January 2010 has flown by, and there has been good news for UK buyers with the £ making significant in-roads against the Euro. But the timing of purchase of your currency is 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.

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.

Visit the French Property Blog, written by Peter Elias. Click on the following link to see the blog, with commentary on property and finance. http://allez-francais.blogspot.com

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.

Don't forget also that we can assist you with your French property mortgage requirements. If you have an existing mortgage or for people moving to France we have a great choice of schemes available, including interest only schemes at very competitive rates. We work independently, but also with a leading UK broker and with France's No 1 mortgage intermediary to secure the very best rates for you. All support is of course in English.

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.