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Selecting A Property In France
While the decision to purchase property in south-west France is a sound one, whether it is for holidays, to relocate, to retire, or as an investment, it is essential to make the correct choice when it comes to the type of property you purchase.
The first and most important question is of course whether you are buying the French property for yourself. If so, you will want to have a French home that you can call yours, and one in which you feel at home. Do you want your new home to be similar to the one you have now, or to one you had before, or are you looking for something completely different? Do you want a larger house, or would you like something smaller?
A very important issue if you're planning to retire in your new French home is whether it is suitable for your possible future requirements, such as whether it is a single storey villa with the minimum of stairs, or, in the case of an apartment, if it has a lift. Also look at the annual maintenance costs. An apartment will cause you the least maintenance issues, and is the best solution if you're looking for a home where you can relax without having to think about maintaining the garden, for example.
If you like gardens and being outside, you would probably want to go for a French cottage or villa on its own plot of land. But here again, you should consider the size of the plot, for a large garden will inevitably mean that you'll need to spend a lot of time maintaining it or have someone else to do it for you.
And what about a pool? Pools are a great asset to any home, especially if you can use them most of the year, and want to let out the home when you are not using it. Even if the villa has no pool when you buy it, if you have the space and the possibility of having one installed, the investment will pay off well. And think of all the fun your family and friends would have. Maintaining a pool is not too much work, especially if you have a good filtration system.
If you're purchasing property for letting or as an investment, it is of more importance to consider what your clients or future purchasers would prefer. There are many factors to take into account, such as the proximity of train stations and airports and tourist attractions, and also the optimal size of the property. Are you aiming at individuals or couples who would prefer an apartment or families with children who would need a larger home? And, depending on your financial requirements and needs, you would have to study the income potential of the property as well.
Another very important aspect is the location of the French property you select. First of all, because of your personal preferences. Maybe you like to be in a town, or close to one, or in an area further away and more tranquil? Are you mobile? Do you drive yourself, or do you depend on public transport to get around? What is the infrastructure like? Would you require easy access to main roads and motorways, or airports? And bear in mind that location and accessibility have a huge impact on the property's value.
So sit down, get comfortable at the computer, and start searching for your ideal French property, hopefully you will find everything you want and a bargain too! Prioritize your needs, establish an approximate budget and start looking. |
