Sun, 22 November 2009
Some 450 pre-Columbian pieces in Quai Branly museum.
Includes geography, people, government, economy and transnational issues.
Basil Howitt on criminal investigations in the coastal resorts.
Useful information on renting accommodation in Paris.
Relocating can have a big impact on your relationship.
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It can be both tempting and daunting to buy property in France — whether a sleek city apartment or a rustic rural retreat.You must first decide where you want to live. While housing prices have increased considerably across France in recent years, there is still wide variation in prices and availability.
Buying a home in France is exciting but can be confusing
You can consult thousands of ads every day in newspapers and weekly property magazines as well as a slew of online property databases. 'De Particulier à Particulier' is also very popular, can be searched online, and carries only ads from private sellers, not agencies. 
Still, you'll probably want to at least consult with an estate agent, un agent immobilier. These regulated agents must carry a professional card delivered by the préfecture de police to operate legally; they provide accurate market prices — final sales prices, as opposed to asked-for prices, are private information in France — as well as generally reliable legal advice. Keep in mind, however, that agents generally represent the interests of the seller.
Agents can negotiate their commissions, but it generally falls between four and eight percent of the sale price. Always ask if the commission is included in the price. You don't have to pay the commission if the sale falls through, if the agent is operating illegally or if their contract with the seller has expired.
You can also try the public auctions, vente aux enchères. The lucky and experienced can find deals this way although the final sales prices often end up matching the overall market.
Another way that French buyers sometimes try to lower their investment is through a viager sale; that is, buying below the market price on the condition that the current owners, usually an elderly person or couple, can continue to occupy the house until their death(s). Buyer beware: you are betting here on the life expectancy of the current residents and there are many anecdotes about sellers outliving their buyers!
Our expert Steven Grover delves into the murky waters of French healthcare for expats and asks how recent changes affect them?
Tax and estate planning figure prominently in the list of priorities of many financially secure expatriate residents of France.
From Gaelic clubs to Canadian Alumni organisations, there is bound to be an English-speaking club for you in France.
This is what you need to consider when making an early choice between purchasing or renting accommodation in France.
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