Planning a trip to this beautiful country to visit your shortlisted properties in person is exciting and should be well planned so you can optimise your time there. The ideal viewing trip will last 4 to 10 days – long enough to give you a feel for your chosen area without leaving you exhausted. This also allows the opportunity for second viewings and time to sample a little French life before you return home.
Organising Your Visits
Draw up a list - you should aim to view two to four properties a day (ideally three, five maximum); they should be within a reasonable distance to one another leaving you enough time to explore the area.
Don’t leave it late - contact us two or three weeks in advance, especially during the holidays, everyone is busy and holiday rentals harder to find. Send us your criteria and dates so we can finalise arrangements with the owners.
Weekend visits - we are usually able to arrange Saturday visits. However Sunday visits are not possible, it is a religious day of rest in France when families go to church service and spend time together.
Plan your finances - unless you are a cash buyer you’ll need to research French mortgages, we recommend that you seek an agreement in principle in order to be in a position to make an offer if you find your dream property. However, be aware that lending criteria from French banks are very strict.
Brush up on your French - If you plan a permanent move, France has new language requirements for foreigners and non-EU residents who want to stay long-term. New arrivals begin with a short-term carte de séjour (residency card) without language requirements. We strongly recommend you start researching this, as well as start improving your French language skills. They'll make your trip more exciting and may help you to negotiate a deal.
Have your euros secured - registering with a foreign currency specialist at an early stage makes it easier to negotiate with the seller, and to sort out your deposit transfer after a successful house hunting trip in France.
