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Welcome to French Property Ramblings
We hope you find our articles, tips and latest news about French Property useful and enjoyable. The Blog is constantly updated so bookmark us and come back soon! Help - where to find information on 1st for French Property >> French Property Listings >> Investment Property in France >> Guide to French Regions >> Guide to French Departments >> French Property [...]
French Property sold for £50
We cannot miss this opportunity to blow our own trumpet. We know how good our Private Sales service is - but when we get a glowing review we cannot resist the chance to publicise it. Thanks Dazzo - here is his review from the British Expat Discussion Forum “Hiya, we have just borrowed money of the folks [...]
Make your Money go Further
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 [...]
French Regional Guides
We have regional guides to France - to help you decide where to buy! We have a new writer who has a wry sense of humour - so you can learn and enjoy at the same time! Some extracts: France Regional Guides Writing about Provence (PACA): “The Alps of Provence are home to the marmot, a 5kg mountaineering hamster, [...]
French Business For Sale
We have just started a new section on 1st for French Property: French Businesses for Sale We often get asked - “how can we move to France but also earn an income?” “We love France but we cannot afford to retire yet - have you any suggestions?” So in the new Business section we have [...]
Free Content - French Property Feeds & Articles
With many sites recognising the need for more content - a reminder about our extensive range of free content! Google likes fresh content - our properties are updated daily! 1st for French Property has an extensive range of property feeds available from What’s New, Chateaux range, each region’s properties, etc List of Property RSS Feeds Article Feeds 1st for [...]
Negotiate on your French Property
The weak pound sterling / euro exchange rate could be used to your advantage, according to foreign exchange specialists HiFX. Mark Bodega, Director of HiFX, says “Most buyers work to a budget and changes in the euro/sterling exchange rate have therefore led to people reviewing what properties they can afford”. If you are really keen on a [...]
Good time to sell property in France?
Investment Property in France If you have a holiday home or investment property in France - it could be a good time to sell. The euro has strengthened against most currencies. For example, it has changed from 1.48 to 1.24 euros to the pound in the last six months. So just from a currency angle, you could [...]
Some good news in Buy to Let property market, France
New research shows that the 2 million University students in France are finding it difficult to find accommodation. Developers are already investing into this new market: for example, Gecina Group acquired 4 new student residences at ?28.5 million. Icade purchased a majority holding in developer Opera to add 600 - 800 new rooms per year. The French [...]
French Property Market 2008
The first months of 2008 have been very slow for French property sales. Our Immobilier have reported low enquiry rates and few viewings. However, since Easter the French Property Market has shown some positive signs with more enquiries and viewings. A major obstacle has been the strength of the Euro - effectively making French homes more [...]
France Articles
Living in France Articles
Latest Living in France Articles on www.1st-for-French-Property.co.uk. - click title for more details
Make your Money go Further
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. ...
French Public Holidays
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
...
French Universities: ooh la la off to University I go!
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
UNIVERSITÉ DE HAUTE-ALSACE : MULHOUSE ...Use Your British Electrical Appliances In France
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 ...
Health Care in France, What to Expect
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 ...
French Residential Water Connection, Supply and Usage
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.
Local Water Supply
The water rights in France are owned by local communes, and most is outsource to private corporations that maintain the water networks, provide billing, and develop infrastructure in consultation with the commune. Water ...
Good News Bad News on French Property
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 Tax On 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. ...
Language 'important' when buying French property
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 lingo
French 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 ...
Young Brits opting to buy abroad
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 France
A 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 ...
Ferry offsetting for green Brits
If you are thinking of retiring to France but are concerned about the impact that travelling back to the UK to see family and friends may have on the environment, fear not.
It seems that the UK and France's dedication to staying green is here to stay - with those crossing the Channel now being given the opportunity to offset their ferry travel.
Retiring to France can be a stressful experience but now one thing you don't need to be concerned about is your carbon footprint after a new initiative by FerryGreen.com.
Go green in France
Already, travelling to ...
Minimal costs of buying from new developments
One of the bonuses about buying new property or off plan in France are that the costs are minimal, mainly because each home must be built, by law, to a certain standard.
However, as with any new purchases, be they old farmhouses or new developments, you will need to put some money away to cover the basics.
Once you have moved into your property it is recommended that before anything else, you get in touch with all the different companies and services which you will use to ensure they have your details on their records.
For those who ...
Opting for new developments in France
Anyone who is thinking of moving abroad is advised to consider opting for a property in one of a number of new developments in France.
Although for some people, the whole idea of moving to France is to renovate an old chateau or farmhouse, for others, this sounds like far too much work.
And for those people, it may be best to purchase a home in a new development which are often easier to maintain and can keep costs lower.
Advantages of new builds
One obvious benefit of a newly built French property is that you can move in straight ...
Tips on retiring to France
Although many senior citizens dream of retiring to France it can be a daunting prospect for anyone who is leaving their family and friends.
But there are plenty of advantages of heading overseas for older people, which in many ways outweigh the worries of pensions, taxes and other legal or financial concerns.
Retiring to France doesn't have to be an uphill struggle and there are plenty of ways to ensure that the big move is an easy one.
Prepare your French pension
Anyone who is planning to retire to France permanently is advised to inform the Pension Service ...
French leasebacks
There are so many options as to the type of French property an investor can buy that they often get distracted from the potential gains they could make by considering opting for a leaseback scheme.
French leaseback allows investors to buy a freehold property in a region of their choice and receive a guaranteed rental income from it.
Explanation of French Leaseback
The properties are generally located in tourist spots to accommodate visitors to France on a short term basis and are run by property management firms who you 'lease back' your property to.
This allows investors to own a property ...
Setting up the internet in France
For many who have purchased their dream French property and are starting to settle in, one of their top priorities will be getting on the web.
As well as being useful for keeping in touch with friends and family via VoIP and emailing, the internet is often vital for businesses and those with children as an educational tool.
For many families and retirees, the thought of having to set up an internet connection can be a daunting one in the UK let alone in France but the process does not have to be as much of a struggle as some ...