Vendeers

Hi Mrs P I'm very interested to read your post. Could you let me have details of your builder? Thanks Adam

Hi Mossie We're probably too far south near Fontenay in S Vendee. However, if you're interested please email me Cheers Adam

Hi Whereabouts are you? Adam

Oops, sorry. I just squeeze into that bracket:

Would I be liable for CGT if I sold up after 15 years? It seems to me that the French system is more favourable to someone in my position than the UK one where the CGT liability stays fixed at 40%. The diminishing liability situation in France makes it the more attractive proposition... Thanks for your contributions! Adam

Thanks for this. However, what about the joint agreement between the French and English tax offices? Isn't it enough that I pay taxes here in the UK? Should  I not, therefore, be entitled to the same benefits and allowances in France as I would be in the UK due to this so called agreement? Cheers Adam

Hi One for the legal beagles out there! We are maison secondaire owners but live and work in tied accommodation in the UK. We have no Principal Private Residence in England. Are we entitled to nominate our French home as our PPR for CGT purposes? My accountant in the UK has told me that the Inland Revenue would look for proof of residency such as the property being my official postal address where documents such as bank statements are sent to. Obviously, this test could not be applied in our case. My understanding is that everybody in the UK is entitled to one PPR where relief from CGT is allowed. Given the unusual nature of our situation - being in tied accommodation (ie the house we live in here in the UK is part of the job)  - I am curious to know where we stand in French law. Any enlightenment would be hugely appreciated. Adam

Thanks for replies. We've decided to go with piscine-plus...

Thanks. Hendo sent you a PM Adam

 Hi We're on the border of the Vendee and Deux Sevres. We're hoping to install a pool but would appreciate the experience of others in our region so far as recommending a supplier. We've had a quote of around 30,000 euros for a 10x5m pool with roman steps, a cover and heating. I thought this seemed expensive. However, I'm very inexperienced in this field so I am hoping for some reliable and helpful advice. Also, does anybody know a good builder/garden desgner who might construct a patio/terrace around the pool. Many thanks Adam

Hi We're on the border of the Vendee and Deux Sevres. We're hoping to install a pool but would appreciate the experience of others in our region so far as recommending a supplier. We've had a quote of around 30,000 euros for a 10x5m pool with roman steps, a cover and heating. I thought this seemed expensive. However, I'm very inexperienced in this field so I am hoping for some reliable and helpful advice. Also, does anybody know a good builder/garden desgner who might construct a patio/terrace around the pool. Many thanks Adam

As a member of the P&O homeowner club, I have been told by Brittany Ferries that there is talk of offering P&O homeowners free membership of the Brit Ferries club for two years. This is being mooted at the moment but no decision has been made yet nor is likely to be made for 5/6 months. Has anybody else heard about this? I use the Portsmouth-Caen route when it is available. This route has been discontinued by P&O and I am forced, then, to use BF. Any suggestions? Adam

We own a 4 bedroom house near fontenay fully furnished if you're still interested.   Adam

I completely concur with Nick. It's taken roughly 4 weeks for my money to be transferred to my Britline account. I received the same standard response that "your money can be expected to appear in the next few days." It's a pity the system doesn't work better since their rate of exchange is generous, I believe. I wrote to them to tell them of the grievances that people on here and other forums are speaking of  but Moneybookers don't seem to care. I'm not sure I will be using them again. Adam

Anyone played the golf course at Niort? If so, what's it like? I'm a 16 handicapper so modest ability! Adam

Hi I've got my 15 and 12 year old sons and my 14 year old step daughter over between 1st and 6th April near St Hilaire des Loges. Bit far, maybe? Let me know Adam

As new secondary home owners in Dept 85, does anybody know of any reputable electricians who could give our wiring the once over and be recommended for possible rewiring? Many thanks Adam