TOP TIPS
Exhibitors from the forthcoming French Property Exhibition share their expert knowledge with answers to some of your FAQs
reassurance – particularly as to the overall integrity of the property you are buying. UNDERSTAND THE DOCUMENTATION: The first contract is extremely important, do ensure that you understand it fully, and that it suitably reflects all your requirements. Translations can often be generic. EXPLORE INHERITANCE LAW AND TAX IMPLICATIONS: This can be very complex, and you should ensure you understand it in full. Every buyer’s personal circumstances will differ, so what may have been suitable for a friend may not work for you. Seek advice from solicitors with an expert knowledge of cross-border inheritance law and tax matters. Fabienne Atkin, Ashtons Legal incorporating Heslop & Platt Stand 43
FOR STRESS-FREE REMOVALS
Health insurance is required for most visa applications
HEALTH INSURANCE FOR VISAS
Did you know that health insurance is a mandatory requirement for most visa
applications? The requirements are straightforward: you need comprehensive medical coverage, including both inpatient and outpatient benefits, with at least €30,000 in coverage (€100,000 is advised), repatriation, no excess (even €50 would be rejected) and no medical exclusions. Your policy should also cover the entire duration of your visa. Even though you can apply
for social security after 90 days, you need to prove that you are covered for 12 months to secure your visa or risk denial. Although it is simple to
meet these requirements in theory, you may find that officials are not always eager to read through the insurance documentation. They can dismiss your file or reject your policy based on the ‘wording’ on your insurance certificate. Therefore, make sure to work
with a broker or insurer that can guarantee a refund in case of visa rejection so that you don’t have to worry about this aspect of your application. One final note: you will need
to present a copy of an invoice or what they call ‘proof of full payment’ for your policy to confirm that you’ve paid for the entire coverage. Fabien Pilissier, Fab Insurance Stand 29
BUYING TIPS BE OPEN IN NEGOTIATIONS: If you need a mortgage, or if your purchase would depend
on carrying out works, make this clear at the outset. The parties to a French contract are obliged to provide all relevant information, and a seller could withdraw if other factors are introduced after an agreement is reached. CONSIDER A SURVEY: The pre-contract inspection reports (diagnostics) may tell you about the property, but they are limited. An independent structural survey will cost more, but it may offer more
94 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: January/February 2023
● Choose your removal company early on. ● Make a full list of goods to
be moved. ● Declutter unwanted goods in advance. ● Start packing goods into boxes as early as possible. ● Think about which goods cannot be transported across international borders. ● Start gathering required customs documents (your removal firm will advise which are required). ● Check that access at collection and delivery addresses is suitable for the removal vehicle. Ben Franklin, Franklins Removals Stand 51
PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS One of the most important things to bear in mind when buying your property in France is
that everything is different! While it is tempting to say: “It’s not like that back in the UK”, ask yourself instead why it would be. France is a very different country culturally
Discuss your plans with agents and other property professionals at the exhibition
and administratively, and things are inevitably not going to be the same. With regards to planning permission, consent in France is required for any new-build, extension or other changes, no matter how small it may seem – even for a small garden shed, porch, pool etc, and there can be restrictions on what is possible. Many people come to us
having spoken to friends or neighbours, or indeed the local town hall (mairie) with the idea that consent is not required for their project. But 99% of the time it is, so please take note and listen to professional advice so as not to start off down the wrong track and potentially have problems in the future. Tom Easdown, French Plans Stand 57
MOVING TO FRANCE The most important aspect of a move to France is getting the right visa, so you can be
secure in knowing that you are growing a sustainable dream that will help you achieve your goals of French
©SHUTTERSTOCK
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