Telchris

We are purchasing some land and are rather surprised at the level of Notaires costs. We are aware that the ,Honoraires de negotiation are levied at rates of 5 per cent for amounts up to 45.700 ,thereafter decreasing to 2.5 percent over this figure.on house purchases. Are fees for house purchase and land purchase different? On our receipt for the deposit the word honoraires is not mentioned,although frais is used. The land is under 20000 euros ,the fees are 3166 euros. This seems out of proportion. Are the notaires able to jack up thier income on sales by using the frais{expenses costs}word rather than the standard honoraires umbrella,translated = fees ??? As part of this land purchase a geomet was involved re. sub-division of the existing owners land and we are wondering if his fees may be included in the notaires costs.{we will ask if this is the case} If they are not we will be somewhat surprised and shocked at fees far above the legally stated guidelines.

We have aquired some land near to Guingamp/Begard area and would like any recommendations for persons to install fosse and dig foundations/cut a driveway from road. If anyone can recommend an artisan French/British who has completed such work at resonable prices,greatly appreciated.

After spending many years renovating old property we have decided to buy a plot of land and self build. Any advice regarding building regs,inspection at various stages,problem areas,personal experiences,most welcome. We are in Northern Brittany and have seen a few nice cedarwood chalets and may consider this as an option. We are aware of course that plans or at least a basic design has to be approved by the local Mairie. No one has ever mentioned building inspectors and I am unable to find any references in any threads. Any advice appreciated. thanks,Terry

Advice required please on requirement when selling,need for tax returns.1 year or 2. ??? We are selling our house in France and still trying to get to the bottom of whether capital gains tax is due. Although this is our Principal residence and our u.k house was sold prior to occupation of our French house,it would still apppear at the time of sale one needs to proove residency for a certain period in France. I understand this was originally accepted by means of a copy of one years income tax form. It would appear that some Notaires are requesting forms for Two years. The laws concerning this were modified in 2004 and it appears as though the Notaires are still attempting to clarify this rule and seem to differ in thier interpretation. Has anyone recently sold having been resident for less than 2 years.{as is our case,arrived Jan 2003.and been resident since that date. We did not automatically recieve any tax forms and as yet have not made a declaration.{no French income,just living off savings held in England} We do not feel it would be fair to have to pay CGT on what is our only home and are therefore anxious to clarify this. It would also appear that if this could be a problem {the two year rule}that the only alternative is to purchase another property{smaller for example}as our potential main residence and thus avoid paying the dreaded 26 per cent. We have extensivley renovated our existing property and therefore the plus value is considerable with 26 per cent amounting to some 15 thousand pounds. comments gratefully recieved

We have recently placed our property on the market and require some clarification of potential capital gains tax. We sold our u.k house and moved into our French house some months later. We occupied our house in France from the day of completion and can provide utility bills to verify. We have occupied our house for just over one year. We do not have a carte de sejour as the whole question of its neccesity and the debate prior to its abolition{for E.U citizens}has now been resolved. Technically ,yes we should have had the carte,but we heard stories of people asking for application forms and being told they will not be required soon! This was approx 6 months ago. The crux ,therefore of the query is,Are we liable for CGT? Opinions gratefully received.