pooch

Well, although we have shelved the idea of buying in France for now - all is not lost. We have asked several well abled people to look into the possibility of forming a UK based LTD company in order to do so. It is possible but I don't know how. One is a tax inspector, one is a french solicitor and the other an accountant. This will take some time to get it right but when I know any more, I will start a new topic. Watch this space. If anyone is interested in being more closely involved, then please email me through the forum and I will keep in touch directly. Just let me know your email address......

You need to consult a very good solicitor immediately......... There are loads of well meaning people out there - each with their own thoughts but it needs to be looked at and advised by a solicitor. Every situation is slightly different so please dont hesitate.

Well, after we have exhausted every imaginable avenue concerning inheritance rights in France, and speaking with a french solicitor yesterday, who clarified our concerns, we have now very reluctantly decided that it would be financial suicide for the remaining partner to move there and buy a house. Therefore, we are withdrawing from the french property market and taking our house in UK off the market and will continue to live here, knowing that whoever survives can leave peacefully, without any worries about where and how they will be able to spend there remaining days. Maybe it is for many, a case of "the grass is greener on the other side". We can remain partners and not have to marry (although we will at some stage) because french law would otherwise "punish" us even more so, we own our house here together, with a trust in place to take care of our respective children and our own wills, which enable our wishes to be carried out exactly. All straightforward. One concern that I still have, however, is the conflicting information that is apparantly being given to brits regarding this subject. Many people, it seems, have been badly advised. This is very worrying and something should be done about it to protect everyone's interest. I hope this will happen some day. We will continue to visit France as we do love it very much and thanks to everyone who has helped us reach this conclusion.

Thanks richard. You have shed most light on my thoughts. As I have had one experience (in GB) of what can happen when one spouse dies and the family all try their very best to get a slice of the cake, I do know how ugly things can get. I don't think I want to be party to that ever again. So I think I would rather stay with the devil I know in this country. As far as the maths go it seems like a far better idea - despite our rising council tax etc. Here, my partner and I own 50% each of our property and have set up a trust and respective wills to cover all aspects. Neither of us will be left with less than we want and need and neither of us will ever be without a home ..... we shall see.

So - basically, from a ""business"" point of view - working on the basis that when a couple buy a house in france - and working on a 50/50 purchase basis - when one of the couple pass away - having children of course, the survivor discovers that they have made a bad investment as they walk away with only a fraction of their investment. And with one partner not being able to leave the property to the other half in its entirety as is normal in britain and most people would expect to do. If they decide that they no longer want to stay in France by themselves, they have to sell up, pay up (kids and inheritance) and come back to England and have to live by what they have left? e.g.only 50% of their initial outlay (25% of the value of the propety?). In our case it would only be enough to buy a caravan possibly or having to go into rented accomodation and living of the state for some. I have spent weeks now studying the books and internet and I can't believe that so many british still thing it is a good idea under these circumstances. We are gutted at the moment. In our case, I have 3 children from a previous marriage, my partner has one. We are not married but the notaire told us we would have to marry as not to be would be a terribly bad situation to be in!!!. We want(ed) to buy a house 50/50 and become residents until one of us dies. Neither of us would want to stay in France by ourselves so in the event we would come home a lot worse off. We are seriously considering NOT doing this now after discovering the limitations. Our Franch solicitor here mentioned his wonderment at the number of british people who buy in France without considering the aspects of French law and who are total ignorant of thier personal scenario. I wonder just how many people have had bad wake up calls.....? any more thoughts?   One avenue I am asking advice about today is starting up a UK company and buying a property throught the company and "renting" it. That way it would be a company asset. My partner and myself would be directors. I know there are other tax implications but we will see what the advice is. I will keep you posted......... does anyone know anything about doing this. Has any one done it??   

Here are 2 scenarios: 1. A couple, married, both with childrenfrom previous marriages. They buy a property in France. They buy, with no tontine and no will.  What happens when the first one dies? 2. A couple, not married, both with children from previous marriages. They buy a property in France. They buy, with tontine and a will. What happens when the first one dies? What happens if they thenm marry? Any answers to these please? Could they have done anything better?    

Any tasty (melting) cheese works with a raclette. I love mozarella. I put out lots of different sauces and tasty salady things as well. Have fun......

We are planning to buy a lovely property in Brittany. We are not married. I have three children from my previous marriage and my partner has one child from a previous marriage (all grown up and flown the nest). At this stage, we do not want to marry and the problems with inheritance tax and who inherits what, is causing us great concern. Literature and Solicitors say a lot but the decision is very difficult. Can any one share their thoughts and/or experience in this area. Urgent!!!!!