Buying property in Aquitaine

Thanks to some trusted partners, we have assembled a few notes and links here that we hope that you will find of use in buying property here and settling in.

Aquitaine Langues

Whatever your abililty in spoken and written French, the Aquitaine Langues language school based in Bergerac is able to offer a course that will be just right for you. Try this for size : 'Nous proposons des cours structures basés sur la communication, la consolidation grammaticale du français et la découverte de la vie française.'

Details on www.aquitainelangues.fr or please contact aquitainelangues@wanadoo.fr

Our recommendation of the services offered by Aquitaine Langues is made in good faith. Terms and conditions issued by Aquitaine Langues will apply to those services. We do not give any warranty or make any representations as to any of the services offered by Aquitaine Langues.

French Liaison

French Liaison based in Eymet, Dordogne (24)) offers answers to many practical queries raised by people setting up in France.

The following notes are provided courtesy of Tony Martin of French Liaison

If you are thinking of living in France or are about to move across the Channel, you may have read books or magazines about life on the continent, or seen horror stories on TV. There are many contradictory views on the pros and cons : some contain elements of truth, but there are also many myths to be dispelled.

Those of you already living in France will already be aware of the language and cultural differences. You might be receiving letters that are difficult to understand, you may need help and advice on this and many other matters.

French Liaison's wealth of experience and knowledge will prove invaluable. French Liaison do not pretend to know it all, but what they don't know they will find out. The range of services offered is shown below.

You can always be sure of a friendly and helpful response to any inquiry, and know that there is always someone to listen. You may just have a simple question, or an urgent matter that needs immediate attention - either way they'll do their best to help.

General Services - Help & Advice Centre

General Help and Advice. French Liaison gives general help and advice to their members

Confidential Advice. Just call French Liaison for advice concerning difficult or sensitive matters.

Tax, Social Security, Health & Pensions. Advice on the best options for you. French Liaison can apply for your Carte Vitale and recommend various options for top-up insurance.

Letters and Forms. What do I do with all these letters and forms that come through the post each day and have to be replied to? French Liaison will help you with important matters, just fax Email or post them to the French Liaison office.

Translation Service. French Liaison can offer a full translation Service - it's not just a matter of translating text or spoken language, it's a matter of interpreting it correctly.

Bank Accounts. Opening a bank account (in advance or after arrival) can be arranged for you. Without a bank account in France you cannot sign up for utilities such as EDF, water supply, France Telecom or ADSL. Service providers usually ask for details of the bank account to set up Direct Debits

Telephone Services. France Telecom and low-cost calls to the UK. French Liaison can recommend the best options to keep your phone bills as low as possible.

Internet (ADSL) - French Liaison can set up an Internet connection for you in France or any other country in which you wish to have an account.

Accommodation. French Liaison can arrange long-term rented & temporary accommodation as well as accommodation in B&B, hotels, gîtes and camping sites.

Property Key-holding. French Liaison can provide this service.

Property & Gîte Management. French Liaison can provide a comprehensive service at competitive rates.

Third Party Recommendations

The following services are not provided by French Liaison. However, they have personal knowledge of, and monitor the quality, price and reliability of the tradesmen and professionals recommended.

Project Management. The choice of project manager can make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful project. Building.

• Building
• Roofing
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Installation of septic tank drainage
• General home maintenance
• Gardening, pool, and general cleaning.
• Removals
• Heating: oil and wood suppliers
• Satellite TV (UK transmissions): advice, repairs, installation
• Financial Services (English-speaking)
• Notaires
• Insurance (Property, Health, Car, Business)

Business Services and Advice

French Liaison offers a specialist advice service to businesses, including the following:

Business premises search, including advice on locations.

Advice on starting a business in France. French Liaison can advise on which option best suits you, including specific advice for people living in France but working in the UK, or elsewhere in Europe.

Registration of your business for you, including advice on the documentation required.

Arrangement of appointments with the Chambre de Commerce, Chambre de Métiers or URSSAF. The nature of your business determines which body you register with.

Advice on Tax, Social Security, Health and Pensions.

Book-keeping services - to help with the paperwork, VAT returns etc.

Supply of computers, repairs, consumables, internet access, either broadband or dialup, email address, domain names and web design.

For further details of any of these services, please contact French Liaison www.french-liaison.com or please contact (help@french-liaison.com)

Our recommendation of the services offered by French Liaison is made in good faith. Terms and conditions issued by French Liaison will apply to those services. We do not give any warranty or make any representations as to any of the services offered by French Liaison.

Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons

Once you have chosen a property to purchase, life becomes interesting.

You will be confronted with a whole new set of rules and procedures, that can be somewhat intimidating. Many purchasers chose to instruct UK solicitors to help to take them though the various steps and Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons are specialists in this area.

For further details, please contact michael.profit@bllaw.co.uk

Our recommendation of the services offered by Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons is made in good faith. Terms and conditions issued by Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons will apply to those services. We do not give any warranty or make any representations as to any of the services offered by Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons.