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TV show looking for people moving to France


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Hi Everybody,

I hope you're all well. I’m the researcher on the TV show ‘Fantasy Homes By The Sea’ and we’re currently looking for house-hunters to take part in our new series. We’d like to hear from anyone who is looking for a French coastal or sea-view property in particular, we’re open to hearing from people with all budgets and locations in mind, it can also be a permanent relocation or a holiday home. The show is all about helping people find their ideal coastal property and lifestyle by the sea, we find out exactly what you’re looking for and show you 4 properties that you’ll (hopefully) love and give you a taste of what life could be like in your new location. The show is presented by Jenni Falconer and is aired on the UKTV Home channel. It has been a great experience for anyone involved before and an informative way of investigating a future move.

I am happy to answer any questions on here that you may have or please get in contact with me directly at [email protected] if you would like to take part or are interested in finding out more.

Many thanks and I look forward to speaking with you!

Liz

http://uktv.co.uk/home/item/aid/638510

(Note to moderators have permission from Complete France to post this)

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I'm probably wasting my time here, but I do hope that there'll be a bit of reality mixed in with the fantasy.  For instance, do you know that if you don't have work you cannot join the French state health system if you have yet to reach UK retirement age?  And that you must have state-coverage comparable private insurance instead?  Programmes like this have been responsible for bringing thousands of Brits to France over the last ten years or so.  In the very small number of Brits whom I know of around here, about half (5 couples) have moved back in the 7 years since  we've been here.

Fantasy is right, imho.

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Hi guys,

That is actually often a big part of the show we do, all locations are heavily researched before-hand and it's quite often the 'fantasy v the reality' of making a particular move.

The programme too is not about pressuring people to buy a house but more about laying all the facts on the table and allowing people to experience a bit of proposed future life.

As I mentioned it's been a great experience for people involved before and I am more than happy to answer any questions people have.

Many Thanks,

Liz
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[quote user="fantasyhomes"]Hi guys,

That is actually often a big part of the show we do, all locations are heavily researched before-hand and it's quite often the 'fantasy v the reality' of making a particular move.

The programme too is not about pressuring people to buy a house but more about laying all the facts on the table and allowing people to experience a bit of proposed future life.

As I mentioned it's been a great experience for people involved before and I am more than happy to answer any questions people have.

Many Thanks,

Liz[/quote]

Perhaps you could stick to your original ''Everybody'' rather than ''guys''.

A large number of forum members are not in fact 'guys' but are 'gals' - most are also not from the USA therefore ''Hi guys'' doesn't really work, or at least not as far as I am concerned, others may have different opinions of course.
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[quote user="Frederick"]This will give an idea of one of their Fantasy Homes by the Sea  : http://www.splashmedia.co.uk/index.jsp?lnk=020501 [/quote]

Doesn't everyone live like this, surely this is the most popular section of the market? [:-))] one of us is on a different planet, or was this meant to be posted under 'joke-of-the-week'? . . . c'mon really, heads up guys  [blink]

 

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Liz,

I would have thought that the high price of sea view and coastal property in France, would put it far outside the reach of most prospective British buyers, who are reportedly most active in the French inland property market below 250k. For example, in the Var and Alpes Maritime, villas with a sea view start from a million plus and this is probably reflected by the low posting activity in the South East section of this and other French property forums.

Those fortunate few who are active purchasers in this rarified upper market are usually protective of their privacy and for good reason, as it would not be the first time a high end property is targeted by thieves, following its publicity in the media. Also the likelihood of a forthcoming Socialist French President and recent adverse wealth and capital gains tax changes on French property are likely to have dampened enthusiasm amongst foreign purchasers of high end French property.

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[quote user="just john "]

[quote user="Frederick"]This will give an idea of one of their Fantasy Homes by the Sea  : http://www.splashmedia.co.uk/index.jsp?lnk=020501 [/quote]

Doesn't everyone live like this, surely this is the most popular section of the market? [:-))] one of us is on a different planet, or was this meant to be posted under 'joke-of-the-week'? . . . c'mon really, heads up guys  [blink]

 

[/quote]

Well, JJ, YOU of all people should know!  Haven't you got just such a fantasy home in the delightful county of Devon?[;-)]

Me, I didn't bother reading any of it but I saw the picture of that "average" good-looking couple in the gilt photo frame.  However, it's the little white dog that I find most irrisistible![:D][:P][8-)]

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[quote user="sweet 17"]  Well, JJ, YOU of all people should know!  Haven't you got just such a fantasy home in the delightful county of Devon?[;-)]  [/quote]

The framed pic was the 'after pic', mine is the 'before pic' [:D]

ps how's the chateau landscaping going, are the fountains working yet[:P]

 

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Hi Liz,

Fortunately, most of us who have chosen to move to France have done so after a lot of soul searching and extensive research, including enjoying the various 'moving abroad' themed programmes that have been popular for over 10 years now. No-one with an ounce of commonsense would assume that all you have to do is watch a few tv programmes, find a few thousand pounds for a renovatable wreck, and life will be tickety-boo!

You'd think looking at this forum sometimes that France is full of grumpies, enjoying their own new lives here, but begrudging everyone else who has been fortunate enough to do the same. Moving abroad is not for everyone, and many do find that the lifestyle is not what they expected, or their circumstances change, but you get one life, and if you don't try....you'll never know and always wonder.

Hopefully you'll have lots of interested people apply - personally, although I have made the leap, and am loving it here - I enjoy these programmes as they visit so many different areas in France, and it's nice to see the properties shown on the viewings.

And finally, I am female, and don't take offence to a friendly generalisation :-)

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Fluffy tree, unfortunately unlike your goodself, it is self evident from this and other similar French expat forums that many people do not undertake extensive research before moving and or buying a property abroad. Amanda on a Place in the Sun, said herself on one of the programmes, that many sensible people looking to buy a property abroad leave their brains at the airport!

The fact is that a lot of people get carried away with the excitement and sense of adventure and fail to take into account for example the difficulty of learning a second language to a sufficient level, that they have any realistic chance of finding meaningful employment, if needed. Another common area overlooked is health care and the fact that some form of private health insurance might be required, which could be unobtainable or unaffordable if you have a pre-existing health condition, even something relatively minor. 

I think there is a difference for those emigrating to countries like Australia and New Zealand, as there is not the language barrier and the visa application process and medical requirement weeds out those who do not have required work skills and in most cases those over the age of fifty who are seen as a health care liability! The risk with EU countries like France, is Brits can move there on a whim, which many do and the estimated return rate of up tp 75% over seven to ten years says it all.

Anyway, I think the gist of the responses to the OP, is that fantasy sea view properties in France are not reflective of the reality of the vast majority of Brits who own property in France, who generally buy inland where houses are more affordable..

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Maybe a few people get carried away with the excitement and sense of adventure Sprogster, but it's hardly a whim if it involves selling up your home, leaving your job, and your friends and family for a new life in a foreign country.

Who dosn't wonder if the grass is greener, if there is more to life, and what-if? Most people just wonder, maybe get a bit resentful of the nine-to-five, but do nothing. Others, and lets face it, it's only a tiny minority of the population, actually go, see, and maybe decide to try.

I feel that it's a little patronising to make the assumption that viewers are 'fooled' by programmes like this - and I find it disappointing just how often the early respondents will 'kill' a topic on this forum with their negativity.

Maybe the majority who buy in France sell up within 10 years - but I've yet to see a realistic analysis of the reasons why...maybe a topic for a new posting!

I think the clue is in the OP's posting.....'Fantasy' Homes by the Sea...... I for one will be watching as it's nice to dream :-)

 

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I find myself between Sprogster and FT but definitely more towards Sprogster.

 

I cannot now remember the number of times I have come across folk who think that France is just England but where the sun shines and they speak French.    Sure they have thought about the move before selling up, but it stops just about there - the move, selling the UK house.

 

Healthcare?  You mean I cannot just use my NHS E111?

Car registration?  Why can't I stay on UK plates?  Who can do my MOT?  Can the prefecture do my tax disc?

Employment?  But I am fully qualified why won't they take me just because I don't speak French?  What do you mean there are no jobs round here because the population density is about 2 per square kilometer

Renovations?  I have to pay how much?  and I will also need a plumber. tiler, electrician,  carpenter, roofer, and pay all of them as well.  I am sure Amanda Lamb found a builder who could do it all for a fraction of the price.

Weather?  You get snow?  But you are so far South.  (Yeah and those lumps over there are the Alps - remember Ski Sunday?)

The list is almost endless.  I have to say the situation has become a bit better the last couple of years, but probably only because fewer people are arriving.

Many peoples' perceptions are still driven by these programs (otherwise how come they are so popular) and their hands on experience of their dream country for the future is a 14 day holiday in July/August for a couple of years running.

 

 

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I can't see why suggesting that a programme about a "fantasy home" in France might mention the fact that you can't move here and remain "inactif" before reaching UK state retirement age without private health insurance - if you can get it - is or would be, patronising.

I can't see why explaining that artisans are pricey here, nor that work is hard to come by, would be a bad thing . I can't see why pointing out how complicated the bureaucracy can be, especially if you don't speak French too well, would be so terrible.  Nor pointing out that the fluctuation in exchange rates can reduce any income from the UK dramatically, almost overnight and without warning.

I certainly wouldn't tell anybody not to come here - we all have to make our own  mistakes - but a bit of truth about the place wouldn't be a problem, surely?  Of course the majority of people who watch these programmes have no intention of living here, but for the few who consider it, the odd bit of cautionary "small print" wouldn't go amiss for a change.

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I feel a bit sorry for Liz now, came here with an idea and oups! Hey ho. You want a winner programme, get a guy who likes pink shirts, pastel coloured jackets and who looks at everything with a schoolboys enthusiasm, then put him on a journey around the country by train, ah, taking care to avoid strike days (not heard too much about those recently, not the striking season yet [img]http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/expressive/scratchchin.gif[/img]). Could be far more entertaining and give people the chance to see more of the country as  programmes that concentrate on just a few properties with people know are not real. My sister often remarks that you never see anyone actually buy a property at  the end of it all.

As for the chap with a liking for pink shirts, well, I'm a total fan and am now following him and his nineteenth century Bradshaws to find a place in England to move to[img]http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/happy/thumbsup.gif[/img].

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[quote user="powerdesal"]

''Hi guys'' doesn't really work, or at least not as far as I am concerned, others may have different opinions of course.[/quote]

[;-)] Yes, I do.

Speaking as a gal in my late 50s, "guys" is just fine. Might not have been 30 years ago but certainly is now. [:P]

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Is the 'Place In The Sun' fantasy such a bad thing ? If you were desperate to sell your house - as I know many people are, and have been on the market a long time - and someone came along who thought it was all sunshine and aperitifs under the wisteria ... well surely you wouldn't tell them the 'harsh reality' of life here. You'd tell them how long the summer is, what the lovely markets are like ... you'd go along with that and hope they make an offer and help you move along.

Yes to some reality ... but let's keep the housing market moving a bit. These sort of programme might inspire some buyers to come over..
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I quite enjoy these 'Place in the Sun/Country/Foreign Place' type programmes, and I'd have thought that whilst they might inspire some people to investigate further, I can't imagine that anyone moves country purely on the strength of what is shown in a half hour TV programme. Although there are always negatives to consider with living in France, they are, for us, far outweighed by the positives. 

We live in a lovely coastal town and there's a wide selection of property from less than €100.000 up to lots and lots of money. 

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