Evianers

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Whenever this subject is raised, the one answer which is always paramount is, do your homework before moving. If you cannot yet speak French, commence lessons as soon as possible - trying to fill in a French tax return is horrendous! Be aware that things are not a 'home from home' and that the mentality of the French is very different, despite that only 30 kms separates the two countries. There are many very helpful people here on the forum, so if you have any further specific queries, just itemise them one by one. And finally, it is worth it for most of us.

We had an apartment in which we never lived, but which was let to tenants, English, who subsequently trashed what was once immaculate.... but that's another story. After 7 years of being the legitimate owners, we still had to pay a large amount in CGT. I hope I am right in saying unless one owns a property for 22 years, there is a diminishing amount to be paid. Have another think about your situation, and try to remember how you felt when you first saw the property. Remember also, that prices in France are starting to rise substantially, so perhaps it might be better to keep it and sell at a later stage. Anyway good luck.

After living in other more distant parts of the world and encountering many other immigrant nationalities who have simply had to settle in vastly different cultures in order to survive, I am prompted in the light of Buster's sad tale to ask whether we are, because of current buoyant economic conditions, extremely spoiled. What I mean is, that after WWII destitute peoples from Middle Europe went to newer parts of the world without any assets and HAD to make a go of their new life, new language, - and many of us do - and, in some cases return to the UK if things are not to our liking. Is this a sign of the advanced economic environment in which we now live?

We, too, have had similar problems. Whereas previously we could write replies to all threads willy-nilly, we now have to be logged in each time. Don't like the new regime, sorry Forum Admin.

I am so sorry that things did not work out for you... or maybe you only think that at the moment. Whilst we lived in South Africa and Australia, there were those immigrants who had also had great difficulty settling to their new life and upped and went back to the UK. However, once there, they could see all the good points about the life they had just quitted and only stayed in Blighty for less than 18 months and then returned to SA. I'm not saying this will happen to you, only that you should perhaps be aware that this might be the case. I hope not, as it proved very costly. BTW there is a also a private message in your box. In any case, good luck wherever you end up.

We were house-sitting in Geneva last year in September when a large earthquake hit the surrounding area, as much as 6.1 on the Richter scale. The whole house shook, the dog was very distressed, all the ornaments and plants rattled around on the shelves: rather worrying when one is looking after a luxurious property whilst the owners are in South Africa! But no damage, only shock and disbelief with banner headlines the following day in the media.

We are not yet living in France, so unfortunately cannot comment. But at present we live in Antwerp where there is a large and obviously visual community of Chassidim, as well as a large Reform Jewish population. We, too, have a large number of Muslim poeple . Both groups still dress in their respective costume. It is gratifying that despite many other problems, normally the groups live in harmony amongst the largely Catholic population. Let us hope you find peace and tranquility in your chosen area of France. BTW, we are Catholic, I am a guide for Antwerp Cathedral, and I work part time for a Chassid as his secretary. A great deal can be achieved by tolerance and respect for one another's beliefs.

We might be able to help. When would you prefer to start renting? If you like, you can post a private message.

We currently live in Belgium before moving permanently to France in two years time. There is a central office here in Gent which puts would-be passengers in touch with drivers of vehicles with spare places, travelling all over Europe. The system is called Taxistop and works extremely well. We have utilised the service both as drivers with spare places, and passengers, mostly travelling up and down to Switzerland through France. Question is, is there something similar in France which is well managed, safe and inexpensive, as the Belgian system is? If yes, have other forum members used it and were they satisfied?

OH, who is an IT Manager, says unwanted literature can be stopped by activating the 'blocked' section of whichever email system one uses - just in case you don't want your boss finding you with more incoming estate agency advertising material.

There seems to be a large amount of poetic licence amongst some French estate agents - not all, ours is exceptionally good. But we do know of a couple in our area who will do anything for a sale and it seems that you have been unlucky enough to fall into this category. But why didn't you check to see whether everything was working before you signed?

If you don't have a Euro account, take enough money just in case. There are always the hidden extras. As we live in Belgium, we have no difficulty transferring funds, writing a cheque etc. but coming from GB, things might be different. All worth it in the long run and good luck for the future.

Nothing to do with removals, but for the first time ever, we are going to visit Ireland . As we live in Belgium, I posted a request on our local Q+A website for recommendations for B+B at reasonable costs in Dublin. Back came one anonymous response 'cut your losses and don't bother - see ripoff.ireland.com'. We were quite shocked but some of the things mentioned were quite alarming. Is this the reason why you are moving from Ireland to France?

We lived for many years in South Africa. Very many of the integrated surnames are of Huguenot origin. There is a delightful memorial outside Cape Town in a village called Franschhoek to these settlers. The telephone books in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban are full of French names.

Oh Mike...... where were you when we needed you??? Looked for ages for a builder who could repair our gatepost, bashed into by our friendly EDF. Hope you are going to settle in our area, the Haute Savoie.......wonderful, and a closely guarded secret for those who don't know it. Keep us posted where you will be located.

We posted a reply to your request for information Cec, but have not heard a word from you since. Is your quest now null and void?

Even in a situation like this, as far as I am aware, one cannot legally disinherit one's children. As to inheriting as a live-in partner, a notaire is the one to ask. They are usually friendly and helpful - at least ours is. Good luck

Sue Unfortunately the house was empty at the time waiting to be rented out, so we don't have any proof. We can just imagine the reaction we would receive if we even suggested reimbursement. Such is life. Good luck with your kitchen and we look forward to progress reports.

Sue We have not found anyone. We have reluctantly had to accept a quotation from a local mason to repair our gate pillar partly demolished by EDF; but the new quote is for 795 instead of a whopping 3000 so we have to go ahead. How did you fare finding someone to help with your building work?

Sorry..... and before someone puts me right - I meant directive, not direction, but the essence is the same.

We first came across this iniquitous direction whilst working in Australia some 15 years ago. It seems harsh, but is rapidly becoming the norm methinks.

Sue We have posted on this site looking for a mason, so far without success. If you find anyone willing to travel, please post another message so that we, too, can get in touch with him/them. Thanks

Hi Cecile Would be great to talk to you. We have a house in - guess where? and will be moving there in June 2006. Meanwhile, we are still in Belgium, having lived all over the world. Please leave a message in the private box if you wish to contact us. Thank you.

Has anyone else been in the position where their house is rented to French tenants, who, despite having signed a three-year lease under French law, up and leave after giving three months notice? We are trying to decide when to retire, and being in this position is making life rather tricky. The tenants have not given notice yet, but when they do, other tenants will then have to sign for three years, and so on. Any help/advice gratefully received.