French Legal Services You may find our article "Property Grants available in France" (https://www.frenchpropertylinks.com/essential/property-grants-france.html) of interest. Joanna Simm moved to the Languedoc area of south-west France in October 2004 having found her property through French Property Links. Donate to the UN Refugee Agencytoday. They may even sketch a suitable solution. Can you get grants in France for insulating your home? Lots of rural French properties have a dependence (outbuilding) that can be converted into a money-spinning gte, considering the following points: Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted. So just to clarify things, if you work on the property yourself, and are not a registered artisan working in a "rel" system of taxation, you will have to pay the higher rate of TVA (19.6%) on all purchases of materials. Contrary to popular opinion, even many French people are largely happy to see sensitive renovations being carried out on abandoned country properties, and to witness the return of life to villages which have almost become ghost towns. A ballpark figure? Options for LPG or wood. Is planning permission necesssary in France for upgrading works within the existing building framework or for adding more windows to what is a very gloomy property in terms of natural light. The following is some advice from qualified electrician Nigel Green, who has been working in the Aude and the Arige departments of southern France for three years. Thousands of people have already done it successfully - and others have found themselves embroiled in years of expenses and problems! I have been in contact with my colleague Joanna who says that if the property is not lived in it shouldn't be an issue, there are many derelict properties about. One of the main and most important things we need to do is change some of the floorboards (woodworm - predictably). If you do not over specify i.e. If the latter, then press on, but if it is the former you will need to take a very business like approach to renovation if you are to reap the financial rewards you envisage. I'm afraid we don't have any English-speaking project managers listed, but you could try some companies we have listed in our Business Directory for their advice. However, you may like to contact a relevant specialist from the Services section of our site (https://www.frenchpropertylinks.com/members.asp, to see if they can advise at all. I would like to have a half bath (sink and toilet) on the first floor and many properties I see don't have one. Many thanks! Heating and other complex systems must be installed by a registered plumber. Check out Homelike today and find your new temporary home. If you are having work carried out on a property, then it is essential that you should arrange to have something called Dommage et Ouvrage Assurance. I have found a lovely elevated ground floor flat in a seaside town on the south cost of France. There are many different types of roof found in France, with thatched roofs popular in certain areas such as Normandy (Lower-Normandy Property Guide, Upper-Normandy Property Guide), but in general you will find that northern properties are equipped with fixed grey slate roofs whereas properties in the south have red terracotta roofs. Thinking of renovating a property in France? Most of the labour will be done by friends and family. In general, modern European plumbing fittings are similar, but if in doubt simply purchase all your fittings and materials in France and you should have no problems with compatibility. Thanks for contacting us. All homeowners in France have a legal obligation to maintain their property to certain regulated standards. You may require professional help in preparing this schedule which should relate to the 'survey' you had carried out when you bought the house. ), A Declaration de Travaux, or, literally translated, a declaration of works, is a basic form of planning permission which may be all you require, depending on what you are planning to do with your property. It seems the property is not covered by any insurance. Something else to be aware of is that French electrical systems are liable to lightening strikes during storms. There are pros and cons to this, as to everything, and not least of the cons is the cost, which will probably be around 10%. Most of these can support several sockets and fittings, but large household appliances such as washing machines must function from their own individual spur. Just about the only items you wont find here will be indoor furniture, carpets, flooring and curtains. If you have photos or information that you'd like to add to this page (or if you've spotted something we've got wrong) then please enter your comments and/or select your photos and click "Send". The old terracotta or canal tiles are not fixed but rather laid in a style that holds each in place by overlapping its neighbour. There are questions I hope you are able to answer or point me in the right direction: Follow some simple and perhaps blindingly obvious 'ground rules': If there is some renovation work to do, no matter how much or how little, if you are employing a builder rather than doing the work yourself, try to use local tradesmen if possible and always ensure that the builder you use is properly registered in France. Department stores BHV and FNAC are also worth a look for a wide range of household items. Make contact not only with agents but with architects, builders and even Geometres or Expertises (Surveyors) if necessary to obtain as much information as possible prior to your visit. This needs to be regulated, ideally to three bar, and this is done by fitting a pressure reducing valve at the entry to the property. Surely that's not right? That way, they can be installed to existing services without any problems. For example, when I bought my home in the Languedoc the vendor showed me all his ideas for developing the property into a collection of gtes to be renovated from the barns and farm buildings, as well as the extensive development of the main farmhouse. Internally you can do what you want, but you must declare extra rooms created and the increased footprint if any. Either way, youll probably need to buy a whole host of household items to furnish and equip your new home. There is something about the idea of taking a French property that has lost its way and restoring it to its former glory, or perhaps, even improving it that seems to appeal to Brits in particular. Once again, the Mairie will advise. He has a limited budget. This is in addition to buildings insurance and covers you against the builder or one of his men having an accident on your property. You will also have to commit a fair amount of time and attention throughout the project. Always bear in mind whether the work you do adds value to the property. Thanks for contacting us. Thanks for contacting us. It can, however, be very satisfying to see your dreams taking tangible shape, and to restore an unloved house to its true glory. Another possible way of lessening the liability, if your French home is not your principle residence and you are not a French tax payer, includes living in the property for more than five years. The adjoining building is falling down and causing considerable damage to hers. Clearly it is necessary to decide, realistically, what you are able to tackle, and you should perhaps listen to the advice of those who know you best on this one, as it can be hard to take an objective view when your heart is crying out for a beautiful wreck! The Permis de Construire is the full permit to build or develop in accordance with the law. One final point that you may wish to consider before embarking on your renovation project is the question of costs and profits. If you are bent on doing the work yourself you will need to be aware of major differences between France and the UK in terms of important areas such as electrics, plumbing and roofing. Had we planned to make a living through owning gtes, this could have made us candidates for disaster television before we even got off the ground. It is a very rural area and there are only two neighbours. Once you have obtained the necessary permission to renovate your property there are a few more things to consider. But its far more likely that youll want to make a few changes or even undertake major renovations. Euro Trades and Services This means that in certain circumstances it is actually cheaper, or at least financially equivalent to employ a tradesman to do the work than to buy the materials and do the work yourself. You must have the tank pumped out and checked every four years by an approved company, and have the certificate to prove it. When it comes to buying appliances and other household items, check out the huge French hypermarkets like Carrefour, Auchan and Leclerc. of those contemplating renovation work in France. Builders providing a service in France. Ovens, washing machines, dish washers and hot water tanks must be on their own individual circuit breaker. (Nigel can be contacted on nigelgreen@free.fr). If you are adapting farm buildings to form part of living accommodation ie: changing use, you need consent.". A registered tradesman is able to take advantages of considerable tax breaks, and can purchase materials at greatly lower prices than the private individual is able to do. These are only suitable for properties with low pitched roofs, such as are found in areas with low rain fall and warmer weather. For regulations about having an AGA cooker, perhaps you could use our Business Directory and contact some builders who may be able to help. This is issued by the Chamber of Commerce and signifies TVA (VAT) registration. For cheap and cheerful, go to Conforama. Non European residents will pay 33%. We'd love to help out! Do not underestimate either, the potential difficulties you may encounter with the French language. The southern and mountainous regions of France can experience frequent and dramatic electrical storms, and it is advisable to fit protection to your distribution box. To protect against fire, you have a legal obligation to clear away any dry undergrowth around your property at least 50 metres from the house by 1 July of each year. Is it worth it? Thanks for contacting us. If youre not going to be around all the time to supervise the works youll probably find that schedules will slip. The estimates for everything are through the roof! Always obtain a devis (estimate) for any work that you intend to have carried out to your property. Always ask for the following: It is important to keep every single receipt for building work carried out on a property so that these costs can be set against the perceived 'gain' on the resale of the property for French Capital Gains Tax. The best book to explain most of what one needs to know about old French rock piles is in French and may be heavy going for some, but it is full of illustrations: La Maison Ancienne, Eyrolles publisher, ISBN: 2-212-11060-X, 30 Euros and worth very penny.Another obvious thing is if you have a fire associated with a chimney which has not been regularly cleaned, you will face a fine. The windows have had double glazing put into the original frames so no external detail has been changed. I think it depends on various criteria, such as the age of your property, but I would suggest you contact your Mairie about this, to see what might be possible. All receipts from materials and labour should also be kept in order to prove that TVA has been paid on the building works. Plumbing in France is also different in certain key areas. This should be quite detailed, showing a schedule of prices and the TVA against the various items of work. The waters are indeed murky, and change is afoot now that Sarkozy is in power. Congratulations if youre the new owner of a French property! Ensure you have proper planning permission to carry it out. Of course a legal advisor should also be able to help, but this will cost money. It does, however, remove the worry of finding reliable tradesmen, of speaking French, and of dealing with the authorities over every little problem that occurs. This can be very difficult and a long drawn out process, but ultimately, if you are skilled and experienced it is another option to consider. There are drawbacks, and it certainly isn't the easy way to a fast buck as it has become in the UK. I think the tips are great but ignore the bit about keeping walls white. The burning question in renovation among ex-pats is whether or not you should use French or English tradesman and indeed, whether it is better to dispense with them all and go it alone. Having just removed the brambles surrounding the buildings, we are aware that it is easily accessible to curious passers-by. Youll need two sets of bed linen, a TV/DVD, Wi-Fi access (ideally) and some durable garden furniture. Thanks for contacting us. I am told by the immobiliser that there are no permits for any of this work and that they are not necessary. I would suggest you get in touch with some builders in France, perhaps using our Business Directory, to get an idea of costs. There is obviously a danger in buying property in a run-down condition but there are advantages if you follow the rules. To establish whether or not development will be possible you should, in the first instance, visit the local Mairie. Its a good idea to use French-sourced materials in your home. (Building or extending property in France. He has now been told by the local council to fix it ( which he can't at the moment due to lack of finance) or he will have to pay them 50,000 francs (sic) for them to fix it. It may be worth contacting your Mairie too, and even looking at Pages Jaunes. Ask neighbours to recommend local tradesmen to carry out the works and always get several quotes (devis) beforehand. Any competent architect or builder can see major defects in buildings and warn you. "Windows usually require permission as they change the look of the exterior of a building. Darty stores specialise in household appliances, TV/audio goods, and phones at competitive prices. The owner of the property has died and apparently an illegitimate daughter is the heir, but no one knows where she is, a situation that has persisted for many years. However I have a question for which I am having difficulty finding an answer. The obvious drawback to employing French labour, however, is that there may be a language barrier. What does seem to be clear is that the only way to be sure you are exempt from capital gains tax is to live in the property as your principal residence and to be a French tax payer for at least two years. Buying and renovating a property in France can be stressful, time-consuming and expensive - but get it right and it will be the most exciting decision you ever made, with a lovely home or alifetime of great holidays to follow! You could contact some other builders/architects working in France for their advice, perhaps using our Business Directory, or maybe get advice from the local Mairie. You should also be aware of the different rates of TVA that come into play for old and new properties. While most of the DIY stores sell laminate and wood flooring and tiles, Mondial Moquette offers a wider range of flooring as well as carpets, while Saint Maclou specialises in flooring, carpets, wallpapers, and paints. If you accept this devis then you should sign a second copy with the builder which then becomes a fixed price contract if work is started within three months. I have been in touch with my colleague Joanna in France who says: You may move into your new French home and be completely happy with it the way it is. When youre planning to convert a barn or outhouse, make sure layout and design are practical, and bear in mind running costs. Firstly, the power supply for any individual property will probably be set at nine, twelve, fifteen or eighteen kw. I have decided not to proceed on this basis. Planning to keep the property for a relatively short time? Broadly speaking, this relates closely to an outline planning permission given in England, and will let you know how your proposed changes are likely to be received. the process falls broadly into three categories: 1) The general aspects of a renovation project: surveys, finding and buying a property to renovate, finances etc. Wasps and hornets frequently nest in roof tiles and can present a real hazard to roofers. The two-tiered TVA system means that traditionally registered artisans (who pay TVA) can charge for materials at the lower rate of 5.5% TVA, and pass on the savings to the client in the form of a lower bill. Rustic spaces - desire to inspire - desiretoinspire.net, L Kae Interiors - desire to inspire - desiretoinspire.net, An award-winning French farmhouse restoration | Period Living. The list given here is not at all exhaustive, but may give an idea of what sort of minor changes can be made without recourse to a full planning application. If you know of any websites, or puplications in French or English that could help it would be much appreciated. I have had a quote for trees to be taken down, and on the paper work he said it would be done within six months. A good notaire will advise whether or not you could benefit from this option. I would hope you could get someone else to take down the trees and forward the bill to the previous owner of the property, if this was all in the contract. It is important to remember that frequently in France local regulations prevail, and therefore it is impossible to give definitive conditions as many are dictated by local authorities and exact locations. You may wish to contact some of the builders listed in our Services section of our site to see if they may be able to help, or at least point you in the right direction: For building work such as this and the legalities involved, I would suggest you or your daughter contact a legal advisor, perhaps using the following link from our site: You need to make sure that your pool conforms to French safety standards, for example, by fencing it or having special alarms fitted. One further point to consider is that it may be worth setting up a type of limited company known as an SCI. A great number of the older stone houses on the market are in need of work to put them in good order having either been left empty for years or just generally neglected. The process of creating a home (or second home, or a thriving gite business) from little more than a derelict shell or a pile of stone in a field in France might just be the most exciting thing you have ever done, and should be if you plan ahead and have realistic expectations about the time and cost involved. Thanks for contacting us. don't go for gold-plated taps and William Morris wallpapers (unless you want to, of course) - you will finish with a property with a higher re-sale value in comparison to the money you will have put into the project. Check that he has a Siret number, and this will be your guarantee that he is registered, qualified and accountable. Or theres always IKEA. But that is unless this property poses a danger to passers by, maybe then the council can insist. On balance, then, is house renovation a good or a bad idea? If you want to increase the power rating for your home due to extension and renovation, you should contact EDF. My son lives in France and lives in one property and owns another where the roof has collapsed. If you are not living permanently in France, and will have to oversee the project from a distance, then it may be worth employing a project manager who can take on the burden of organising everything for you. If you are renovating a house you will have to deal with technical language, decipher legal terms and fill in forms, instruct craftsmen, and also be able to understand directives and advice from local authorities. It is also worth noting that should you wish to demolish any buildings you may need a Permis de Dmolir. The benefit and satisfaction of renovating a property is that you finish with a home that pleases you because your ideas and designs have gone into it. Once more, this is in no way intended to detail all the circumstances that require full planning consent, but aims simply to give an idea of such circumstances. Thanks for contacting us, though I'm afraid I am not familiar with any relevant websites or publications. More important, they can often envisage the best way to restructure a building when all you are looking at is a ruin. We want to find that French property, that delightfully decaying French farmhouse, hidden perhaps, in some green and luscious corner of Limousin (Limousin Property Guide), on the elegant banks of the River Dordogne, along the windswept cliffs of bonny Brittany (Brittany Property Guide) or in the heat and dust of somewhere in the south. No show - I am now worried as I only bought the house on the condition that the trees were taken away as they are danger to the house. If you do not have additional protection, it is a good idea to unplug computer modems and televisions during storms to avoid the risk of burnout due to lightening strikes. Youll find at least one of them on the outskirts of almost every large town. Ask at your local town hall (mairie) for the Code de lUrbanisme, which covers all the French planning rules and regulations. If you're thinking about having an electric power shower this will increase your EDF standing charge substantially. So this does seem odd. ** SEE "Capital Gains Tax in France on Property" FOR REVISED RULES AND RATES. See stages of a renovation project. Perhaps check with some builders, or a company such as Help in France, that helps English people living in France with all sorts of things. Additional articles which may be of interest:Life in FranceLiving in France. Looking for some temporary accomodation while you renovate your dream place in the French sun? 3) Financial matters related to building renovations, finding and buying a property to renovate. Many thanks. Keep dcor simple and fresh (think about cleaning and maintenance). (Installing a swimming pool in France.). When youre planning what to do with your outside space, bear in mind the level of maintenance a garden will need, especially if youre not going to be living in France all year round. You must have a circuit breaker which can supply up to a maximum of 8 sockets if you use 2.5 mm cable or up to a maximum of 5 sockets if you use 1.5 mm cable. Nigel says these are points of which people are often unaware, and which he feels are important to bring to your attention. On their easy-to-use portal, you'll find all sorts of rental properties, whether you're in need of a city center studio or loft apartment ready for the whole family. Lastly, make regular visits (if you're not 'camping out' at the property!) to ensure that the building is going to plan. Depending on the scale of your house renovation, you may have to be tough enough to live with a considerable amount of mess and discomfort for a long period of time, on top of getting used to life in a strange country and all without the support of family and friends. Get the tips in how to decoarate in the Parisian style. The installation of a septic tank, the construction of a large extension or outbuilding, and any change to the use of a building, such as converting farm buildings into residential accommodation all require a Permit de Construire. Should anyone reading this be able to advise, please do get in touch. French property for sale through private sellers, 3/4 rooms almost new, with swimming pool, six fours the beachesEUR 242,000More Info>, Small Farmhouse with 2 barnsEUR 30,000More Info>, Beautiful Lake of 2.78 h/6.5 acres set in 6 h/15 acres of woods and land with fisherman's cabinEUR 149,950More Info>, Modern villa in excellent condition with 140 m of living space on a 453 m plot with pool.EUR 367,200More Info>, A bright villa with 128 m of living space on a 1700 m plot with pool and views.EUR 432,000More Info>. The Siret number. Once youve bought a home in France, you have several options for renovating and decorating your French property. Oddly in the UK the planners love the Co-planar velux style windows for attic (grenier) conversions and dormer windows would not get through. If you think it will all be plain sailing, just take a look at the popular television channels that love to tell the stories of those who have tried and failed! I would suggest your son asks the council what the reasons are for demanding the repair, and if necessary then take legal advice if it still doesn't seem reasonable. Changes that affect the look of the property from the outside may be significant, such as installation of windows and doors where none previously existed, or extensive alterations to the roof. English craftsmen and builders are found in every corner of France these days, and you can easily find them by word of mouth, adverts in local publications and on the Internet.
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