Rural Retreats France: Dealing with overseas clients

Rural Retreats realises that for many people - particularly those travelling from far afield hoping to acquire a place of their own in southern France - the task of choosing a location and deciding upon a property can sometimes appear a daunting prospect. What sort of property and where? Are there restrictions on foreigners buying property in France? How much will it cost, what are the add-on charges and annual running expenses? How do I make an offer and what are the legal processes to be followed. What role does the 'notaire' play in this? Do I need my own lawyer? Can I obtain a mortgage loan and on what terms? How do I insure the property? Do I need to open a French bank account? If I buy a property and let it out, what are the practicalities? What about repairs, improvements etc? What's the weather really like - how hot does it get in the summer, and what heating will I need during the winter? Are the locals friendly and how will they cope with my faltering attempts at the language? Lots of questions, but where does one go to get answers!

Through our representative Paul Pasco, who has lived in the region with his family for over twenty years, we offer a service specially tailored to our clients' needs aimed at answering the many questions and points of information sought by prospective house- purchasers. The essence of the service is a friendly, informal and highly personal approach to individual circumstances - we recognise that whilst many concerns will be common to a number of people, no two clients are identical in their requirements and aspirations. During your time with Paul, he will be listening carefully to what you tell him about yourselves as well as providing information and advice on issues you choose to raise. Two-way dialogue will be paramount.

The service offered is as follows:-

• Option 1 - a full day's tour of the Minervois and Corbieres by car including 'sampling' visits to properties of interest, a lunch stop and refreshment breaks for one or two people at a cost of £stg 250 (US$400). This figure includes collection and return to your hotel in the locality (Rural Retreats will happily make reservations on your behalf from a selection of recommended establishments in the area) but not the cost of overnight accommodation nor other meals taken during your stay. A second day's tour focussing on particular topics of interest or more distant locations (eg wine sampling, Cathar chateaux, the Pyrenees, coastal resorts etc) can be arranged at a supplementary charge of £stg 200 (US$320) including lunch and refreshments.

   

• Option 2 - as option 1 plus collection on arrival at either Toulouse or Montpellier International Airport, delivery to your hotel, and return to the airport at the end of your visit - supplementary charge £stg 150 (US$240).

   

• Option 3 - for clients intending to stay for longer periods we recommend that you rent a self-drive vehicle for the duration of your visit. In the event that the hire vehicle is used for a tour under option 1, a discount of £stg 30 (US$50) per day shall apply. The cost of fuel shall be the responsibility of the client.

   

Further particulars including a booking form is available on request.

NB Please understand that this service is NOT a substitute for professional opinion on legal and fiscal issues. and that neither Rural Retreats Ltd nor any representative of the company can accept any responsibility for losses or damages sustained as a result of misinformation or incorrect advice provided in good faith . Where appropriate, the advice of a qualified lawyer or accountant should always be sought. Rural Retreats Ltd can recommend suitable parties upon request.