fessen

Hi all, After creating my thread about possibly moving to france. I have mooched about the forum reading around the AE application, and knowledge regarding various other users on the forum. In England I work F/T and I run an online shop, using ebay and other streams of income. Would the AE scheme be allowed for that? As when I move to France, we have sufficient funds and backing to be able to just work from home doing that. My partner also does work online, and is interested in possibly running a clothes boutique in france eventually, and possibly breeding dogs. (I know there may be limitations to the dogs, and boutique), however I am just wanting to know at the moment, where things stand with the AE and this potential scenario. Any information is truly appreciated. Regards Chris

Thanks all for the replies. It is all a lot to take into consideration. It's nice to see you all passionate about life in France, which is good. I am young and have a lot to learn, but as silly as it may sound, I do not want to be living in England the whole of my life. I want to be slightly different in the way I approach things, I want to take a risk, and I can full well imagine at times If we do take a project on, it will be extremely hard work, and at times think why did I do this, but all this will prevail and hopefully at the end of it all, have a lovely French house. (Budget out the window :p) What you say is true, and it always have been in my life so far, if you want something bad enough you will achieve it. ps: What is the weather currently like in the Dordogne at present?

Hi Andy and Bob. That probably is something I hadn't thought of. But I would imagine we would have something in place. Yes for our first 'project', so to speak we will be looking at something that requires some work, but perhaps not from scratch if you get me. As we are new to this, and I imagine you get lots of people posting on here weekly saying I want to buy some land and move to France, hence your first replies. This is something we are both truly passionate about, and want to do it. From your profile, it says you are in both Cologne and Ardèche. Did you move here? build or house ready built etc? Regards

[quote user="andyh4"] Far to many questions really but to get you going: [quote user="fessen"]Hi Guys, Just joined this forum, I gathered this would be the best place for the info I require. Anyway.. I am from the UK, I am in my early twenties, self employed. I have always liked the idea of living abroad, as there is nothing in the UK that is keeping me there. My partner and I have expressed some interest in buying some land in France with some ruins or restoration work, 150K will not go far in restoring a ruin unless you do everything yourself.  That will mean giving up work for a period and to simply live your 150k will rapidly evaporate.  or just building land itself, and working on it. We are not homeowners in the UK at present, as mentioned above I have nothing keeping me in the UK, and also I don't see the point in spending £150,000+ on a 2/3bed semi when I could get potentially more for my money in France.  You could get vastly more in Bulgaria but do you want to go there?  The super DIY jobs on a home in the sun at 25k are now 70k+ and are well out in the sticks, with no faciliteis nearby.   I am not in the position yet to bite the bullet and go to France, but this time next year, I will be all being well. My plan is: Buy some land, continue to live in the UK, but start the restoration/build as and when 1) we have the money 2) the time. Working for myself, I do get quieter periods, where I would have the time, and living in France has always been one of my plans. I have researched some things myself online, and getting the hang of it. The french language is not really an issue, as both my partner and I have a good understanding of French, and it is also something we wish to pursue with and ultimately become fluent. Things I am not sure about are: For example.. Can you run a business from France without any issues? No!  Well not legally.  A simple search on this forum about employment and running a business in France will show you that compared to the UK it is an expensive and bureaucratic system. (it is already registered etc in UK)  Likely to be even more complex if you want to stay legal - search on working in France for a UK company.  I understand when you purchase a property/land etc, the fees on top are around 7-10%. More like 15% if estate agents fees are to be added. Say I purchase a restoration project with a few acres of land, can you live in a Caravan on your land, whilst the work is being done? You will need permission from the local town hall - mairie  - but often known by her nickname marie. [:D] Ultimately the restoration work or building work, will be over a few years, as mentioned above, we won't have all the funds available to get it all done. And also from what I have read in terms of planning permission, you get a year or 2 to start it? Then once it is started you can take as long as you like? That is how it often seems to work but officially work is supposed to be completed within 3-4 years Sorry for the essay guys :). Any help is much appreciated, and anybody in a similar position, I would love to hear from you. Kind Regards Chris[/quote]   Despite what may seem negative comments what you propose is do-able.  Just go in with eyes wide open and with rose tinted spectacles left in the UK..   Remember also that many Brits come here with a desire like you to have a few acres of land.  Fine if you are here full time, but a potential nightmare if it is a holiday home or part time project.  The first 2-3 days are spent on each visit cutting the jungle back so that you can find the path to the front door, so to speak. [/quote] Ultimately it will be living there F/T, HOWEVER there is NO immediate rush to get this project done. In terms of restoration, a fair chunk of the work will be done ourselves, and my father. It will not be something we probably sell, it will be something that is kept. You mention bulgaria, I am not particularly keen, I'd rather have somewhere that is driveable, and I can be there pretty quickly if need be, without the worry of flights. I understand your points, and take them on board.

Hi Guys, Just joined this forum, I gathered this would be the best place for the info I require. Anyway.. I am from the UK, I am in my early twenties, self employed. I have always liked the idea of living abroad, as there is nothing in the UK that is keeping me there. My partner and I have expressed some interest in buying some land in France with some ruins or restoration work, or just building land itself, and working on it. We are not homeowners in the UK at present, as mentioned above I have nothing keeping me in the UK, and also I don't see the point in spending £150,000+ on a 2/3bed semi when I could get potentially more for my money in France. I am not in the position yet to bite the bullet and go to France, but this time next year, I will be all being well. My plan is: Buy some land, continue to live in the UK, but start the restoration/build as and when 1) we have the money 2) the time. Working for myself, I do get quieter periods, where I would have the time, and living in France has always been one of my plans. I have researched some things myself online, and getting the hang of it. The french language is not really an issue, as both my partner and I have a good understanding of French, and it is also something we wish to pursue with and ultimately become fluent. Things I am not sure about are: For example.. Can you run a business from France without any issues? (it is already registered etc in UK) I understand when you purchase a property/land etc, the fees on top are around 7-10%. Say I purchase a restoration project with a few acres of land, can you live in a Caravan on your land, whilst the work is being done? Ultimately the restoration work or building work, will be over a few years, as mentioned above, we won't have all the funds available to get it all done. And also from what I have read in terms of planning permission, you get a year or 2 to start it? Then once it is started you can take as long as you like? Sorry for the essay guys :). Any help is much appreciated, and anybody in a similar position, I would love to hear from you. Kind Regards Chris