Diddion

Thank you everyone for the interesting posts in this thread.  I also am in the position of having found a house in the summer and put mine on the market...just before Northern Rock.  Excellent timing.  Instead of a compromis de vente, the notaire created a Promesse document, restricting the vendor to ourselves for a period of time (mid January 2008, though I know the vendor will extend this).  Unhappily, because of the exchange rate and UK housing position, we will now, I think, have to withdraw and look for a cheaper property - we can do this without loss of our deposit (which will now be worth more than when we paid it!) but with legal costs of about 1000 euros.    I disagree with those who assert that we purchasers should wait until the euro weakens.  Although of course it may do so, there are no guarantees - look at historical dollar exchange rates, for example.  You might find you are waiting forever.  This is, as others posting in the thread have wisely said, a lifestyle decision., so if it can be afforded, we at least will still go ahead.