Property for sale in France

- Immonot, the French Notaires property web site. www.immonot.com

- Maisons France. www.maisons-france.com

North France - Nord (59), Pas-de-Calais (62), Picardie (80)

Normandy -Seine-Maritime (76), Calvados (14), Manche (50)

Brittany -Ille-et-Vilaine (35), Côtes d'Armor (22), Finistère (29)

Calculation tools (conversion tools)

Estate Agents

Highly regulated in France, Estate Agents must be professionally qualified. Displayed in their office must be; his/her professional Charter (The Charter of Property and Business Transactions), Financial Guarantee document for at least 328,000 euro (if it is less than 328,000 euro he is not entitled to handle a clients money).

Federation of Estate Agents (France); www.fnaim.fr

Boulogne - Dieppe - Le Havre - Roscoff - Saint Malo

France

123immo SA, 8 rue Jean Jaurès. 81470. Cuq-Toulza. France. Tel: 0033 826 00 31 31. www.123immo.com

Abbott Management (property search Provence). Tel: 020 7225 1995.

Agence Globe (Gers, Lot and Garonne). Tel: 0033 562 59 01 46.

Agence Hamilton. Tel: 0033 468 72 48 38. www.agence-hamilton.com

Authentic France, 27 Gresham Road, London. E6 6DS. Tel: 020 8471 8600.

Agence Pierre Chretien - JB Transactions (Auvergne), 4 rue Montgolfier, 63600. Ambert. France. Tel: 0033 473 82 16 74.

Agence Vallée des Rois (Loire Valley), rue de l'Hotel de Ville, 49250. Beaufort en Vallée, France. Tel: 0033 241 45 22 22. www.loireproperty.com

AGERIM Côte d'Azure, 6, av. de Suéde, F-06000, Nice. France -. Tel: 0033 497 03 04 05.

Alpine Apartments Agency. Tel: 01544 388 234.

Alpine Residences (Alpine areas), 5 Sky Business Park, Eversley Way, Egham, Surrey. TW20 8RF. Tel: 01784 471 377.

A House in France Ltd.,. Tel: 020 8959 5182.

Beaches International. Tel: 01562 885 181.

Brittany. Tel: 0871 717 4163. Charente. Tel: 0871 717 4164. Normandy. Tel: 0871 717 4162.

Bruce International, French Riviera. www.bruce-international.com

- Collot Immobilier, 7, rue Dragut, 20137 Porto Vecchio. Tel: 0033 495 70 30 47. (CORSICA)

Elegance France Property in the South of France. www.elegancefrance.com

France Property shop. Browse and buy property for sale in Brittany. www.francepropertyshop.com

Francophiles. Tel: 01622 688 165.

- French Property Classified. www.french-property-sale.eu

French Property Links. www.frenchpropertylinks.com

- FrenchProperty Service, property for sale on the net. www.frenchpropertyservice.com

- French Property Shop. "The French property home page help buyers search, find and locate houses, properties and building plots for sale in France, as well as advertising French houses on behalf of French estate agents". www.frenchpropertyshop.com

 - Sue ELLIOT. Tel: 0033 553 61 91 89. www.green-acres.com

Hamptons. Tel: 020 7589 8844.

Hexagon France Limited, Webster House, 24 Jesmond Street, Folkestone. Kent. CT19 5QW. (Brittany, Normandy, Pas-de-Calais, Picardie). Tel: 01303 221 077.

J. B. French Houses (Brittany and Normandy). Tel: 02392 297 411. www.jbfrenchhouses.co.uk

Leigniel Immobilier, agence de Sens (Bougogne), 14, Place Victor Hugo. Tel: 0033 386 65 20 58. Latitudes French Property Agents, Grosvenor House, 1 High Street, Edgware. Middlesex. HA8 7TA. Tel: 020 8951 5155. www.loireproperty.com

Le Lion immobilier, 34, place du Lion d'Or. 59800. Lille. Tel: 0033 320 13 81 81. (Lille). www.lelionimmobilier.com

Live France Group (Languedoc, Normandy and the Midi-Pyrénées). Tel: 0871 717 4143. in France, 0033 4 68 45 69 19.

Maison Individuelle. Tel: 01707 376 255.

- Micimmo Property (French agent, but comprehensive listings). www.micimmo.com

Moore Direct Properties, 9 rue d'Auray, 56150. Baud. France. Tel: 0033 297 08 01 75.

Normandy Search Agent. Tel: 0033 231 93 97 43.

- Normandy Life. 38 Roman Road, Hove. BN3 4LA. Tel: 01273 422 143. www.normandylife.com

North and West France Properties -. Tel: 020 8891 1750.

Papillon Properties. Tel: 01799 527 809.

Paris Dream Home. Tel: 020 7820 1337. www.parisdreamhome.com

Paris PROPERTY OPTIONS, 19 Warrior Gardens, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex. TN37 6EB. Tel: 01424 717 281.

- Premier French Property. Tel: 0800 135 79 31 (UK) / 0044 800 135 79 31 (outside United Kingdom). www.premierfrenchproperty.com

Properties in France, La Croix de Noël. 49390. Mouliherne. France. Tel: 0121 744 0820. www.propertiesinfrance.com

PROPERTIES 47 LTD. (Lot-en-Garonne, Gers, Beziers), Piquepe, 47130. Bazens. France. Tel: 0033 553 95 86 23.

Purlow's Gascony. Tel: 0033 562 67 61 50.

Real Estate Languedoc - Agence Immobilière, 35, rue de la Fontaine. 34480. Saint-Geniès-de-Fontédit. France. Tel: 0033 467 36 34 28. www.realestatelanguedoc.com

La Résidence, 17 St Martin's Street, Wallingford. Oxford. OX10 0EA. Tel: 01491 838 485. www.laresidence.co.uk

RURAL RETREATS (Languedoc). Tel: 01524 812 359. www.rural-retreats.com

- Sextant French Properties, Linton House, 39-51 Highgate road. NW5 1RS. London, United Kingdom Tel: 0 207 428 7750. "Setxant Properties is a network of French real estate agents. Our team of property consultants is dedicated to help you in your search of a property for sale in France. We offer properties for sale in France specialising on the following areas: Brittany, Normandy, Midi-Pyrenees, Rhone Alps, Aquitaine, Limousin and Languedoc-Roussillon." www.sextantproperties.com

Sifex (Southern France). Tel: 020 7384 1200. www.sifex.co.uk

- Take French Leave. "Take French Leave – French Property Agency. Find French Property for Sale in France with Take French Leave - the leading site for search of French Property for Sale in France and throughout France." www.take-french-leave.fr

Transaxia - La Châtre, 178 Route Nationale, 36400. La Chatre. Tel: 0033 254 06 00 60.

VEFUK. Tel: (UK) 020 7515 8660. February 2009 - Gone out of business.

VIALEX INTERNATIONAL IMMOBILIER LTD., Rue Messager, 47470. Beauville. France. Tel: 0033 553 95 46 24. www.vialex.com

WATERSIDE Properties International Ltd. Tel: 01892 750 011. www.watersideproperties-int.co.uk

Zorro Immo. Properties in France. www.zorroimmo.com

Finance

 - Abbey National, Les Arcades de Flandre, 70 rue Saint Sauveur, 59046. Lille. Tel: France 0033 320 18 18 17. United Kingdom / 0800 169 8470. Free Guide call 0033 320 18 19 80 or freephone 0800 169 84 70.

Banque Scalbert Dupont, 9, Rue Royale, BP 182, 62104. Calais. Tel: 0033 321 19 11 96Fax.; 0033 321 97 44 56.

Barclays France, Champs Elysées International Branch, 6 Rond point des Champs Elysées, 75008. France. Tel: 0033 1 44 95 13 80. United Kingdom Tel: 020 7977 4359.

- Conti Financial Services, 204, Church Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 2DJ. England. Tel: 01273 772 811. www.mortgagesoverseas.com

- Credit Agricole, 14050. Caen. Cedex, France. Tel: 0033 231 55 67 89. www.britline.com

French Mortgage Connection. Tel: 0800 0745 388. www.french-mortgage-connection.com

French Mortgage direct. www.frenchmortgagedirect.com

MFS Partners. Tel: 01752 664777.

Norwich and Peterborough. Tel: 01733 372 006.

Kevin SEWELL Mortgages. Tel: 01380 739 198. www.netcomuk.co.uk

- Moneycorp Commercial Foreign Exchange, 2 Sloane Street, Knightsbridge. London. SW1X 9LA. Tel: 020 7823 7800. www.moneycorp.com

- Mortgage France, La Fraye Touarte, Route de Gréolières CD6. 06480. La Colle sur Loup. France. Tel: 0033 493 32 13 95. www.mortgagefrance.com

Siddalls Financial Services Ltd., Lothian House, 22 High Street, Fareham. Hampshire. PO16 7AE. Tel: 01329 288 641. www.siddalls.net

Templeton Associates, Rivers Street Place, Julian Road, Bath BA1 2RS. Tel: 01225 422 282. www.templeton-france.com

Woolwich. Tel: 020 8298 4400

Foreign Exchange (exchanging money)

- Caxtonfx, 28 Eaton Row. London. SW1W 0JA. Tel: 0845 658 2223 / 0207 201 0509. CaxtonFx Currency cards. www.caxtonfxcard.com

- Baydon Hill. Tel: 0207 594 0584. www.baydonhill.com

Foreign Currency Direct Ltd. The Old Malt House, Currencies Court, Old Amersham. Buckinghamshire. HP7 0HL. Tel: 0800 328 5884 / 0044 1494 725 353. www.currenciesdirect.com

- Halewood International Foreign Exchange (HIFX Ltd), Mistress Pages House, High Street, Windsor. Berks. SL4 1LD. Tel: 01753 859 159. www.hifx.co.uk

Sucden (UK) Limited, 5 London Bridge Street. London. SE1 9SG. Tel: 0207 940 9663. www.sucdenfinancial.co.uk

French terms (more property words/phrases)

Acte de Vente - Deed of sale

Compromis de vente - commitment to sell (binds seller and buyer)

Conditions suspensives - a condition that states the contract will only become binding if certain things happen.

Mandate Exclusive - a mandate where the vendor entrusts all the negotiations to a single agent for a specified period.

Mandate Simple - a mandate where the vendor still reserves the right to negotiate in the sale.

Notaire - lawyer

Promesse de vente - promise to sell (only binds seller)

House Insurance (Travel insurance)

Agence Eaton, Continent Assurances, 28, rue du Lt. Col Maury. BP285. 56008. Vannes Cedex. France. Tel: 0033 297 47 31 97.

Andrew Copeland Group. Tel: 020 8656 8435 (property), 020 8656 2544 (motor).

Enterprise Tredinnick. Tel: 0033 545 82 42 93.

- French Insurance, English web site (part of the Generali group). www.french-insurance.com

- Hiscox Insurance. Tel: 0845 741 3551. www.hiscoxonline.com

- Insurance for Holiday homes. www.insuranceforholidayhomes.co.uk

- Intasure, holiday home insurance experts. www.intasure.com

London and European Title Insurance Services, Blagrave House, 17 Blagrave Street, Reading. Berks. RG1 1PW. Tel: 0118 957 5000.

Land Measurements

When buying a house in France land is usually quoted in Hectares

1 Hectare = 10,000 square metres = 2.5 acres (approx)

8,000 square metres = 2 acres (approx)

4,000 square metres =1 acre (approx)

2,000 square metres = 0.5 acres (approx)

10 Ares =1000 square metres = 0.25 acre (approx)

1 Are = 100 square metres

Magazines for French Property Buyers

- Notaries

A Notary in France is a public officer responsible to the Ministry of Justice. They have to ensure that all the requirements of French Law are satisfied, and that all taxes are paid. They cannot advice you and you should consider engaging your own solicitor. When you buy a property in France the money is always paid directly to the Notary, not the vendor. Title deeds must also be signed in front of a Notary.

Other Measurements

Plumbing and Central heating - copper pipe sizes in France (outside daimeter sizes)

WC - 10mm

Basin - 12mm

Bidet - 12mm

Shower - 14mm

Bath - 16mm

Sink - 14mm

Equivalent sizes relating to British Standard Pipe Threads (BSP) are as follows;

1/4 BSP - 8/13 mm

3/8 - 12/17

1/2 - 15/21

3/4 - 20/27

1 inch - 26/34

1 1/4 - 33/42

1/1/2 - 40/49

Points to consider when buying

See as many properties as possible

Choose a lawyer who speaks French and understands the French legal system

Be aware of the inheritance laws before you sign any document

Remember that the notaire acts for both parties

Don't even think of gazumping - it's illegal in France. Once an offer has been accepted, no others will be considered.

Once the deposit is paid the deal is binding

Estate agents fees can be split between the vendor and the purchaser. Check before you proceed.

Always check the cost of installing services should they be needed - it could be prohibitive.

Add about 10% of the purchase price as a guide to buying costs.

There is no leasehold in France so find out about management arrangements when buying a flat.

Property Shows

Free tickets on 01323 726040. www.french-property-news.com

Property Taxes

There are two taxes on all residential property (houses and flats). These are collected by the State for the local authority's. These taxes are assessed at individual rates according to location and can vary substantially. Ask your estate agent for these details when you are looking at properties to buy.

1 - Taxe foncière. As the owner of a property on the first day of January, you are liable for paying this tax which is due for payment by October/November. Penalties or fines are added for late payment, but it is possible to arrange a monthly payment scheme.

2 - Taxe d'habitation. The occupant of the property on the first day of January is liable for paying this tax. Even if you only use the property on occasional visits, if it is furnished and supplied with water and electricity you are liable for this tax.

Swimming Pools

PBL (Piscines, Bateaux, Loisirs), Rue Joseph Arnal - ZAE de Bresles. 60510. Bresles. Tel: 0033 344 07 00 98.

Splash Pools, Platts Road, amblecote. Stourbridge. DY8 4YR. Tel: 01384 390 380. Installation throughout France.

Workshops / Courses

- Living France Magazine run a series of workshops for people interested in buying a property in France. www.livingfrance.com / SUBSCRIBE

Other Information

The Federation of International Property Developers and Agents. Tel: 020 8941 5588.

Ideas for housebuilding (in French). www.ideesmaison.com

- AVF. Settling in in France? This organisation can help. Aims include: To provide a "welcome service" for anyone who has moved to a new area. To help newcomers to meet new people. To improve the quality of life of each town and to contribute to the development of the region. AVF is a national association with 400 local branches throughout France, run by trained volunteers. www.avf.asso.fr

Services - this section lists many companies, services and individuals who may be of assistance when buying a property in France

Architects

Cedric Mitchell Architects. Tel: 01834 831 100. www.about-architects.com

Builders / Property Maintenance

- Artisan Anglais. Find an English speaking artisan in France. www.artisan-anglais.com

British Builder. Tel: 0033 321 09 15 25.

La Garde Maison. Tel: 0033 243 00 69 47.

Gites 'R' Us. Tel: 01526 353 765.

Le Manche Property Services. Tel: 0033 233 91 62 84.

Welby (Brittany). Tel: 0033 296 87 57 37.

- Rural Rénovations, L'Oriardiere, 53700 St Germain De Coulamer. France. Tel: 0033 243 0349 94. ruralrenovation.free.fr

Welby (Brittany). Tel: 0033 296 87 57 37.

SIRET numbers

Check if your artisan is legally registered and entitled to work in France.

- Infobilan. Type in the number to see if it is legal. www.infobilan.com

Cofracerating. Surname, name and number checked. www.cofacerating.fr

- Infogreffe. Surname, name and number checked. www.infogreffe.fr

Manageo. www.manageo.fr

Score3. www.score3.fr

- Societe. Quite a detailed check. www.societe.com

What is a SIRET number?

Information from; www.artisan-anglais.com

The SIRET number is an identification number for each French business. It is unique to that business and legally linked to a particular person. If several people engage in similar activities at the same geographical location then each must have their own SIRET number. The SIRET number is also linked to the geographical site as well so the same legal person should get a different SIRET number if his activity takes place in several different locations.

It is set up by the INSEE (Institut National de la Statistique et des Etudes Economiques) in the framework of the system SYRENE. (Système National Informatique pour le Répertoire des Entreprises et des Etablissements)  The SIRET number is made up of several different identifiers and is unique to the particular business. Companies (entreprises) who run several businesses in different areas must have a SIRET number for each business and different establishments who work individually in the same location must also have individual SIRET numbers.

The SIRET consists of 14 digits. The first 9 numbers are the SIREN number for the business. The first 8 digits have no significance except for administrative purposes and to organisations such as communes, and fiscal offices. They identify the business as well as its location on the national list. The ninth digit is a check digit and has no link to the characteristics of the type business concerned. The SIREN is only issued once and removed from the list as soon as the business ceases to function, the owner dies or the business is dissolved. As it is legally linked to an individual, it is not transferred. The second part of the SIRET number is the NIC (Numéro Interne de Classement) which consists of 5 digits. The first 4 identify the business (or one of several businesses in the case of an enterprise running several establishments) The 5th digit is another check digit to validate the complete 14 number code.

All registered workers should be immatriculated with the Centres de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE) at their local Chambres de Commerce, Chambre de Métiers, Tribunaux de Commerce, or the URSSAF, Services Fiscaux, or regional office of the INSEE.

The only real ways to check if someone is registered for all trades they advertise are:

1. Ask to see his/her "carte d'indentification" issued by the local Chambre de Metiers which lists the trades on the card. This is a white card with green writing on the cover, and everyone has to have one.

2. Contact the Chambre des Metiers and ask direct.

3. Ask to see insurance documents for responsabilité civile and decennial which are the two obligatory insurances in France. The insurance document will show and list the items or trades which the artisan is insured to undertake.

Electricity, Gas, Water and T.V. in France

- Electricité de France, 2, rue Louis Murat. 75384. Paris. Tel: 0033 140 42 22 22. www.edf.fr

- Gaz de France. www.gdfsuez.com

Veolia, National domestic water supplier. www.service-client.veoliaeau.fr

T.V. - Aerial Techniques, 59 Watcombe Road, Southbourne. bournemouth. Dorset. BH6 3LX. Tel: 01202 423 555. www.aerial-techniques.co.uk

- France Telecom. www.francetelecom.fr

Removals

Anglo French Removals. Tel: 01622 729 911.

H. Appleyard and Sons, Denby Way, Hellaby Industrial Estate, Rotherham. Yorks. Tel: 01709 549 718.

Armishaws. Tel: 01963 34065 / 0208 995 3350.

Bishop's Move Group. Tel: 020 7498 0300. www.bishopsmove.net

Bradshaw International. Tel: 0161 946 0809. www.bradshawinternational.com

Cotswold Carriers, Unit 2, The Walk, Hook Norton Road, Chipping Norton. Oxon. OX7 5TG. Tel: 01608 730 500. www.cotswoldcarriers.co.uk

Callington Carriers, Valentine Road, Callington. Cornwall. PL17 7DF. Tel: 01579 383 210.

David Dale Removals, Dale House, Forest Moor Road, Harrogate. HG5 8LT. Tel: 01468 691 571. www.daviddale.co.uk

Ede Bros.. Tel: 01306 711 293. www.edebros.co.uk

E.R.S. Ltd.. Tel: 0033 553 93 75 52

Farrer and Fenwick Removals, Rivernook Barn Sunnyside. Walton-on-Thames Surrey KT12 2ET. Tel: 01932 253737. www.farrerandfenwick.co.uk

French Connexion. Tel: 01935 872 222.

French Moves. Tel: 0033 553 01 46 92.

- Go Man and Van, deliveries to France. www.gomanandvan.co.uk

Hamiltons Removals. www.hamiltonsremovals.co.uk

Home to Home. Tel: 0800 783 4602.

Internationals House Removals, Leicester. LE7 4TF. Tel: 01664 424 949. www.internationalhouseremovals.com

Langdon Removals. Tel: 0117 963 7404.

Lawlers Removals. Tel: 0114 275 10 20. www.lawlersremovals.co.uk

- Man Van London, United Kingdom and Europe. www.manvanlondon.co.uk

Metro Removals, Orion Way, Kettering. Northants. NN15 6NL. Tel: 01536 519 450.

- Moving Everywhere removals. www.movingeverywhere.co.uk

Nicks Removal company Manchester Blackpool - Man and van service. Removal Company based in Manchester Northwest United Kingdom also Man and Van service student moves regular runs to France Scotland London and Spain. www.nicksremovals.co.uk

- Part Load. Tel: 0800 043 6020. www.partload.co.uk

Pink and Jones. Tel: 01536 512 019.

Richman-Ring Ltd.. Tel: 01795 427 151. www.richman-ring.com

- Removal Group, 46-48 Mere Green Road, Sutton Coldfield. Birmingham. B75 5BT. Tel: 0870 240 7432. www.removalgroup.com

Robinsons International Moving and Storage, Nuffield Way, abingdon. Oxon. OX14 1TN. Tel: 01235 552 274. www.robinsons-intl.com

Steele Removals. Tel: 0500 135 777. The Personal Moving Service. Tel: 0033 233 35 31 80. www.steelesremovals.com

- Universal Removals. www.universalremovals.com

Security

Marine Security. Tel: 01626 365 282. Mobile; 07957 384 896.

Solicitors

For a list of French speaking solicitors ring the Law Society of England and Wales. Tel: 0870 606 6575.

Blake Lapthorn Solicitors. Tel: 020 7430 1709. www.bllaw.co.uk

Headon Consulting, Moulin de Lahontan, 32360. Jégun. Gers. France. Tel: 0033 562 68 00 81. www.headdonconsulting.com

Pannone and Partners solicitors. Tel: 0161 909 3000. www.pannone.com

John Howell and Co., 17 Maiden Lane, covent Garden, London. WC2E 7NL. Tel: 020 7420 0400.

Prettys Solicitors, Elm House, 25 Elm Street, Ipswich. Suffolk. IP1 2AD. Tel: 01473 232 121. www.prettys.co.uk

Russell Cooke Solicitors, 2 Putney Hill, Putney. London. SW15 6AB. Tel: 020 8789 9111. www.russell-cooke.co.uk

Sean O'Connor and Co. Solicitors, 2 River Walk, Tonbridge. Kent. TN9 1DT. Tel: 01732 365 378.

Withers Solicitors. Tel: 020 7936 1000.

Worthwhile web sites;

Lawful Lawyers was incorporated to give the general public and lawyers/solicitors/attorneys an opportunity to discuss the results of civil or criminal cases after their decisions have been reached by the courts. www.lawfullawyers.co.uk

Useful Outside links

Nexdom. Immobilier in France. www.nexdom.com

French Property News. www.french-property-news.com

French property. www.french-property.com

- Immoprix, prices of French property. www.immoprix.com

- French Entree. Comprehensive guide mostly property related. Worth a look at. www.frenchentree.com

- A private site offering help in setting up a business in France. Professionally run, you pay 30 euro to join the forum and get all you questions answered. www.startbusinessinfrance.com

- SIRET numbers. Check if your artisan is legally registered and entitled to work in France. www.infobilan.com

- Artisanat, Chambres de Métiers. www.artisanat.fr

 - French Government Statistics, worth a browse. www.statistiques-locales.insee.fr

- Relocate France. Thinking of relocating? This company runs seminars telling you what to do and watch out for. www.relocate-france.co.uk

- Settling in in France? This organisation can help. Aims include: To provide a "welcome service" for anyone who has moved to a new area. To help newcomers to meet new people. To improve the quality of life of each town and to contribute to the development of the region. AVF is a national association with 400 local branches throughout France, run by trained volunteers. www.avf.asso.fr

- New life in France, tips advice. www.newlifeinfrance.co.uk

- Asset Sure, property (including foreign) insurance specialists. www.assetsure.com

Americans in France. Monthly newsletter full of interesting information and local events. www.americansinfrance.net

- Say NO to 0870. www.saynoto0870.com