Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Feb 9, 2012, 9:41 am
If you feel concerned about the impact of energy costs on your bills, and you wonder if there is something that can be done to improve the situation, then it is interesting for you to get information about the energy consumption of your accommodation.   HOW CAN I KNOW WHAT IS MY ENERGY CONSUMPTIO...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Feb 1, 2012, 1:25 pm
The French legal system has remained unchanged for a very long time but has in recent years been the subject matter of a string of important reforms.  Striking changes include among others, the abolition of death duties between spouses and the trebling of children’s tax allowance, coupled with a ...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Feb 1, 2012, 12:26 pm
The loss of Triple A in France: no real negative effect on the mortgage rates. Despite the loss of the French AAA rating in January, the 10 years OAT (government bond rate) remains constant at 3.10%. Given that banks were anticipating Standard & Poor’s downgrade, they had cautiously taken the nec...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Feb 1, 2012, 12:20 pm
UK Heading for Recession? Figures released from the UK in January have shown that in the last quarter of 2011 the economy contracted which means we are now officially halfway towards a second recession. The UK’s exposure to Greek debt and the weakening Euro economy is damaging exports and unemplo...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Feb 1, 2012, 10:37 am
The French president Nicolas Sarkozy announced on the 29th January his plan to increase the possibility of construction by 30%. This reform grants  the landlords the individual right to extend their property by 30%, without having to ask for  planning permission. This will include all types of pro...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Feb 1, 2012, 9:59 am
The major event of the  Cote d’Azur  region in winter and one of the biggest carnivals in the world Nice carnival  offers a sublime and unforgettable spectacle in a unique place, the famous Promenade des Anglais. . THE MOST WELL-KNOWN FRENCH CARNIVAL Each year,  Nice decides on a new theme ...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Jan 15, 2012, 9:42 am
In the UK & France interest rates for mortgages are very similar. For instance, in both countries the average interest rates is 3.70% for tracker mortgage rates. Therefore the cost of borrowing is quasi identical on both sides of the Channel. •    In France, the standard maximum loan to value ...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Jan 5, 2012, 4:46 am
The year 2012 could be favourable for those wishing to purchase  properties in France. Importantly, it seems that buyers’bargaining power will improve. Forecasts from Century 21 and Fnaim, unveiled on Tuesday 3rd January were clear: in 2012, the market will experience a lull. Century 21 predicts...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Jan 5, 2012, 4:11 am
For those clients looking to buy Euros the New Year has brought some much needed cheer with Sterling Euro exchange rates pushing past the 1.20 mark reaching a 16 month high. These gains are as a result of the sale of shares for one of Italy’s biggest bank being suspended following a bid to raise m...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Dec 21, 2011, 8:47 am
The pragmatism of astute real estate buyers will lead them to take ona French mortgage instead of buying cash. This is because when used wisely, a mortgage becomes an asset, not a liability. And of course, when talking about several hundreds of thousands of Sterling or Euros (if not millions), what ...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Dec 15, 2011, 10:54 am
Prices have soared in the capital, and have broken all records. However, this boom time could be over soon. 2010 was clearly marked as a year of price increases. And in 2011, Paris continued its mad rise with investors willing to pay huge sums for tiny studios. These runaway prices blew an already ...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Dec 13, 2011, 5:55 am
We thought you will be interested during your Christmas holidays by playing this game which is very addictive. If you manage to buy the mansion you might be interested to build a BTL portfolio in the UK or in France! .
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Dec 6, 2011, 12:35 pm
As we all know Christmas is a Christian feast but throughout Europe, the rituals associated with the onset of winter go back to time immemorial. In the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church decided to replace the pagan figures with saints in order to supplant the old pagan rites and feasts. Christmas is ...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Dec 6, 2011, 11:29 am
Life annuity is coming back. Still potentially interesting, the investment deserves to be looked at in detail before signing up for it. So life annuity is coming back- what are the reasons for this return? Increasingly we’re seeing that  low incomes push owners to seek a supplementary pension fo...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Dec 1, 2011, 5:37 am
We are running a competition with £300 travel vouchers you can use to fly to France. To participate you just need to click on the “Like” button at the top of our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Sextant.French.Property.fans Good Luck!
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Nov 30, 2011, 10:37 am
It is quite well known that, since 2008, banks in the UK and in France have made life very difficult to self employed looking to get finance to buy properties in the UK or in France. Documents requested are very similar between the two countries, the only difference being the method used to calculat...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Oct 31, 2011, 8:54 am
The focus in the financial markets last month remained on Europe and the debt issues facing a number of the countries within the single currency economy. Towards the end of the month there were further developments as the European leaders agreed a new financial rescue package aimed at providing more...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Oct 28, 2011, 10:31 am
In spite of French banks having tightened their lending criteria, obtaining a French mortgage is still possible. Most importantly, you must present a coherent file and pay particular attention in the way your finances are organised. By doing so you will increase your chances of being successful in y...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Oct 27, 2011, 7:31 am
Robert and Carole-Ann Pill, a retired couple in their sixties, have the travel bug, and they have it bad.  Hailing from Victoria, Australia, they’ve so far globetrotted their way around the UK, Ireland, the USA, Spain, Italy, Greece, Mexico, Fiji and more besides. However, since retiring and havi...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Oct 24, 2011, 9:55 am
Parents can give a helping hand to their children through a donation or by starting a Civil Property Company. How to help your children acquire a property? With the rise of housing prices in France, more and more parents are asking this question. For young people, without any family to help, buying...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Oct 24, 2011, 9:41 am
After a few calls to our agents in France, we tried to narrow down the criteria by which the prices of the French properties are determined. However, we remain cautious. One of our agents gave us a set of criteria, but it can totally change between the different agents or agencies. All those we spok...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Oct 24, 2011, 9:26 am
Make the most of the next few months and give your French garden some TLC. The month of October is already nearly at an end  and the weather is still fairly mild and temperate. With the so called  Indian summer we had a few weeks ago, there hasn’t been a major  change in the weather, with wint...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Oct 4, 2011, 1:33 pm
The global market continues to keep investors on the edge of their seat with so much uncertainty still surrounding the events in Europe and more importantly Greece. It remains unclear on whether Greece will be able to repay its spiralling debt levels or whether the rest of Europe will decide to bail...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Oct 4, 2011, 12:12 pm
There are four common types of fireplace, which include  the traditional wood fireplace, as well as gel fireplaces, electric fireplaces and gas fireplaces. Here’s the lowdown on each type together with their pros and cons, for you to make an informed decision about which one suits you best. A fir...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Oct 4, 2011, 9:48 am
If you want to purchase some French antiques for your French holiday home or for your main residence, we have compiled a list of websites you must visit: Antiques auction rooms: Auction rooms with sales open to the public http://www.interencheres.com/ventes_aux_encheres/encheres_venir_MOA.php?orde...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Sep 26, 2011, 6:30 am
Generally, French lenders will lend up to 80% of the purchase price to non-residents, although each lender has different criteria.. Some lenders will also add in the mortgage amount the notary fees (notary fees in France can range between approximately 2.5 and 8% depending on whether or not the prop...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Sep 19, 2011, 6:52 am
Is your asset properly protected? As the owner of a property abroad or a second home in the UK, you already understand the importance of protecting your valuable asset. Until now it has been hard to find an insurer who provides comprehensive protection combined with a flexibility that covers all ev...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Sep 13, 2011, 6:26 am
On the 8th September 2011, the French parliament voted a new version for Capital Gains Tax on French properties (it isn’t definitive yet because it has to be approved by the second assembly: the sénat). This new version will be applicable on the sale of the second home and those who own a French ...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Sep 9, 2011, 11:12 am
Outbuildings are gaining popularity over years,  more and more property hunters only seek property with outbuildings. Actually they are essentially looking for outbuildings with the potential for conversion such as barns for example. Then they  convert them into various things: office, gym, home ...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Aug 31, 2011, 1:02 pm
This agitated summer has seen the appearance of fears due to some financial falls and rises. Some reputed companies such as La Societe Generale have lost more than 10% of their valuation in a day (10/08/2011). However, these drops do not reflect the reality of the market. Actually, USA’s firm have...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Aug 31, 2011, 9:37 am
The educational system The educational system is extremely important in France, more than 15million people (both teachers and students) have a direct link with it which represents 1/4th of the total population. The Preamble of French constitution sets out that “the Nation guarantees equal access...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Aug 31, 2011, 9:17 am
The conversation that seems to crop up with increasing regularity is the one about sterling/euro (and sterling/dollar for that  matter) going nowhere.  After its decline from €1.20 in the first quarter of the year sterling has seemed riveted to the €1.13. For those of us who earn pounds and s...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Aug 25, 2011, 12:33 pm
Wine cellars are more than just a basic cellar. In some French regions people spend hundreds of hours taking care of them as they can need constant attention, depending on the size of the cellar. In fact, the humidity and temperature can ruin your wine’s quality therefore your cellar will need con...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Aug 18, 2011, 12:13 pm
After the closure of the Green build Expo in late June this year, it is now time to underline to consider the main topics discussed during the event in more detail. We can pinpoint various original innovations, but it appears even more important to underline the focus on wooden floors. Indeed, more...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Aug 9, 2011, 11:28 am
The « Fondation du Patrimoine » is an organization that was created in 1997 thanks to the joint efforts  of the French president and the minister for culture.  The organization has 4 main missions: -          Increase public awareness to the importance of preserving the heritage of F...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Aug 9, 2011, 10:23 am
Nowadays, it’s become trendy to create some additional space in a property by building an orangery, conservatory or a garden room.  These assets are appreciated because it gives a certain charm and it can moreover add value to your property. The garden rooms  in particular have been more success...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Aug 5, 2011, 10:47 am
Between 2010 and the first quarter of 2011, mortgage rates have risen from 3.27% to 3.90%. However the current tendency is for stagnation. Explanation. Although rates are continuing to rise, we can distinguish a real slowing down in this rise. According to L’Observatoire Credit Logement/CSA, ...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Aug 4, 2011, 10:02 am
Beautiful scenery and typical charming villages, the Midi Pyrenees region has everything to please house hunters. The largest French region (45, 348 sqm) comprises 8 departments: Lot, Aveyron, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, Haute Garonne, Ariege, Gers and Hautes Pyrenees. This region located in the South o...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Aug 1, 2011, 11:07 am
After six months of rises, banks are making the most of a calm spell for the OAT during the summer holidays and stabilising their mortgage rates. This status quo will remain for the summer with over half of French banks maintaining their rates. For those that aren’t maintaining them, the changes a...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Aug 1, 2011, 5:49 am
It would be nice to say that sterling did well in the first half of July. It would be more accurate, however, to say the Euro did badly. In little more than a fortnight the pound climbed from a 16-month low to a six-week high, covering five full cents on the way. There is still no enthusiasm for t...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Jul 28, 2011, 10:36 am
. The Lascaux caves are one of the biggest Paleolithic caves in the world in terms of quality and number of prehistoric paintings. Some intellectual calls it the “prehistoric Versailles”. The dates of the paintings are still unknown but some experts estimate that they were drawn between 18000...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Jul 27, 2011, 9:37 am
The Mont Saint Michel is actually a small rocky island where a sanctuary was built in the year 709 in honour of the archangel Saint Michel. It is located in the Manche department, in the Basse Normandie region. The island is famous for its abbey with spire on the top and the dungeon which has been ...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Jul 19, 2011, 11:20 am
  If you plan to move to France, you should probably consider learning the French language in order to be able to hold a conversation with your neighbours. The French are notoriously known for not speaking great English and this will often be the case if your new property is in the heart of the co...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Jul 13, 2011, 12:13 pm
  1) Planning One of the most important things before moving into your new accommodation in France is to plan early in order to evaluate everything and prevent any issues from cropping up. Creating an early plan will mean you can explore the options of different removal companies and compare th...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Jul 11, 2011, 12:27 pm
  If you possess various square meters of unexploited land and you want to make it look better, this article is for you. Don’t worry, it only gives basic tips accessible to everyone and people without gardening skills won’t feel lost! There are uncountable different ways to improve your land...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Jul 7, 2011, 11:37 am
If you have a big house in a charming surroundings with some empty bedrooms, it might be interesting for you to turn your house into a lovely B&B or “chambre d’hotes” in French. However, it is important to  not mix up Gite and chambre d’hotes: a gite is a self-catering holiday home wherea...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Jul 5, 2011, 10:49 am
  Once upon a time, Johnny Depp said: “France has a great culture and an amazing history. The most important thing though is that people there know how to live”. And this statement has even been proved scientifically if we trust the quality of life index of 2009, compiled by International Livi...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Jul 4, 2011, 10:22 am
There’s nothing more romantic and more original  than getting married in a castle. Probably every little girl has dreamed at least once in her life of marrying her prince charming in a castle. It offers the possibility to actually live a fairy tale- no longer a dream, but a dream come true! La...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Jun 30, 2011, 9:48 am
Superb landscapes are not the only thing to see in France. The roads that lead to  these hidden views are also worth exploring for themselves. We have beautiful properties a stone’s throw from these dream roads and paths. Have a look at the following list of some of the most beautiful roads in Fr...
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Sextant French Property posted an article on Sextant French property blog - Jun 29, 2011, 10:06 am
In the  French wine family, the rosés have a special place. Considered a “summer wine”, it is mainly consumed between June and August when the temperatures are high. It is characterized by a “fruity taste” which differentiates Because of its particularity, it’s not as highly regarded as...
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