC. These can easily be found in high streets shops such as Dixons, Boots etc …
- Drivers. If driving, don’t forget your driving licence and check your cover with your insurance company. If in doubt, have look at the AA’s website or call:
♣ General Information on 0870 600 0371
♣ International Enquiries (from abroad) +44 191 223 7071
♣ (Mon–Fri 8am–9pm, Sat 8am–7pm, Sun 9am–7pm)
Things to consider when you are there
- Shops tend to close at lunchtime and re-open at 2 or 3pm except for supermarkets.
- If you want to call abroad from a French phone box we highly recommend you buy a phone card (Télécarte) on arrival as coin telephone booths have pretty much all been phased out. You should be able to buy one of these from any Tabac. (tobacconist/newsagent).
- When calling the UK, dial 0044 and the UK number without the 0 in the prefix number.
And don’t forget the fun things!
- Make the most of your trip by stocking up on cheaper food, wine, spirits, cigs and local products
- Don’t forget your golf card stating your handicap
- Finally, remember to print this information sheet!
Bon voyage …
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