Top Tips Archives - France Property Guides

Where to find your essential services in France

When you move to France, or simply buy a second home there, there are certain essential services in France that every home owner needs to know about.

Taming the beast: French paperwork, a guide for expats and locals alike

Whether you live in France full or part-time, you will at some point come across French bureaucracy. However much we all love France, very often you will hear people sigh when you mention the paperwork in France which can be somewhat cumbersome.

Top tips to help you settle in to your new life in France

Moving can be an exciting and scary experience; moving to a new country is even more so. I found that, despite the homework I did on life in France, the best advice often comes from someone who has “been there, done that”! I feel I’ve learnt a huge amount over the years about how to integrate happily with the French. So, I’d love to share my own tips with you, so you’re better prepared for your own new life in France.

“It’s like having your own Van Gogh hanging outside the window”

A business relationship forged in the tension and excitement of a live TV news studio has taken a more relaxed turn. Friends and colleagues Sian and Sarah bought a flat in Arles together. But buying a new-build apartment off-plan, with the finances reliant on rentals, how can they ensure that their investment in rental property in Arles remains a good news story?

How to make your French home more energy efficient

We’re all affected by the current increase in utility bills. However, there’s good news in France as the country is set to keep its energy price cap for next year in order to protect consumers. This was announced in September by the French budget minister. Furthermore, the prime minister announced that regulated electricity and gas prices will be capped at a 15% rise next year.

How to find household help in France

The nature of property prices in France allows many of us to afford bigger properties here than we perhaps could have in the UK. However sadly, the effort of upkeep required for a beautifully spacious home with land, tends to be easily underestimated. And people, for a range of different reasons, quickly find themselves seeking help in France.