July 2010

Latest news – as June closed the Sterling / €uro exchange rate is hitting the highest levels it has achieved for 19 months and has broken through 1.20 € offering the best levels since the collapse that started with the fall of Lehman Brothers in October 2008. That is fantastic news for anyone moving to Europe, although it is not such great news for those with Euros to sell. However, those sellers have had nearly 2 years of advantageous rates and it now looks like it is the turn of the buyers. As ever, the timing of purchase of your currency is absolutely critical and for that reason we strongly advise you to use our currency experts, who are able to offer preferential rates of exchange for you.

Click on the following link to see our property blog. http://allez-francais.blogspot.com 

All of our French property prices include agency fees and the only extra is the Notaire's fees and Government taxes. We do not charge anything extra for so called 'hand-holding' unlike some agencies.

We have everything you need for prospective buyers in France, from Moulins, Maisons Bourgeoise, Logis and Farmhouses to Chateaux. We have a wide range of around 300 French properties for sale in the Poitou-Charentes region of South West France. Working from offices in the Deux-Sevres, allow us to assist you with the purchase of your French property, or second residence, and minimise the pain.

During the 2^nd half of the year, we will be relocating to the South Corréze, and offering properties in the Corréze (19) and Lot (46) departments Our colleagues Kim & Nigel Cowles will continue to look after the Poitou Charentes region.

We are also featuring properties via Facebook and keeping clients up to date with price changes - so have a look under "Allez-Francais".

There are clear signs that the French property market has "bottomed", many clients see this as a good opportunity to buy, with some vendors still being negotiable on price. We will know which properties are negotiable and which are not, so please give us a call to discuss your requirements. Throughout this year we will try to off-set the carbon footprint of clients viewing through us, by planting a tree* for each client visiting and viewing a selection of property, which will over time absorb their carbon dioxide emissions.

On a separate note, we have started working with an International firm of IFAs with offices in Niort. We believe that many people do not understand and make best use of their pension plans. We attended a seminar at the start of the month, and we are sure that there are many opportunities being missed by people about to move to France, or already living here, or indeed returning to the UK. We can assist we some specialist advice.

French mortgages - Interest rates in France have fallen further as French banks start to loosen their lending criteria. Great rates now available on mortgages - (a good option if you are concerned about using Sterling at a low exchange rate - borrow euros to buy your French home. Our banking sources are offering rates from just 2.6% variable (capped at 1.6% - 3.6 %) or from 3.7% fixed rates for 20 years down to 3.2% fixed on shorter repayment periods. Call us or email for full details.

To make the best use of your stay in the area, we are able to offer a selection of Gîte and B & B establishments, owned by people who have already taken the plunge. We suggest that you spend at least one full day with us (preferably 2), viewing French property. We have an excellent success rate finding property for those who spend quality time with us. Do be prepared to act if you see a suitable French property - a few clients have recently lost out on property as they have delayed a decision, only to be pipped at the post by another buyer.

Do please bear in mind that the process of French property viewing in France is very different to the UK and is by appointment only, and we are often booked up for 7-10 days in advance. If you want to talk through your requirements the best time to phone is between 5 and 6 pm UK time when we are normally available. I will be happy to discuss your requirements in detail either by telephone or e-mail and always respond quickly.

You can use the SKYPE technology, not just to speak to us, but also other friends, family and contacts. Click on the Skype banner and load the software (you may need a headset as well). We can talk to you at no cost concerning your french property requirements. Our Skype name is allez-francais.

Peter Elias is a registered French property Agent Commercial working for local estate agents in France.