Hi there!

Welcome to my February France newsletter. What springs to your mind when you think of February and France? Well, love and romance may be high up there I would imagine! France has long been THE country of romance and February is a wonderful time for one of those mid-winter soul soothing short breaks. I have a couple of suggestions for some stunning, idyllic places to stay so do read on…

This is a great time of the year to look ahead and make plans. Despite the still fairly long evenings and sometime brutal weather, February is a time for optimism. If you are thinking about a serious life change, whether this means buying a holiday home in France or making a permanent move there, you have come to the right place! The great thing about France is that it offers so many possibilities and opportunities. Many of our readers have successfully established gite businesses and one couple now runs a small hotel.

If you are not sure where to begin and are in the early planning stages, arm yourself with a copy of our excellent and informative France Buying Guide. It is packed with useful information and comes complete with your very own checklist so that you can plan properly and well in advance. Just click on this link and you can purchase your own copy online:

http://www.FranceBuyingGuide.com/guide.htm

Meanwhile, in this newsletter you will find all sorts of handy information: I let you know why retiring to France now makes complete sense, I go over the role of the notaire so that you have it clear and to hand, I have found some gorgeous little places if you fancy a romantic getaway, Charles Purdy has come up with some pearls of wisdom designed to save you money on all your currency transactions and just wait till you see this month’s property feature…..

Enjoy it all and remember, I just love to hear your views/comments/stories so if you have anything to say, email or call me on 0207 898 0549. Better still, if you find yourself in the Hammersmith area, just pop in and meet me and the team: the coffee is always brewing!

Kind regards as always,

Alexis
mailto:Alexis@overseasguidescompany.com
France Buying Guide
The Overseas Guides Company Ltd
0207 898 0549 (call me!)

Retiring to France NOW still makes complete sense!

Are you, like me, rather tired of the constant gloomy headlines in our newspapers? The strength of the Euro also seems to have added to our woes. If you are keen to have your very own place in France but feel it to be something of a distant dream, please do not despair!

Newly researched figures show that household costs are less than a third of those in the UK and your hard earned money still goes much further than you might think in France.

Record numbers of Brits moved overseas last year and, if anything, the numbers appear to be increasing. France is ever popular, particularly for those retiring, and I am sure it will come as no surprise to you to learn that France was ranked third in a study of the best countries in the world to retire to recently. The study took into account such things as climate, lifestyle, France’s much envied healthcare system as well as taxes and living costs. Contrary to popular belief, taxes are lower for the majority of people retiring to France.

Houses in France, especially in the south west, still represent excellent value. Take a look at our property feature in this newsletter: you will be wanting to get the next plane over….! Whilst France has seen a slowdown in property sales, values are holding up very well. Property prices in France have risen fairly significantly over the past decade but they are still around 50% cheaper than the UK, apart of course from places like Paris and Nice. However, these are still cheaper than their UK counterparts and come with a far better climate and often a swimming pool!

On a general note, remember that although petrol costs are about the same as the UK now, there is no road tax! With regards to food costs, although the Euro is strong, nearly all French towns and villages have wonderful food markets once or twice a week. French people eat well and generally seem to consume more seasonal, local food rather than relying on imports.

When it comes to income tax, a lovely surprise for many considering moving to France is that they will often be paying less than in the UK. Whilst it is commonly perceived that France is a high tax country, the majority of expats will pay less tax. Not only that, if you plan before you move to France it is entirely possibly to protect your investments/pensions from tax, including inheritance tax. I can help you with this and put you in touch with the very best people to sort out your finances.

Give me a ring on 0207 898 0549

I have various resources also listed on our site at: http://www.FranceBuyingGuide.com/links.htm

If you are seriously considering making your move to France this year, now is undoubtedly an excellent time to do so. There are various options: you could rent your property out in the UK and rent in France to make sure you are totally happy with the general idea as well as the area in France you have chosen. Although the UK housing market has slowed down considerably, you may still find you are sitting on significant profits and now could be the best time to realise those.

Think of it this way: the outlook here may be gloomy but why should that mean you must postpone plans to retire to the sun? Who knows what will happen in the next few years? One thing we can all be sure of however is that France offers a far better and more affordable quality of life.

I hope this has given you food for thought. If you have any burning questions about moving to France, you are always welcome to send them through to me. Alternatively, click on our resources page and let us know how we can specifically help you: that is what we are here for!

http://www.FranceBuyingGuide.com/resources.htm

Stop the Value of your Pension from Decreasing!

by Smart Currency’s Charles Purdy.

Many Brits abroad unknowingly lose money when receiving their monthly pension payment. Often a pension is paid in sterling at a UK (or off-shore) bank, exchanged to Euros and then sent to the pension holder’s overseas bank account. Alternatively, pensions are paid into a Sterling account in their overseas bank account and then exchanged into Euros for use.

By using the standard banking system, money saving options are overlooked, unnecessary charges are made and poor currency conversion rates are applied. In the end, the pension holder loses around £50 - £100 unnecessarily on every transfer. In some cases, the pension holder can lose much more. The solution is to use an international payment specialist rather than a bank.

The money saving option – fix the currency exchange rate
Mr Benson retired overseas at the end of 2007. In January 2008, he contacted a payment specialist, explained that his monthly pension amounted to £1,134 and wanted to know what options were available. After a chat with the specialist, he decided to set up a regular payment with a fixed exchange rate of 1.33 for the full year. In January, he received €1,508.22 in his overseas bank account and continued to do so every month for the full year. To set up this facility, Mr Benson set a standing order from his bank to the payment specialist and paid a small administration fee.

If Mr Benson had decided against fixing a currency exchange rate, his monthly amount would have decreased along with the weakening sterling rate and by December his payment would have fallen to €1190.70 - a 21% drop in value. Banks often fail to offer or even to mention the option of fixing a currency exchange rate for use in the future.

Avoid Charges
Banks in the UK and overseas seem to charge for anything they can get away with. When working with an international payment specialist they will help to reduce and often eliminate most bank sending and receiving charges. Why pay a fee if you don’t have to?

Get good exchange rates
International payment specialists offer exchange rates that are guaranteed to beat the rates provided by the bank. Banks often set their buying and selling rates for currency in the morning – when you visit a branch, you’ll see them hanging on the wall. Specialists, however, don’t set the rates in advance but call into the market floor to get you the best rate possible at the time of transaction.

Watching the value of your pension depreciate can be soul-destroying. Receiving €900 rather than €950 can cause great anxiety. Both situations can be avoided when discussing matters with an international payment specialist.

Charles Purdy is a Director at Smart Currency Exchange Limited – the only international payment specialists in the UK that work specifically to help people moving money for property purchases or for regular payments such as mortgage or pension payments. To move money overseas or repatriate back to the UK go to www.SmartCurrencyExchange.com for further information.

To read the latest on Serling and the Euro go to: http://www.FranceBuyingGuide.com/Currency260209.htm

Why overseas property buyers lose money...
...and how you can avoid it!

This 10-page educational report outlines:

• Case Study: When Property Buyer, Mr Reed, Purchased an Overseas Property, he Made Three Mistakes that Cost Him £10,256...learn how you can avoid them...
  
  
• How the Banks make HUGE profits from their long-standing unsuspecting customers
  
  
• Ways to safeguard yourself against adverse fluctuations in exchange rates (or in other words, helping you to keep your money in your pocket)
  
  
• The entire process of moving money from the UK to any overseas location, so that you're armed with all the knowledge you need to make intelligent decisions about your money
  
  
• How you can ultimately save £100’s and £1000’s so that you have ample money to buy furniture and white goods…
  
  
• More case studies of people that lost money due to foreign currency strengthening against the pound, so that you learn from other peoples mistakes rather than your own!
  

And just a couple remarks about the report from our readers...

" We have found your free report to be extremely helpful... Wendy Watson"

"I have read and absorbed the information in the stories outlining the mistakes which the uninitiated can make when transferring currency. It is very illuminating and essential that any one,like myself, who is in the process of buying an overseas property should be aware of. I would go so far as to say that every agent selling overseas properties should be compelled to advise their prospective purchasers that it is paramount that they use a currency expert such as yourselves. Regards, Eric Thomas"

To get a copy of the report at no charge go to: http://www.smartcurrencyexchange.com/freereport.htm

To get a Better-than-Bank rate go to: http://www.smartCurrencyExchange.com/smartsquotation.htm
or call Carl on 08081 630 102 freephone.

Lovely stone built house in a peaceful hamlet close to Eymet in the Lot et Garonne

Situated high on a ridge in the Lot et Garonne, this lovely stone built house has 3 bedrooms, 1 of which has a huge en suite bathroom. The master bedroom is massive – 33m2! There is also a large modern kitchen and a dining room with chimney. It is set in one of the most sought after hamlets, close to both Eymet and Duras.

The price? €230,000 with offers welcomed! It really would be hard to find such good value in the surrounding area - this is truly a great bargain.

If you like the look of this property, and would welcome some help finding your dream place in France, please let me know. I have helped many of your fellow readers find their ideal property and offer pretty much a tailor made complimentary service for you. We have a simple property form where we invite you to put down all your criteria and then simply leave the rest to me. Just click on:

http://www.FranceBuyingGuide.com/property.htm

Understanding the all important notaire’s role in your French property purchase

I am often asked about the role (and fees!) of the notaire in France. I love lists (they make things so much easier to understand!) So here is my step by step guide to how things work with the notaire:

• The institution of the notaire dates back hundreds of years and they have worked for the state in France.

• The notaire ensures all proceedings comply with French property law, whether the property is bought through a notaire, an agency or privately. He will assist all parties ensuring the selling process runs smoothly.

• You are PERFECTLY entitled to appoint your own notaire or British legal representative, and this is something we highly recommend so that you have total peace of mind – call me for my recommendation or fill out the following form:

http://www.FranceBuyingGuide.com/resources.htm

• The notaire will carry out all the searches and ensure there are no pre-emptive rights on the property.

• The notaire will attend the signing of all contracts from the Compromis de Vente to the Acte de Vente.

• The notaire will read out the terms of the contract and oversee the transfer of funds before handing over the keys on completion.

• Fees are usually between 2 and 8% of the net property price, so the cheaper the property, the higher the percentage. NB: the fees may well be included in the price if you are buying from an estate agent but DO CHECK!

• A good notaire will ensure both the buyer and the seller understand what is expected of them throughout the buying process by keeping in contact with both parties and preparing everything in advance for them to sign the contracts and exchange funds.

So there you have it! For much much more information as well as a step by step guide to the whole buying process in France, I highly recommend our France Buying Guide. I so wish I had had the use of this when I bought my own property in France!

http://www.FranceBuyingGuide.com/guide.htm

Air France

Air France is great, with its traditionally good food and great wines - but there is more! On the Air France website you can book airline tickets, flights and your hotel along with your rental car. Plus you can enter the dates you would ideally like to travel and then view a calendar that allows you to choose other days that offer lower (or higher) cost flights. I really (and I mean really) like websites like this as they allow you to save money. Provided you are flexible with your flight dates, you have the opportunity to save money by going on perhaps a day earlier or later than initially planned.

You can also choose your seat, buy additional baggage allowance and print your boarding card from 30 hours before departure until the latest check-in time which is very convenient too. Go to:
Air France
and have a look next time you are popping across the channel.

France Property Buying & Investment Guide

If you haven't already purchased our excellent FULL Guide why not get a copy today?

Years of investing in property abroad and talking to readers who have either bought or plan to buy property overseas means that we are really up to date on the whole property buying process. We are able to give you step by step guidance on exactly how to go about this sometimes scary process.

The media is filled with doom and gloom, but just because the economic outlook is a little on the gloomy side it does not mean you have to postpone your property plans. On the contrary, it actually couldn’t be a better time to buy, providing you do your sums correctly, buy in the right place and use reliable, professional people to help you.

Let the Guide help you with all this – and more. Every step is clearly and simply outlined, starting with the initial idea to buy all the way through to areas, how to buy land, investment options and many top tips. What is more, there’s a money-back guarantee if you don’t like the Guide so you have nothing to lose! For more information go to: http://www.FranceBuyingGuide.com/Guide.htm

James Villa Holidays

We at the Guides Company have often talked about holidaying or renting a property near your dream location before actually buying abroad and now I think I have found the perfect solution for you in the shape of James Villa Holidays.

James, the original founder in 1984, is still running the show – always a good sign. The accommodation they offer is reasonably priced and personally checked out by the same people that do your bookings. Nothing like personal experience is there? Needless to say, the property checks include health and safety aspects too.

They offer properties across the Mediterranean and beyond, so they will almost certainly have something at your destination. I went into the website it was all I could do to tear myself away – a holiday in itself just looking at some of the lovely homes on offer!

They also offer a one-stop shop for the essential elements of your holiday, with great prices on flights, ferry crossings, car hire, and travel insurance – what a wonderful time saver.
Why not click on:
James Villas

and have a look? Incidentally - and importantly - James Villa Holidays have ATOL protection, which means that, in the event of any problems, your payments are protected. I don’t know about you, but that is one thing I am making sure of lately!

Just go to:
James Villas
and see what you think.

Give yourself a break!

France is a country with a wealth of glorious places to stay. I have found a couple of treasures for you, each within half an hour of either Calais or Boulogne so dust off those winter cobwebs and take a look, Spring will soon be here!

Chateau de Tilques

For a special treat/anniversary, this is a most beautiful imposing chateau in St. Omer set in wonderfully tranquil gardens.

http://www.chateautilques.com/

Moulin de Mombreux

If you are looking for somewhere a little more intimate, this is a beautiful old water mill with just a few rooms. I stayed there myself many years ago and it is still owned by the same wonderful couple.

http://www.moulindemombreux.com/

We are continually delighted at the tremendous feedback we regularly receive from our readers. As you know, our service is personal, we are happy to talk to you on the phone or correspond with you by email. When you call us, you will always get through to a real person, no machines, no waiting, no pressing of endless buttons! So please do feel free to pick up that phone or write us an email. We also have an excellent France Forum and always welcome your thoughts/suggestions/stories/tips. Just click here: http://www.FBG-Forum.com

I leave you with the words of two of our lovely readers, Eric & Mary:

“I am sure it is through yours and Kim’s efforts that many people that would have given up the idea of having a holiday home or emigrating to France have only succeeded by following the path through the France Property Buying Guide also with your following support has made it possible. I am just at the beginning of the long path but with your help I know we will end up living in our tranquil surroundings in our dream home,

For your continuing support Mary and I thank you both,

Eric , Mary White”

Kind regards till next time,

Alexis
France Buying Guide
The Overseas Guides Company Ltd
0207 898 0549 (call me!)
mailto:Alexis@overseasguidescompany.com