Relocating to France

French fishing village at twilight

Our chateau is a wonderful holiday home throughout the year, although equally useful to those considering a permanent home in France. We sit at the heart of an area rightly popular with many from the UK, who are looking for a property of their own.

Normandy has always offered a welcome to those from Britain, historic and cultural ties go back a long way. If you are looking for a home in France we certainly recommend the region. Language and practical barriers are often lower than elsewhere, many local agents have English speaking staff, services you might need from the UK are used to the area, solicitors, removals companies, even your bank may have reasonable ties.

A Few Suggestions

Finding the right property is naturally the core task and we would encourage you to look round thoroughly, not jump in at the first opportunity. Easy to fall in love with a French idyll, yet there are often more close by, possibly at a better price.

The local estate agents area are invariably helpful, used to the needs of British buyers and well worth a visit. There is however an alternative you should consider, with many homes still in the hands of local notaires. They may not have the control over property sales they once did but they have modernised, as you can see on this website of notaire properties. There is also a local notaire in many towns, where you can browse through a book listing properties for sale, a little more effort but often valuable.

Whilst they tend to be trustworthy, we would advise you to consult a UK solicitor, to at least validate essential documents and information. In the same vein, use a reputable removals company when you do move. Finding one with experience of moving to France will be an asset, such as the Surrey international removals company close to us, or one nearer you with an established international service. You can find a good choice through the British Association of Removers database.

If you are moving to France, we wish you the very best and hope you find the home you dream of. We certainly did and enjoy offering our guests the use of our chateau, for a holiday to remember, or as a base for you to search out your own unique corner of France. If we can be of help, please get in touch.

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