Annee

Hello Have just bought a Bastide near Draguignan Var. Last visit, noticed sawdust on the floor, and black creeping thingies on the beams........The imobillier has taken a specialist over and they are Fourmis, not serious. I am trying to avoid yet another hidden expense, so could anyone tell me what treatment I could apply to rid these pests, and prevent them in furure Many thanks Annee

My husband and I to are just about to sign our compromise, for a maison secondaire, soon to be our home for life next year. We engaged an English speaking Notaire/Solicitor before the viewing, and he has been absolutely amazing verifying information about the property. Also, he will advise us on our correct inheritance buying regime, conveyance, at no further cost above the normal 7.5%! The point I am making here is you don't have to pay £1500 for outside firms to do this. I have been reading about inheritance issues for the past 2 years, as it has been of great concern to me, because I have two grown up girls from previous marriages. My husband has none, and no living relatives up or down the bloodline scale. The Tontine clause and "Universal Community with attribution to the survivor" are a live now pay too much later arrangements, for those with step children. Why not consider the french 'separation des biens' ? The property is owned equally by both parties, and for those who are residents, all assets worldwide. For money in France Assurance Vie will give you an income, and allow up to 150.000e per person tax free sum to remain outside the inheritance loop. One partner passes away, and 50% of the assets are shared with the resevertaires.........kids, 2.... 1/3 each, with the tax free sums 46.000e each, and the final 1/3 disposable portion willed to the spouse with a tax free sum of 76.000e and a life interest in the property. Further tax 20% on the remaining money with a sliding scale. if the property is sold at a later date, yes, they must be paid, but more money stays in the family, and does not go to the french government! With the Tontine sit...if the wrong spouse dies first, who wants to be paying 60% tax on the whole lot! Spend it?....you may not get the chance! Annee  

Thanks leslauriers.........I will make that call.

Thanks..........8% of one pension? It seems so unfair, we have paid our dues all our lives. I have stopped work only recently. I thought there was a short term EU agreement What cover can we apply for meantime....Mutuelle Axa, in France or in the uk, in case we are sick ?

How do I find out what E we need to move across? We will both be under retirement age, but retired......Husband has paid N/C prior to leaving. I have been at home. Do I qualify under his contributions? I think the 106 applies, for 2 years, but we need to top it up, before we go there to have it in place? I would really appreciate advice or direction..I am happy to do the leg work. Many thanks! 

After 18 months 'research' daily on the internet, and over a dozen visits, we have finally found our location......An area of real France in the Var. I have watched the same properties just sit there, with no sale, asking for £200,000 for something not much larger than my garden shed, with half an acre of trees or restanques.Then move on to another agent, and increase the price! The other day I went onto an Agents site, and noticed that the French version was one price and the English version was 14,000.euros more, for the same property! I mailed the company, asking for an explanation, but have been ignored. However, I know 3 other companies that have it on their books, all different prices I may add....one that works out of the UK, so I am on the case. I asked the English agent about the 'trend' at the moment. She was really honest, and said the market is flooded, full of hopefulls at inflated prices, sitting on their goldmine. The French are quite happy to wait. We are over in early March to view, and possibly buy, and I know the demand and hype, have pushed prices beyond belief. The French are not big on maintenance, and to get properties up to scratch takes a heafty investment. Which brings me to my burning question to many out there that have purchased in France........HOW MANY OF YOU MADE AN OFFER? I have read so often that the French are 'insulted' by offers, but with the euro and financial climate as it is, the South is nearly as expensive as Surrey. I await your views.............Annee.

I am almost ready to take the plunge and buy a home in the Var.........I have done my research on the net sometimes daily over the past year, been over 6 times. Anything I like the look of I print for reference. I saw something last week...........print. Went back into the immosite a week later to check if there were any others, the Villa price had been raised by 14000 euros....why? It had been on for over a year with no sale! In the summer I had lunch with an immobilier, and was told the inside track.The French it seems are convinced they are sitting on a goldmine. The English will pay, and they will wait. Offers are a nightmare, and seen as an insult. Immobiliers at times reduce their fees to take the shortfall. In some cases they will gut the home, kitchen........... the lot. Prices in the South are high, in fact 'more for your money', is not that much more in some cases, just more land, climate, culture, and the big difference. If you get it wrong, a hell of a lot of maintenance too. We are over in March..........the quest continues.........wish me luck!