Plan early to avoid disappointment

There is a deal of good news for people looking to purchase property in France with three of the biggest lenders recently cutting interest rates and the current continuing strength of sterling against the Euro.   (Financial Times Money Section 14 April 2012)  However, it is all too easy to get carried away when property hunting and one useful exercise that you can carry out, even before arriving in France is to investigate exactly what funds you might be allowed to borrow.   With an approval in principle you will both be more certain of the price bracket in which you can search, but when the time comes to negotiate, this will also stand you in good stead in your sincerity as a purchaser.   Bear in mind that the process of applying for a French mortgage can take many weeks and so it is always worth getting the ball rolling early.   Of course, mortgage rates and conversion rates will always fluctuate, but by understanding exactly what may be on offer to you you will have cleared the first hurdle of the buying process.

Flights to Normandy

For London and Home Counties based property hunters looking for a convenient route direct to Normandy, Cityjet has now extended what was originally a summer service between London City Airport and Deauville.

Flights depart London at 12.30 on Fridays with return flights leaving Deauville at 19.05. Being just 10 mins by road from Deauville and Trouville, 20 mins to Lisieux and 40 mins to Caen this is an ideal point from which to start your property viewing trip. Remember, if you have asked us to undertake a search for you, we will come and collect you from the airport.

The company hopes to add further flights to the schedule as the year progresses. Check the Cityjet website for full details.

France 2012

With Christmas and New Year celebrations now behind us but the warmer weather still some way in the future, for those thinking about purchasing a property in France these early months of the year are often spent surfing the internet looking at properties and starting to make plans for viewing trips.

However, many francophiles will be looking forward to the France Show this coming weekend - 13th to 15th January. In an age when increasingly information comes via ever sophisticated websites, the opportunity to talk face to face with people who have already made the move and have the experience to help is a valuable one.

French Entrée's network of property finders will be amongst the exhibitors, ready to explain how our service can make your search less stressful and your viewing trips more effective. Please come and find us on Stand 207.