booboo

Each mortgage is different so you'll have to read the small print on your mortgage offer to see what the fees would be. Once you've accepted the mortgage, then you can't change the terms. You will have to get the funds released from the mortgage before 3 months usually or it'll be annuled. Normally if you've a variable mortgage, you can ask to go onto a fixed rate, but after minimum 1 year of the release of funds ie 1 year after you've started to repay the capital. Not the other way round...

[quote user="johnv"]I moved (am moving) from CA Britline to my local branch of CA and I have to do it all myself .. they don't recognise each other as the same bank![/quote] It's not really that difficult, especially now most people have a computer and printer; just type your simple letter, change destination address and client reference each time and enclose your new RIB. Even if it's bad french, they'll understand seeing the rib. Afterall, it's not really the banks job to do that, although some are helpful and will do all kinds for you which we appreciate.

They're not always bad; we asked for permission to convert our parking space (and for anyone else) into a garage > accepted

Just thought, have you got a legal protection policy with your house insurance company, or your bank??? If so, they'll sort this out.

I would think this is something that needs to be voted for at the next assemblée generale, then it can be budgeted. You'll need to suggest it to the company that is your 'syndic' and they can add it onto the next agenda. You'll need to get a few quotes for the carpet too. (If you're not the owner, but only the tenant, then you'll have to get the owner to do this.

Rob, if you're still in paris; try CA paris intl; they're really fab.

Sounds good then; let us know how you get on.

[quote user="Kevinmc"] Unfortunately, I'm liable for the first €150, as I didn't subscribe to the extra service the banks offer to cover this sort of thing.     [/quote] Hi Kevin, Was your card actually stolen or not?? If it was stolen, then you are liable for the first 150 euros before putting  a stop on the card (then this can be refunded if yes, you have their insurance 'compte service') But if the card has not been stolen but 'cloned' then you are not liable at all for any amount, so you'll be fully refunded, even without their extra insurance. It does take time, as with the original post, the time for the fraud dept to deal with it which is nnoying, especially if you need the dosh!  

[quote user="P"] Booboo - yes we do have a French bank account. However, our French needs to improve a great deal more befoe we start trying to discuss insurance matters in French. Paul [/quote] Hi Paul, In that case, I would definately find a bank that speaks English; it's important for your finances as well as insurance that you fully understand what's going on. There are several chocies for english speaking french banks.

Have you opened your french bank account yet? Easiest would be just to get quotes from them. Theres ad's on french tv at the moment for Credit Agricole saying it's the time to get insurance quotes, they're apparently doing  a promotion on it. I got mine thru' CA paris intl, all the staff are British, so it was pretty easy.

Well they have nice women too at the Paris branch!!

Thanks for your replies. That's what I thought too about the notaire deducting directly.... mmm strange ok, will update when he gets some news!   oops, i was in the middle of posting this before tarngranny's answer....

Evening all; I was wondering if anyone can help an english friend of mine - he's just about to complete the sale of his parisian flat, that he rents out; and because of the 'profit' he'll make on it; the notaire has said that he's got to obtain a bank caution to guarantee the fact that he'll pay the cgt once it's been calculated by mr tax man ( i persume this because he's not french and not living in france?) he's no idea what to do, as he's short for time, the buyer is in a hurry to buy now as it's been dragging on; hasn't got a clue what to ask the bank in english never mind french. What i don't get is that why doesn't the notaire just withhold what he estimates the CGT to be, from the sale proceeds (there's no loan to repay) ? that would be too logical wouldn't it! thanks in advance to anyone who's had to go thru' this shedding any light on what to do!

Simply ask your bank for info; they'll have the right one for you.

Charity boxes would be grateful...

me too, same company, and gone down!! Well done CA....

[quote user="gers32"] hi any body tell me what i need to open my first bank account in france pete [/quote]   you can also type 'french bank account' or whatever like that in google to get the latest bank offers. There are more and more english offers around giving alternatives to Britline!

Sounds like the problem is your husband I'm afraid!! When you try to get a new insurance, you have to show them your attestation from the last insurance, which shows details of claims and your current bonus. You'll have to shop around to find who will insure and at what price. Try your bank too. Best of luck

Hi Bill; I agree with Benjamin and have everything under the one roof with pacifica thru the bank. And as the staff are english, it was a doddle (no it's not britline!!). Oh by the way, they do the Gite bit too that you need.

Some danish neighbours of my family, you had bought their french house too outright, needed a massive mortgage to pay for the renovation works. They got some quotes for the work, gave them to their bank (no signing lark), and have done a mortgage (so good rates) with a 'hypotheque' as guarantee. The funds are released each time they send off an invoice 'facture' for work completed. A doddle for them anyway. (it's with the english bunch at CA paris direct) it you wish their contact details you can PM me or look online

Well that just says it; another big french bank opening up an english service, it's easy to open the account , and then there's no SAV  "service apres vente" !! Stick to CA

[quote user="Marseillan"] I have an account with Britline and they are the only branch that have a dedicated english speaking service that actually works. The fees you pay are no different from those in a local branch either. [/quote]   That's wrong I'm afraid - I've got an account at their totally English branch called Paris Direct International, held at the HQ in paris! And the fees are lower in paris than in the calvados region, due to the competition!! eg. I do not pay for direct debits like you do with britline!

If you are a UK tax payer, then you are officially non resident in france, and therefore should not even have a PEA, as this is only available to those that pay their french taxes; like for the codevi etc!!

I would think if you need to add another mortgage to it to pay the new house, then yes you will need all the paperwork again. If not then no.  

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