Latest property news

Read the latest property news from all around the world from our expert writers located all over the world. Get the latest on buying, travel, emigration, retirement and much more. Whether you are buying a sunny property to spend your summers, or making a big move abroad you will find everything you need to know here.


 

A-Z of French for property buyers

Anyone moving to France will tell you that a big part of settling in is learning the language – so don’t miss this handy list of phrases for property buyers to make sure you know your DPE from your VEFA and your longère from your promesse de vente. Plus, we’ve got a special offer from Frantastique for a month’s free trial of online French lessons. 
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Spain, France or Italy: which would suit you?

I have been lucky enough to live in three European countries, neighbours but all very different in several ways. What is OK in one country doesn’t necessarily go down well in the others and local habits, humour, behaviour and culture still remain firmly embedded in each, despite a so called united Europe. Here’s a lighthearted look at Spain, France and Italy.
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“We’ve never looked back”: swapping the London rat race for the peace of the Languedoc-Roussillon

Diane and Kevin Sowells knew there was more to life than daily commuting to London from their Brighton home, struggling with their mortgage and yearning for warmth and sunshine. Six years ago, they realised their long-held dream when they found their perfect home in the Minervois wine region. I spoke to them about their new life in the sun.
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From neglected shell to quirky seaside retreat – renovating a property in France, part two

With little practical experience, I took on a project to renovate a sad and neglected grande dame on the quayside at the beautiful port of Barfleur in Normandy. Learning traditional skills from scratch, I managed to transform her into a quirky seaside retreat within a reasonable budget, with a mix of good luck, hard work and the help of excellent workmen.
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10 surprising things about living in Oz

Before my big move Down Under, I dreamt of a beautiful, sun-kissed country with a laid-back, outdoorsy lifestyle. I fully expected to wear a cork hat, drink cans of Fosters and put shrimps on the barbie. Although excited about the sun, sea and sand, my family and friends were keen to warn me about the dangers of the Outback; “Watch out for the spiders and snakes!” and “Be careful of the sharks!” were remarks I heard again and again. So what is life in Australia really like? Here are ten surprising things I learned…
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Building your own, part 3: finding a builder

Now that you’ve sourced the perfect plot of land and found the architect who is going to bring all your property daydreams to life, there is one final – rather essential – step: finding a builder. In Part three of our series, we’re looking at where to find a decent builder and the steps involved in getting your house built when you move to New Zealand.
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