Property purchase costs and procedure.

• Allow 8% to 12% of purchase price to cover costs
• Initial reservation deposit of between 2,000 and 4,000 pounds required
• 10% to 30% should be paid after lawyer has carried out searches
• Once you have paid the 10% to 30% you will enter into a contract (Exchange of contracts)
• If buying a new development stage payments may be required
• From offer to completion usually takes around six to eight weeks

Can I take a mortgage?

• Mortgages available from both UK and French banks
• Equity release schemes from UK property
• Borrowing in both Euros and GBP possible.
• Up to 65% loans available
• Maximum loan term for non residents 20 years

Getting there:

• Many low cost airlines now fly to France as well as established carriers such as B.A
• Wide choice of departure airports
• Wide choice of arrival airports
• All areas within a days drive of most UK ports
• Ferry operators
• Tunnel

What about Jobs?

• No work permit required for E.U members
• More employment opportunities in coastal area
• An understanding of French is a real benefit in this job market.

Can I take my Pet?

• Pet passport scheme in place to allow the import and export of your pet.

Transferring money

• Best rates available through money transfer specialists.

Driving licenses.

• You can use your UK license whilst a non resident.
• Residents (UK nationals based in France) should change their English licence to a
  French one if they commit a motoring offence so that points can be allocated to the licence.

What about schools?

• Good local French schools
• Private English schools available

Some Key points

• Always use a lawyer represented in France when purchasing property.
• The costs are lower when buying a new property in France.