Pierre

It is just a figure of speech, the more land you have in France the more taxe fonciere you pay. If you say that you pay a lot of taxe fonciere to a French guy he will know that you are quite wealthy (so as they intend to be quite jealous it is better to keep it for yourself :)

Very true, if you do not know how to do it it might cost you more at the end: doing the DIY work then getting it fixed by a plumber who will spend more time on it. If you take a professional from the beginning it will be easier to get a good quote than calling them in an emergency when water is pouring all over the house.

Do not move all your furnitures in France, rather than going to a cheap Swedish furniture shop, you better go to the local antique markets (brocantes) where you will find treasures. You can also visit "antiquaire" shops but be careful because sometimes they will sell you antiques which are just a few month old. Buying French antiques will give you the chance to decorate you French house with style!

that is why it is so important to speak to a dedicated English team when you take a French mortgage, most French banks have their own international teams

dealing with a private seller will be at your own risk. If they decide at the last minute to increase their price because they found a better buyer or just because they think you have enough money happen quite often. If you use an agent with a card, you will be backed up by a professional company with legal advice and insurances. They also spend money to advertise their properties for sale on Internet and in newspapers.

Have a look at this page, you will better understand the "French council tax": http://www.sextantproperties.com/news/general/taxe-d-habitation-and-taxe-fonciere

Hi, Only 1 agent went into liquidation on the French property market (VEF). All the other ones are still active and you can trust highly reputable companies. If you ask them kindly they will put you in touch with their local estate agents (if you give your property address and contact details). This post has been edited by the moderators as it broke the forum code of conduct.