Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on 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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Matthieu Cany posted an article on French Property blog - Jun 29, 2011, 9:10 am
Real estate mortgage rates are still rising   L’Agence Nationale d’Information pour le Logement (the ANIL for short- the national agency which provides information on housing), published its latest market rate indicator last month,which correspond to the second quarter of 2011.   “The to...
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Matthieu Cany posted an article on French Property blog - Jun 28, 2011, 9:23 am
The most prestigious cycle race nicknamed the ‘Grande Boucle’ will take place next month in France. More than 250 cyclists will travel the French roads for three weeks in 20 races. Known as the hardest cycling race in the world because of its small steep roads in the French mountains, all the b...
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Matthieu Cany posted an article on French Property blog - Jun 27, 2011, 9:40 am
Sixty eight million euros. This is the price for which the Bourbon-Conde hotel located in the 7th district of Paris sold 2 years ago. Today, it still holds the world record for the highest transaction. And since then the ratings for Paris in the luxury real estate market has grown and grown. Accordi...
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Matthieu Cany posted an article on French Property blog - Jun 24, 2011, 11:00 am
Euro zone politicians are doing their level best to put on a brave face about Greece’s predicament. Prime minister Papandreou deliberately subjected himself to a parliamentary vote of confidence, which he won with the assistance of a new finance minister. Jean-Claude Juncker, chairman of the Eco...
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Matthieu Cany posted an article on French Property blog - Jun 23, 2011, 11:21 am
  The most pleasant and popular waterway in Europe is hugely popular and more and more house are being built nearby.  The fact is that the channel offers a unique opportunity to discover marvellous landscapes and architecture rich in history and traditions. The possibility of renting a boat to t...
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Matthieu Cany posted an article on French Property blog - Jun 23, 2011, 9:53 am
More than €1.8 billion! These are the investment figures for the renovation of French stadiums for the UEFA EURO 2016 football tournament, which compared with the investment cost in Germany for the 2006 FIFA World Cup is about 500 million euros less. A considerable sum for the construction or reno...
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Matthieu Cany posted an article on French Property blog - Jun 22, 2011, 9:37 am
Picture the scene; the sun is high, no clouds on the horizon, 30 degrees Celsius, and a glass of wine in your hands, “what else?” as George Clooney would say. And now imagine that it’s not any wine, it’s your own wine, directly taken from your vineyards with your name on the label, just ima...
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Matthieu Cany posted an article on French Property blog - Jun 22, 2011, 4:29 am
The most charming ports in the world are in France. From Northern France to the French Riviera, each one has its own style but remains impressive for all who visit the French coastlines. Have a look at the loveliest ports of France : 1- Sète Located between Marseillan and Frontignac, Sète is mag...
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Matthieu Cany posted an article on French Property blog - Jun 20, 2011, 11:33 am
The French government will be scrapping the plan to impose a holiday tax on all those who own a holiday home in France, which would’ve hit foreign property owners and French expatriates, as part of a wider fiscal reform. President Nicolas Sarkozy and Budget Minister Francois Baroin were put unde...
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Matthieu Cany posted an article on French Property blog - Jun 17, 2011, 9:19 am
Last year, transactions involving rural houses increased by almost 15% to €6.6 billion. The market is getting better, but is still mixed. Farmland rose by 1.4% to €5.230 per hectare (£5,000 for 2.47 acres). Is the rural exodus coming to an end after decades of influx towards cities? “The ho...
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