If you are considering buying a French property you will need to consider the following three items to avoid some future challenges.
One
Look into the future
Buying a French property whether it is your principle residence or a secondary home is a long term investment. Make sure you consider the long term commitment you are making and how your income will continue over time when you are buying with the aid of finance.
If you feel you will want to change careers in a few years time and start your own business, perhaps buying may not be the ideal plan for you.
Two
Survey Agents
Sometimes French property buyers just call the agent with a property for sale and never really know if the agent is knowledgeable on the market the property is located in. This may mean they do not know about future roads being build, possible industry close by etc.
When you know the area in France you like we recommend you visit a small selection of properties with a selection of agents to find out as much as you can about the area and the experience of the agent.
Ask questions, compare the agents answers and hopefully afterwards you will know more about the area plus you will have found one agent who you feel you can work with.
Then you can start your fully focused search with the aid of a professional.
Three
Plan for Expenses
Even if you are not planning on doing renovations as a French property owner you need to plan ahead for expenses due to home maintenance. You have no guarantee that the home you bought will not have a leak in a pipe, an appliance break down or a problem with the balcony if you live in an apartment.
As a new or potential French property owner it is a good idea to create a digital spreadsheet and create a budget. Include in the budget an allowance for your various property taxes, home insurance, mortgage insurance, mortgage payment and of course, set aside some savings each month so that when you have repairs to do you have the money to do the work.
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