steved

Thanks again for the advice. We are in the unusual position that we are buying the property from a friend - we're going down during May half term holiday to see the property and meet the notaire - and make a final decision. So we can certainly include a clause suspensive. Just trying to get genned up as much as we can before we go. Interesting about the 5 years to complete the work ... that could fit into our kind of time scale. Thanks for your help Steve

Thanks Kimberley - very useful. Am I correct in thinking that I will not have to use an architect to submit plans for the certificate d'urbanisme - only when we apply for the building permit ?

We are in the process of buying a school building in a small village in Deux Sevres. The building is basically sound - mains water/sewerage, modern wiring, oil fired central heating, decent roof. The property is larger than 170 sq m and it's next door to a church - well very close anyway. We would like to get the services turned on and use the property as a base for holidays for the next 2 - 4 yrs. We will then have some money coming through - so we can apply for a Change of Use and convert the house to a domestic residence - with a view to eventual retirement ( we are banking on high costs because of the size and proximity to the church ) I have a number of questions relating to these plans and would really appreciate any thoughts / advice 1. How quickly do we have to apply for the Change of Use ? Will it be possible to get the water and elec turned on and camp in the place for a few weeks each summer before applying for the Change of Use ? 2. Does anyone know where we can find the regulations outlining the minimum requirements for a domestic residence - sanitation, elec, heating etc. - so we can estimate the costs to convert the building ? 3. If we plan to keep the large classrooms as open plan living space and the wiring is modern and adequate - do we have to get the place rewired when we apply for change of use ? 4. We understand that because of the size of the place we will have to get architectual plans drawn up when we apply for a change of use. If we don't plan to alter the outside of the building at all and just plan to errect a couple of stud partitions and install a bathroom and kitchen - any very rough estimates of the costs involved ( for the architects plans ) ? 5. Finally - I have been reading that it is becoming more difficult to get Change of Use applications approved - can anyone shed ( sorry ) any light on their experiences - either + or - Many thanks .... i might be back to pick your brains further Steve