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On the sunny side of the Channel, a very affordable way of life goes on. By even the most conservative estimates, more than 500,000 Britons already own homes in France, and our rising affluence, coupled with the strength of the pound, means many more are searching. The renewed popularity of France among a new generation of buyers is evident in figures published by the Woolwich in June 2001. Although house prices in France have risen by 40% in some areas in the past 18 months, it remains the most popular destination above Germany, Spain and Italy, accounting for 36 per cent of people moving abroad from the UK - up from 25 last year.
The good news is that there are still beautiful, battered, weathered houses going for a song in regions that are relatively undiscovered but newly accessible because of the growth of low-cost airline connections; Ryanair and Flybe fly to Dinard and Rennes respectively..
I have heard that there are laws restricting the purchase of French property by foreigners. Is that true?
No. Unlike some other European countries French law does not forbid foreigners without permits to buy any real estate in France. However, it allows local authorities to give limited buying authority in selected areas , usually in historic towns but, if the buyer fulfils certain conditions there should be no problem for you.
Which permits do I need?
The only document required by British and other EU citizens (natives of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are not British or EU citizens) intending to reside in France for less than three months is a valid passport.
If you become tax resident in France (e.g. you spend more than 183 days in France in a given calendar year) your exposure to French income and other taxes is a matter upon which you should take tax-strategy advice which would be to your advantage if you eventually resell and need to calculate Capital Gains Tax and to reside in France on a permanent basis, a resident permit will be issued for 5 years. Thereafter, your permit can be renewed for 10 more years and is renewable every subsequent 10 years. Non-EU cases must have a valid passport and cannot take up employment in France without the approval of the French immigration, police and unemployment authorities.
In which areas can I buy?
We have thousands of property to suit you in Morbihan and in North West France. It is advisable to visit a few areas and spend a few days to get a feel for your particular area of choice.
How can I get around? Are there trains, buses, taxis?
Although France enjoys one of the best public transportation systems in the world in the Brittany area buses are only limited [except for school buses] and a car is necessary for getting about locally. Taxis, although getting more popular, are not that widespread. Of course there are excellent roads and driving is usually no problem, with costs lower than in most European countries. If you need a car and have the necessary paperwork, we can arrange to hire one for you, although often cheap car hire can be arranged through your flight or ferry agent. Trains to connect you to Paris or other large cities are cheap, reliable and fast. TGV to Paris takes 2 hours from Rennes!
What kinds of property can I buy?
French law imposes no restrictions on the type or location of property you can buy. We can find a freehold property or tenancy for you in the areas we cover in France (leasehold is not a recognised form of ownership). Land suitable for building used to be relatively difficult to find in France but in recent years has become easier and new build is now very popular. There are still plenty of traditional stone built house around to purchase. Please remember that French properties are built to last centuries and that you can resell later.
I want something new
Many people from the USA or Japan like to live in new buildings. Brand new houses are usually bought direct from the builder through specialist new build agents. However nearly new houses are coming on to the market all the time.
How do you count the rooms?
We count each bedroom and the living room as one room apiece. So in a 3-room flat you will usually get 2 bedrooms, a living room, one or two bathrooms and a kitchen. Rooms in average properties will be around 15 square metres, that is, about 160 square feet. So first ask for the habitable surface area (surface habitable) and then room disposition.
How big is a square metre?
A square metre (mètre carré) is a metric measure of area that corresponds to the size of a living unit. One square metre is approximately equivalent to 10.75 square feet. In France there is a strict measurement law (Loi Carrez) that assures that the described size of a new unit is accurate.
How big is an hectare?
A hectare is a basic unit of area in the metric system, equal to 2.471054 acres, 11,959.9 square yards or 107,639.1 square feet.
How big is an are?
An are is a basic unit of measurement in the metric system, equal to 0.2471 acres or 1,076.3910 square feet.
How big is a centiare?
A centiare is a basic unit of measurement in the metric system, equal to 1 square metre or 0.01 acre (about 10.7639 square feet).
Will my property come with a cellar or a garage?
You will usually have either a cellar or an attic attached to your property. If it is possible, we advise you to buy a property with a parking space or an indoor garage - even if you don't drive - in case you want to resell and the next owner needs it.
What type of property makes the best investment?
Many of our properties would make an ideal investment as the property market in France is now quite buoyant.
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