marieloona

I was advised by good meaning French friends and families that the Etrennes are very important and that we should be generous. As a rule of thumb I've been told to give to the those that knock and ask (ie. pompiers) but also to those that don't ask (cleaner, nounou, gardien if you live in an apartment etc). I think a question a lot of expages will be asking over the coming weeks is what is considered the right amount? This is one of those cultural questions which if you get it wrong you can stand out like a sore thumb. My husband is French and he said "well, just something" and is never here when they come. Does anyone out there have a idea please? i don't want to pass for being tight with my cleaner etc but then again I don't want to be ridiculous either as I'm on a tight budget this year!  

I would offer a word of advice in that there are many "french property legal specialists" or "French legal consultants" out there who are not qualified in French law. Some are based in the UK where they should really be registered with the UK Law Society. For them to be any good, you must make sure that they are qualified in France and registered. Registration is indeed compulsory to practise French Law as a French lawyer, but some people purporting to be "French lawyers" are registered neither in France or the Country where they are established! Some people are happy to just have to advice of a legal specialist but in any transaction relating to property, remember this is likely to be a large amount of money and wherever you buy, in France, the UK or wherever, you should seek advice from a qualified specialist. They're there to help you and also to work for you, answer your questions and ensure that your transaction is watertight. Notaries are another subject and many can't be bothered to do their job properly. Try suing a notary! it will take a long time... Very rarely will a notary do any proactive work for a client (and if yours has they are one of a rare breed) however if you ask them specific questions then they will probably give you the information. A bit daft really because it means you'd have to know what to ask!

I don't know if you're still looking but I know a lender that will finance people until they are 80 (the loan has to finish before you are 80) so you may be able to use that. You can take a loan out secured on the property you have in France.

if you're completing your first ever french tax return good luck! tax return completion in france is like a national sport. Every family has there family expert and each year some of the magazine publishers issue mini books on how to complete your return. If you read French these can be very helpful. If you don't, I would suggest using an English speaking accountant to help you. They cost a few hundred Euro maximum (nothing like the UK!!) but at least you have an example and its one less thing to worry about. After all, you don't want to be paying too much tax or get the return wrong!

Hi there I hope I'm posting this in the appropriate place, if not please let me know! I am currently undertaking some research about why people want to buy property in France (or why they bought in France) and wondered if you could possibly spare two minutes please either to post in response to this message or to PM me! A lot of research exists on other countries but its really hard to understand what factors make people want to buy in France as opposed to other countries where perhaps more English is spoken. I would be extremely grateful if you could let me know why you want to buy property in France, as well as any of the following information you can provide: 1. Why do you want to buy in France? 2. Do you wish to move there permanently? 3. Which areas of France to you wish to buy in? 4. Why you want to buy in this area. 5. Will you maintain current employment in France if you're moving there? 6. Your age (doesn't have to be specific to the year!) 7. Your hobbies 8. The county you live in currently Many thanks for your time in replying, it will really help me with my studies.