Posts under ‘Things you may need to know’

Simon Verity of Blacktower Financial Management (International) Ltd. Explains the procedures and ways French Mortgages work. As an International Financial adviser, he offers guidance and professional financial services and products. Mortgages in France. In many ways, the processes of arranging a mortgage in France is similar to that in the UK and much depends on [...]

Conversion Conversion of buildings, or spaces within buildings, that were not designed for living in, as their original designated use, is a concept that not to long ago was a uniquely British thing. Over the past years this has changed. Originally seen as a result of the mechanisation of the agriculture industries; which meant that [...]

Renovation At its simplest the term renovation means renewal. It is distinct from restoration as it involves the changing of an object and making it new using different materials and techniques from how it was made originally. In the context of property and especially French property it involves the taking of an existing structure of [...]

As part of our series on planning issues and rules we move onto a topic that causes much head-scratching. This is my interpretation of how to work out: Surfaces Hors Oeuvre Brute (S.H.O.B.) Surfaces Hors Oeuvre Nette (S.H.O.N.)   Of all the planning requirements for planning permission requests the mystery of the SHOB and SHON [...]

Gordon Ellis, at Crosschannel TV explains in two parts the various set-ups for television and computing in France. Part 2. COMPUTERS Equipment Your PC brought from the UK will work fine in France. Clearly the plug sockets may need changing or running a UK 3-pin extension for your equipment. With the propensity of power cuts [...]

Gordon Ellis, at Crosschannel TV explains in two parts the various set-ups for television and computing in France. Part 1. UK TV IN FRANCE Whether you live in, or have a maison secondaire, in France you will probably still want to keep up with events back home or follow your old favourites! It is not [...]

Property finder Alison Morton gives you a rundown of how property buying in France works. Part 2. The hints This guide is only intended to be helpful information. Buyers and sellers should always seek professional advice. Things to be aware of It is very important to deal with a properly registered agent who holds a carte [...]

In two parts, Property finder Alison Morton gives you a rundown of how property buying in France works. Part 1. The system This guide is only intended to be helpful information. Buyers and sellers should always seek professional advice. The general way it works Buyer and seller agree on the price and the terms of [...]