Jeff

Many thanks this sounds GOOD

I have recently returned to my cottage in Normandy to find that the farmer who has the land next to ours has extended his boundary fence by 2 meters into my property. Two years ago we had electricity installed and the EDF box was placed against the corner fence post between us and the farmer. The new fence (that has an electric current running through it) effectively stops us from reaching the box. When I spoke to the farmer he stated that the old boundary marker is in the wrong place. He also said that when he originally sold the land he told the new owner, but he did nothing about it. The original sale was approximately 30 + years ago and the property has been sold twice since then, making me the third owner. he now wants his land back and has told me to have the EDF box moved. I have spoken to the person I bought the cottage from and like me they thought the existing fence was the boundary. I have studied the map that came with the deeds of the house but that does not really help. Can anyone advise me  on: Is there a time limit that the land can be claimed back? Who do I approach to assist in this matter? Jeff

As Andyh4 says, treat the transaction as if you were buying here and ask the same questions. I bought in Normandy 4 years ago, and save for a minor hiccup with a neighbour had no problems. As for monthly outgoings, they are low compared with S. Wales. Both my taxes only amount to 170 euros a year. Water about 90 euros. Speak to your Estate agent for advice on taxes or even go in and ask the local Maire. It is always a good idea to get to know him/her.

Thanks to all for the advice. I did take photographs which I have now forwarded to the Mairie and my Insurance Company. They show both occurances and the work done to try to resolve the problem. I have since spoken to my builder who also has before and after photos, has agreed to support me and by the way was with me when my neighbour refused access to his land. Regards Jeff

We installed a 3.5 x 3.5 metre shed. The Maire told us no permission was required.

When we were there last week we were struggling for time as we arrived Friday morning and left Monday morning. I did contact the Maire, who came and had a look at the sludge inside the house. He was annoyed as last time he told the farmer not to allow the pit to overflow again. Unfortunately at the time the Mairie was closed, the Maire drove down in his own time, he did not stay more than a few seconds. I will put the problem in writting to him, and make some enquiries, as you suggest with the DDE, presumably the Mairie will be able to advise as to where the nearest office is. Thanks for the info.

I have a small cottage in Normandy, which I visit about every 5 weeks. The rear wall of the cottage stands on the boundary line between us and the neighbours. The neighbour, a farmer, has an open slurry pit about 30 yards from the rear of the house. Our house is downhill from the farm. (Guess what is coming)   In February 06 the pit was allowed to overflow and covered my garden to a depth of about 6 cms with ****. On our arrival at the cottage the farmer emptied the pit and cleared the slurry channel from his barn to the pit. In May 06, I installed a wall and drainage to ensure the problem did not re-occur.(This simple redirected the flow)   Last week, end of September, we returned to the cottage and found the pit had overflowed a second time. Again the day of our arrival he emptied the pit and cleared the channel. This time the slurry entered the house and flooded the bathroom.   I have been told by the insurance company that the farmer must stop the flow of water to my land, but the Maire stated that if I required any drainage work to be done it is at my expense. The farmer has refused to permit me to complete any work to the rear of my house which is on his land.   Secondly I have been told that sometime next year the farmer is having a new barn (approx 10 metres behind me) and to accommodate it he is raising the level of his land by 1 metre directly behind my cottage.   Does anyone know if: There is anything I can do to make him stop the water? Regarding the raising of the land level, can I object? Can I make him install drainage? Who can I speak to for legal advice?

I received a devis from an electrician this morning, he too states I must have TV and Tele sockets in all rooms. He also states that I must have 4 sockets in each bedroom, 8 in the kitchen and another 8 in the salon. I have been quoted 5000 euros to install electricity in a small 2 bed cottage.

Hello Iceni Last week too received an email basically the same. They said they had recently bought in 50 and wanted to know where I am situated and when I am next in France, to get acquainted. My reply asking for their details have proved not to be fruitful.. Yes I agree. BE VERY CAREFUL jEFF

Last year I wrote a letter that was published in the L F Mag re the same issue. We found that English builders were ready to rip off unsuspecting Brits. They were generally rude and overpriced, they even told me not worry about planning permission. The French builder we contacted was punctual, polite, he started and finished on time. he even presented a bill lower than the original Devis. Personally, I say go local every time.

Does anyone know if there is a Brico depot in or near 50 St Hilaire du H

Hi, I have a cottage in Milly, just down the road from you, we have just had a fire installed my a shop on the main street of Mortain, near where the little market is held. They were very good. I have no doubt that if you approach them they will be able to help. Jeff