My French Maison

Overseas property finance

2010-05-13T06:04:00.000-07:00

Financing your move abroad
Once you have decided on your move abroad, there are many things to consider. We can give you some guidance regarding property finance.

The first method is to find an overseas mortgage .
When opting for a mortgage from an overseas provider , there will many variables depending on the country. In some countries there is a preference for repayment mortgages, whilst others prefer interest only. There are ,of course, a wide range of interest rates available.
Your overseas lender may be a subsidiary of a British lender, therefore, a similar package may be on offer.
Generally, however, the length of the mortgage will be less with a typical lender abroad. In many countries the maximum length of mortgage will be 10 years.
This will lead to higher repayments . It may be difficult to obtain more than 2/3 of the property value. A big problem for British buyers of property abroad is that it is very difficult to obtain a mortgage from a UK lender, they are wary of lending for such properties. This is mainly because it could be problematic repossessing if the borrower defaults.
Expertise from a foreign lender may be advantageous with regard to local legal matters. There is much to consider legally when buying abroad.
However, France has less stringent rules and a loan to value rate of 85% is not uncommon. Longer periods are often available, similar to UK, around 25 years.
In France, interest rates can be fixed, capped or variable.
This is mainly because it could be problematic repossessing if the borrower defaults. Expertise from a foreign lender may be advantageous with regard to local legal matters. There is much to consider legally when buying abroad.
Many borrowers will use a broker to help find the best deal available. Currency brokers can save the borrower significant money in the process.
In France, when applying for a mortgage, the documentation necessary is as follows;
Last 6 months bank statements,
P60,
If self employed ;an accountants letter indicating tax paid plus 3 years audited accounts.
Certified true copy of passport
Proof of address identification
French bank account details
Property documentation

And of course, a completed mortgage application form.
Expertise from a foreign lender may be advantageous with regard to local legal matters. There is much to consider legally when buying abroad.

A second way to raise the required finance could be to remortgage your existing UK home and release any equity there may be. Certainly this is less viable after recent drops in UK property values, but it is still worth investigating. Naturally, as UK property values increase this method will be more favourable.

Finally, you could consider in-house finance from a developer/housebuilder abroad, assuming you will be buying a new build property.

All About Aquitaine

2010-03-23T04:18:00.000-07:00

The largest region of France, in the southwest of the country, it reaches down to the Spanish border.

Aquitaine contains the departments of Dordogne, Gironde, Lot-et-Garonne, Landes and Pyrénées-Atlantiques. The region`s population is 2.9 million. Once part of ancient Gaul, Aquitaine is rich in history.
Early human remains have been found, as well as cave paintings (to be found in Lascaux). Human occupation from 400 000 years ago exist.
Over 500 years of Roman occupation began in 56 B.C. (when vines were introduced). In the 5th century it was surrendered to the Visigoths. In 507 they were defeated by the Franks and subsequently incorporated into the Frankish States.
The Kingdom of Aquitaine was created in 778, part of the Carolingian empire.
In the 9th century royal control was wrestled away by noblemen with a powerbase in Auvergne. This lasted until a new duchy was founded, Gascony. In 1053 this was annexed to Aquitaine by William V.
Descendant William X died in 1137, when his daughter Eleanor of Aquitaine wed Louis VII (son of Louis VI). However, they divorced in 1152 and Eleanor married future King of England Henry Plantaganet. When he became Henry II , Aquitaine was bound for three centuries to the Kingdom of England. Eleanor brought Aquitaine to Henry as her dowry. She gave birth to ten children, one of which was Richard the Lionhearted.
1337 was the start of the `Hundred Years War`, which in fact ended in 1453 in Castillion. Here Charles VII was victorious, capturing Bordeaux and the dukedom of Aquitaine was returned to the Kingdom of France. From this period, castles, churches, strongholds, abbeys and sanctuaries can still be found.
Forward to 1884, a scientific discovery in the form of `Cro-Magnon Man`. Palaeolithic skeletons were found at Les Eyzies, Dordogne.
Another, more recent, historical date is 1955 when the region became defined by it`s administrative departments. These each have a departmental capital;

Dordogne (Perigueux)
Gironde (Bordeaux)
Landes (Mont-de-Marson)
Lot-et-Garonne (Agen)
Pyrénées-Atlantiques (Pau)
Bordeaux is the overall capital of Aquitaine.

The region is spacious and has Europe`s largest forest within it. Outdoor activities are plentiful (sailing, surfing, horseriding, cycling, walking). It is also Frances best area for golf courses.
The population has been increasing in recent years, faster than the French or European rate.
The climate of the region is often humid with plenty of rain from the Atlantic. Good temperatures are maintained well into autumn. In the summer, the coastal area has a cooling sea breeze to relief sustained periods of heat. The inland areas become very hot in summertime.
In the Pyrénées-Atlantiques there are the Pyrénées mountain range which is found in the south of Aquitaine. Here, we find chalet style properties amongst the lush mountain foothills. Skiing is popular here. This department includes some Basque country, it borders with the Spanish Basque region.
The Landes department is part of Aquitaine`s coastline, extensive forestation here provides much of France`s supply of wood.
Throughout the region there is a rich diversity of food produce. Thanks to the climate, there are tomatoes, plums, prunes, asparagus, strawberries and kiwi fruit. In addition, the region provides veal, goose, oysters, truffles and foie gras. That is before the wine!
Dordogne is picturesque with historic, charming towns Bergerac and Riberac. Good air and road links and variety of property in Dordogne provides opportunities for house hunters to live in this appealing area. The whole region is famed for its abundance of water and that includes the Dordogne River.
Of course wine production is integral in Aquitaine, with the world renowned Bordeaux it`s centrepiece. The vineyards here provide Saint-Emillion,Medoc,Sauterne and Margaux varieties of wine. Bergerac also has excellent vineyards.
The region has a strong British expat contingent including many who moved for the quality of life or for employment.
A piece of England has been imported with expat cricket teams popular!
This article on one of France`s most beautiful areas is designed to provide an insight into it`s history, landscape and culture, as well as it`s diverse activities.
Aquitaine is still pretty much unspoilt and is a tourist and permanent destination of note for those who wish to sample the French lifestyle.

France is officially the best place in the world to live

2010-03-15T05:01:00.000-07:00

according to International Living magazine and their Quality of Life Index.

France has topped the list for the fifth consectutive year, out of 194 countries.
The criteria is based on nine quality of life catergories including health, economy, cost of living and infrastructure.

Chateaux Dordogne

2010-03-10T04:59:00.000-08:00

The historic Aquitaine region of France is located in the southwest of the country.
There are several magnificent castles and chateaux in Dordogne which is a department within the region.

There are an estimated thousand castles in Dordogne alone. Many date back to the medieval period , 12th century and the Hundred Years War (1337-1453) .
They are among the most visited castes in France, often set in dramatic locations. Strictly speaking the word chateau includes manor houses and more modest properties that may have been related to wine production.
Many are in disrepair, there are, of course, many fine chateau for sale in Dordogne.

Here are some wonderful examples and recommended places of interest;

Beynac

Name ; Chateau de Beynac
Built ; 12th century
Location; next to Dordogne River, 1 mile from the village of Beynac
Comments; an imposing structure rising high above the river, a great sight for canoeists. The chateau fell in English hands several times. Now open to the public, contains dungeons.

Name ; Chateau de Biron
Built ; 12th century
Location ; near to the village of Biron
Comments; set on a hilltop , stayed with the Gontaut family for 24 generations.

Bourdeilles

Name ; Chateau de Bourdeilles
Built ; 13th century castle and 16th century renaissance castle.
Location; Bourdeilles is a village near to Brantome, next to River Dronne.
Comments; Two parts , the renaissance, older castle designed by Jacquett de Montbron, and is beautifully furnished, the older castle has an octagonal keep which is 2 metres thick.

Castlenaud

Name ; Chateau de Castlenaud
Built ; 12th century
Location ; To the south of Beynac and west of Begnac, at the meeting of the Dordogne and Ceou Rivers.
Comments; Stunning views, and faces Castle Beynac, Castlenaud has changed hands between the English and the French nine times. Most visited castle in SW France, a rich and fascinating history. Has a museum of war with medieval armaments.

Name ; Chateau de Commarque
Built ; 12th century
Location; Near to Sarlat and Les Eyzies.
Comments; Includes a fortified village and chateau, in the 16th century a keep was added. The castle was ruined and lost for over 300 years, buried beneath vegetation. It was discovered by archaeologists in the 1970`s and cleared. The village has knights towers and houses carved into rock.

Name ; Chateau de Fenelon
Built ; 13th century
Location; Near to Saint Mondane
Comments; Double wall and terraces, major refurbishments in 16th century. Collection of armoury/weapons.

Hautefort

Name ; Chateau de Hautefort
Built ; 17th century
Location; 40km from Perigueux
Comments; a listed historical monument, the castle was built on the site of an earlier 12th century chateau.
In the 17th century it was transformed , it has two wings, containing paintings and tapestries. Hautefort has particularly splendid gardens.

Jumilhac

Name ; Chateau de Jumilhac
Built ; 13th century
Location; Nearest town is Thiviers
Comments; Picturesque , roofs of turrets and towers. A romantic, wonderfully decorated interior, elaborate fireplaces, flooring and staircases. The roofs were added during Renaissance period of 17th century in a `fairy tale style`.

Milandes

Name ; Chateau de Milandes
Built ; 15th century
Location; West of Beynac
Comments; The owner of Chateau de Castlenaud, Francois de Caumont, built Milandes for his wife Claude de Cardaillac, who was less enamoured with the austere Castlenaud. Interestingly, it is noted for singer Josephine Baker`s involvement in the 1930`s, when she acquired it. Many rooms are decorated in art deco style from that time, and a museum is dedicated to her. Milandes also known for falconry displays.

Name ; Chateau de Montfort
Built ; 13th century
Location; Montford village
Comments; At the highest point of the village, the castle has been part destroyed and rebuilt several times.
Named after crusader Simon de Montford , who burnt it down. De Montford also burnt to death the daughter of inhabitant Bernard de Casnac, legend has it her ghost haunts the castle.

Name ; Chateau de Puymartin
Built ; 13th century
Location; 8km form Sarlat
Comments; Changed hands several times over the years, involved heavily in Hundred Years War and Wars of Religion. Once looted and part destroyed, later rebuilt and expanded.

Other chateaux in Dordogne of note include; Puymuilhem, Bonaguil, Fumel,Gavauden,Richemont,Losse,Montreal and Monbazillac.

Written by Adam Levell

Relocating to France

2010-03-04T01:45:00.000-08:00

There is a lot to deal with when making the move, we have a number of tips to help;

1.Notify the following;

Utility companies
gas
electricity
telephone
water

Banks
sort out your financial affairs, building societies,banks, financial advisors,credit cards

The Post Office
Your mail can be forwarded to your new residence in France.

DVLC
Driving licence must be updated

Passport
The passport office does not need to be notified, but include your own uptodate emergency contact details in case your passport gets lost.

Newsagent
Cancel paper deliveries, do magazine subscriptions need to be considered?

Schools, club memberships.
Health clubs, recreational classes,schools, colleges, if you have children attending

World famous French dessert ; Burnt Cream

2010-03-02T06:08:00.000-08:00

......better known as Creme Brulee. A stylish treat, this dish is well worth a try.

Ingredients
500ml/18fl.oz double cream or whipping cream
100g/ 4oz caster sugar
one vanilla pod
6 egg yolks

Method
Heat the oven to 150C/300F
Add the cream to a saucepan, split the vanilla pod and scrape the contents into the cream. Simmer for 5 minutes over a medium heat on the hob.
Whisk the sugar and egg yolk together. Bring the pan containing the cream back to boiling point, add the yolks, whisk until thickened.
Should take about 6-8 minutes.
Use a sieve and strain the mixture into a large jug. Pour into 6 x 6oz ramekins (small dishes), upto 2/3 full.
Place these in a large baking dish, pour hot water around the ramekins until halfway up. Bake for about 45 minutes until set.
Remove and allow to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for one hour. Before serving sprinkle one teaspoon of caster sugar over each and use a mini blowtorch to caramelise, the sugar not your fingers!

Types of residential property in France ; a guide

2010-02-22T06:07:00.000-08:00

There is a unique blend of rural and urban types of properties in France, for those unfamiliar , I will attempt to shed some light on them and provide a short summary.

VILLAGE HOUSE
In the countryside , but in a village setting , so some amenities nearby. Many characterful, older buildings , access to local shopkeepers, patisserie. etc. Also known as a maison de ville.

GITE
Holiday home that can rented, usually rural, typically in a renovated country cottage or part of a barn conversion. Often good quality or even luxury standard.

MANOIR
Also known as a manor or country house. A prestigious , fortified building owned , or once owned by local gentry. Many are converted into high quality holiday accommodation.

CHATEAU
Similar to manoir, an impressive house or castle , either with or without fortifications.
Design originated in mediaeval times, to withstand attack from whatever enemy!
In the past typically associated with French aristocracy.
A popular choice of renovation project nowadays, otherwise they are at the higher end of the buying scale. Found throughout France, there are wonderful examples of chateaux for sale in Dordogne.

FARMHOUSE
Tend to be more isolated, properties with character, plenty of building space and land.

MAISON DE MAITRE
An imposing building with high ceilings, large windows. Historically, the property of a dignitary or respected professional , located in a town or large village

BASTIDE
Popular in the south of France, a large rectangular building, made from stone , tiled roofs with low pitch, originated in mediaeval times.

In addition, there are the following types of residence;

VILLA
Likely to be a modern detached property, a higher degree of luxury, may have swimming pool , landscaped garden, a property designed for the more affluent.

DUPLEX
A dwelling with two units sharing a common wall, it is possible to rent out to two separate individuals.

CHALET
Traditionally a wooden building in the mountains , or made from wood and stone, nowadays also includes prefabricated wooden residence or modern wooden dwelling.

STUDIO
Small apartment , usually one living space, cheaper way to enter the property market in France.

I have provided a selection of the diverse range of residential properties in France, hopefully it is a flavour of what is available.
If you are looking for the French lifestyle, good luck and bon chance in your efforts!

Le Tour 2010

2010-02-15T06:22:00.000-08:00

For those heading to Aquitaine and Dordogne this summer, why not take in the world`s greatest cycle race.

The 2010 Tour de France is the 97th race and starts Saturday 3rd July. The contestants have a mere 3500km to complete in twenty stages. Fortunately, Aquitaine has three of those stages;

July 22nd , stage 17 ;   Pau - Col de Tourlamet
July 23rd , stage 18 ;   Salies-de-Bearn - Bordeaux
July 24th , stage 19 ;    Bordeaux - Paullic

The race marks it`s 100 year history in the Pyrénées.

A piece of France in your kitchen ; French Onion Soup

2010-02-10T07:16:00.000-08:00

We would like to occasionally provide you with great French recipes, so here is our first offering;

French onion soup soupe a l'oignon
A must try recipe, charming, delicious and simple.

Prep time = 20 minutes, Cook time = 60 minutes.

Ingredients (for 6)

650-700g onions , thinly sliced into rings
50g butter or 3 tablespoons olive oil
2 crushed cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons flour
2 ½ pints (1.5 litres) of beef stock
Few dashes of white wine, or cognac if you prefer
Salt and pepper
8 oz (225g) grated greyere cheese

For the croutons;
French bread cut into 1 inch diagonal slices.
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 crushed clove of garlic

Method
Make the croutons by drizzling the oil and placing garlic on a baking sheet, spread oil and garlic and coat the bread pieces , both sides. Bake them in the oven until crispy.
Get a saucepan , melt the butter/oil until very hot, add the onions and brown , should take about 20-30 minutes.
Mix in the flour, stir gently. Next add the beef stock and wine, bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pan and simmer for another 30 minutes.
Serve the soup into oven proof bowls, add the croutons and sprinkle with cheese, should take a few minutes to brown. Mmmmmm...

Travelling to France from the U.K.; by air

2010-02-05T04:29:00.000-08:00

There is a very good choice of options when flying to France from Britain. The regions of France have airports placed throughout (there are roughly 200 airports available for civil use).
The carriers, both low cost and more expensive, have regular flights.
Rural France is more accessible than ever before.

This regional guide can assist those wishing to target their French destinations;

Region; Aquitaine

Airport; Bordeaux http://www.bordeaux.aeroport.fr/
Main airport in the region, it is 10km west of Bordeaux. UK airports serving Bordeaux (direct flights);
Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh,Gatwick, Liverpool, Luton, Manchester, ,Southampton.
Airport; Bergerac http://www.bergerac-airport.net/
Only airport in Dordogne, 6km from Bergerac, UK airports serving ; Bristol, East Midlands, Exeter, Gatwick, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, Stanstead, Southampton. So great for those looking for chateaux and property in Dordogne.
Airport; Biarritz http://www.biarritz.aeroport.fr/
Good facilities. UK airports serving; Birmingham,Bristol,Gatwick, Luton, Stanstead.

Region; Pyrénées-Atlantiques

Airport; Pau http://www.pau.aeroport.fr/
Small airport, car hire available. UK airports serving; Bristol, Stanstead

Region; Alsace-Lorraine

Airport; Strasbourg http://www.strasbourg.aeroport.fr/
Good facilities, main regional airport. Regular shuttle train to Strasbourg station. UK airports serving; London City

Region; Brittany

Airports; 1. Brest 2.Lorient 3. Dinard 4.Rennes
All have shuttle service between cities, UK airports serving include Southampton and Luton
Brest airport Lorient airport Dinard airport Rennes airport

Region; Centre/Center

Airport; Tours http://www.tours.aeroport.fr/
The region`s principle airport, 8km from Tours , good access to Loire valley, car hire, good road links, UK airport serving; London Stanstead

Region; Corsica

Airports; 1. Ajaccio http://www.ajaccio.aeroport.fr/ 2.Bastia http://www.bastia.aeroport.fr/
Ajaccio in the SW, Bastia in the NW, UK airports servicing; Gatwick, Birmingham

Region; Languedoc-Roussillon

Airports; 1. Nimes 2.Montpellier 3.Carcassonne 4.Beziers 5.Perpignan
Five airports serving the main towns of the region, excellent road/train links/car hire.
Montpellier airport Carcassonne airport Beziers airport

Region; Limousin

Airport; Limoges http://www.aeroportlimoges.com/
Modernised facilities/building, located 8km form the town of Limoges.
Served by ; Stanstead,Liverpool,East Midlands, Southampton.

Region; Midi- Pyrénées

Airport; Toulouse http://www.toulouse.aeroport.fr/
Main regional airport. Car hire/shops/banking/regular bus services.
Served by;Heathrow,Birmingham,Bristol,Cardiff,Edinburgh,Belfast,Leeds,Manchester

Airport; Rodez
Served by; Stanstead

Region; Normandy

Airport; 1. Deauville In the heart of Normandy, 9km from Deauville. http://www.deauville.aeroport.fr/
2.Le Touquet Small airport (light aircraft), near north coast http://www.aeroport-letouquet.com/

Region; Paris

Airport; Charles de Gaulle http://www.paris-cdg.com/
Main airport in the capital, 23 km NE of Paris, very good TVR links to other regions, also internal flights, buses,taxis. Numerous facilites (hotels, restaurants,shops, business)
Most UK airports serve this airport.

Airport; Orly
Fewer international routes, located 14km south of Paris, served by London City airport. Two terminals, buses,taxis. Shops,restaurants, banking,business centre.

Region; Pays-de-la-Loire

Airport; Nantes http://www.nantes.aeroport.fr/
Shops/eateries. Bus shuttle service, connecting to tramway system. UK airports servicing; Leeds/Bradford, Cardiff, East Midlands, Liverpool, Gatwick. Bars,restaurants,banking, currency 15km from Nantes.

Region; Picardy

Airport; Beauvais http://www.aeroportbeauvais.com/
Located north of Beauvais, a shuttle bus service to Paris. Served by Glasgow airport.

Region; Poitou-Charentes

Airport; Poitiers http://www.poitiers.aeroport.fr/
In SW France, airport is 3km from Poitiers. Limited facilities, small café. Served by Stanstead.
Airport; Angouleme , flights from Stanstead http://www.aeroport-angouleme-cognac.com/
Airport; La Rochelle , located near the coast, UK flights from Stanstead, Glasgow,Manchester, Bristol,Southampton,Birmingham, Gatwick,Leeds/Bradford,Edinburgh. http://www.larochelle.aeroport.fr/

Region; Provence Alpes Cote d'azur

Airport; Nice http://www.nice.aeroport.fr/
7km from Nice, Large airport with business centre, restaurants, shops,bars. 2 terminals. UK airports serving; Exeter,Bristol,Cardiff, all London, Birmingham, East Midlands, Leeds/Bradford,Liverpool,Newcastle,Edinburgh.
Airport; Marseille http://www.mrsairport.com/
24km from the town, good transport links near airport including TVR. Airport has good facilities, including bureaux de change,shops,eateries,business centre.
Uk airports serving include ; Cardiff,Edinburgh,Sanstead,Gatwick,
Airport; Toulon http://www.toulon-hyeres.aeroport.fr/
23km from town, tourist information, shops, restaurants, car hire, limited destinations, UK airport Stanstead.
Airport; Avignon http://www.avignon.aeroport.fr/
10km from the city, no public transport to site, but it is near to A7 autoroute, some facilities including bar/café. UK airports flying to ; Exeter, Southampton,Newcastle,Leeds,Glasgow,Manchester.

Region; Rhône-Alpes

Airport; Lyon http://www.lyon.aeroport.fr/
15km from Lyon, TVR station nearby, plus regular buses , excellent road links, good facilities (business centre,shops , restaurants, currency). UK airports serving; Heathrow, Gatwick,Stanstead,Cardiff,Birmingham,Leeds,Glasgow.
Airport; Geneva http://www.gva.ch/
Ideal for the French Alps, served by Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, East Midlands, Glasgow, Guernsey, Leeds , London City, Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stanstead, Manchester, Norwich, Southampton, Oxford.
Good train links and connections to the European train network.
Airport; Chambéry http://www.chamberyairport.net/
Small airport 8km from the town, A41 motorway, exit 13,
Belfast,Edinburgh,Leeds,Manchester,Newcastle,Bristol,Gatwick,Stanstead,Southampton,Birmingham,Norwich.
Airport; Grenoble http://www.grenoble-airport.com/
Again , excellent for ski resorts, regular buses to Grenoble, good facilites and parking. Served by Edinburgh, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Plymouth, Stanstead, Luton, Gatwick, Newquay.

If you are heading to France, have a great time and bon voyage!

Written by Adam Levell

For further information and other useful articles, please visit MYFRENCHMASION

Introducing MyFrenchMaison.com

2010-02-04T09:57:00.000-08:00

Welcome to MyFrenchMaison

We hope to provide you with wonderful properties and some excellent advice and information along the way.
A varied and comprehensive choice of chateaux, water mills, barns, rural and village properties covering the Dordogne and Aquitaine region of France.

Find out about historic and charming towns including Bergerac, Perigueux and La Coquille.

We provide a personalised service for househunters and will guide you through the buying experience. Your specific needs are catered for as we help target your ideal French home using an online maison finder.

So, if you are thinking of buying a property in France......

http://www.myfrenchmaison.com/