Clé France

With the £ Pound recovering this week after a big dip and the political landscape starting to calm down a little, it offers some more stability to peoples plans to find a new life abroad. We find that everybody's reasons to move to another country are so varied that we are surprised most days, and it is true that this week we have seen a rise in viewing request from our American friends! seems like France is a popular choice for those not looking for the cold Canadian climate!

Closer to home we thought we would bring together some frequently asked questions and answer them for you, some of the information below has come from our friends over at 'The France Show' which is due to take place at London Olympia from 27-29 January 2017, we recommend a visit to this the biggest 'all things French' show in the UK, if nothing else it is a great day out but also you can pick up French food products and even a property if you are feeling flush on the day!

How has Brexit affected property buyers?

The UK’s decision to leave the European Union has understandably caused concern and uncertainty among British buyers considering a property purchase in France. Yet while the exact implications of the result are still unclear at this stage, British buyers will continue to be able to buy in France and property experts have expressed confidence in the continued growth of the French property market.

Will I still be able to buy property in France?

Brits visited and bought property in France long before the UK was part of the EU, and will still be able to do so.

Buyers from non-EU countries including the USA, Australia and Chine consistently invest in French property without problems. The existing process of buying a property in France is the same for French, EU and non-EU residents.

Furthermore, British buyers are an important element of the French property market, accounting for 34% of sales in 2015, and it is unlikely that France will want to damage this by making it too difficult for Brits to buy property.

Will I still be able to get a French mortgage?

British borrowers are the largest single overseas nationality who borrow from the French retail banks so it is unlikely that French banks will introduce tougher criteria for Brits who want a French mortgage. French mortgage rates are currently at historic lows and some Brits who were cash buyers are now taking out a French mortgage as a way of mitigating the effects of volatile exchange rates.

Make a no-obligation mortgage enquiry here

Will I still be able to live in France?

As EU citizens Brits can currently live and work anywhere within the EU without having to apply for permission and this will continue until the UK officially leaves the EU. It seems unlikely that this freedom of movement will continue after the UK has left the EU but there are a large number of French people living in the UK so it seems likely that a bilateral agreement between France and the UK will be reached.

Sterling rallies on uncertainty in Europe and the USA

After weeks of turmoil, sterling has emerged as the main benefactor of uncertainty in Europe and more recently the USA, following a clear swing from the popular ruling establishment.

Risk averse markets have pushed sterling up against most major currencies.

Saturday 12th November at 10:30 £1.00 GBP = 1.16 EURO

For more information on the currency service we can provide please feel free to contact Ben Amrany from FC Exchange follow this link or phone and ask for myself and quote "Cle France" on 020 7989 0000.

You may contact me directly using this form (click here) with your requirement and I will explain the options that are available to you in getting the best exchange rate.

'The France Show'

Taken in part from 'The France Show' the UK’s biggest celebration of France returns to Olympia, London in January.

The France Show is back for 2017, so whether you’re looking for some travel tips, thinking of buying property in France, hoping to brush up your language skills or want to try regional food and wines, pick up some recipe inspiration or just have a great French day out, you’ll find it all at The France Show at London Olympia from 27-29 January!

Blog submitted by: David at The French Property Network - Cle France.

Good morning Sharon,

We just wanted to say thank you for recommending Nick Warner to carry out the survey on our proposed property purchase in Normandy.

He did so on Monday, and we received his very thorough & comprehensive report yesterday. We were so impressed at how quickly he got back to us and pleasantly surprised and relieved that although there are a few things to address, they don't sound too onerous or expensive to rectify, but time will tell!

He has even answered a couple of consequent questions for us. We would therefore highly recommend him to future clients.

Many thanks for all your help we really appreciate it.

Kindest regards, Debbie & Paul.

In France 'English' style structural surveys are almost unknown, there is not even a word for 'surveyor', the nearest being 'Expert de Batiment'. But if a client feels the need for a good old fashioned – 'Structural Survey' this is when we recommend Nick Warner.

Cle France will guide YOU through the French Property Buying Process!

And as several of our clients say "Follow your heart and make the move"!

Hi Sharon,

We had a good day of visiting houses with your agents. Both were so friendly and helpful and a delight to be with.

There was one house in particular we saw, that we are thinking about.

I will get back to you again in due course.

Best wishes, John.

Cle France will guide YOU through the French Property Buying Process!

And as several of our clients say "Follow your heart and make the move"!

Dear Sharon, All went well on the day of the signing and we are so happy to now own a little piece of he French Countryside. Thanks for your help.

Regards, Kim De Beer.

YOU can benefit from our vast network of professionals by buying, like Kim and her family did, through Cle France.

With thousands of houses for sale in Lower Normandy alone, never mind the rest of France, it pays to be with Cle France.

We will guide YOU through the French Property Buying Process!

And as several of our clients say "Follow your heart and make the move"!

French mortgage rates 1.8%, good news for your French property plans.

The French mortgage rates have touched their lowest ever, below 2%, ideal for an investment in France. French mortgages have always been a good option for investors as they are locked for long periods up to 25 years.

Since the pound sterling exchange rate has declined over the last 2 years the French mortgage interest rates have declined also. The interest you would have paid on a French mortgage has therefore declined by over 40% for a 20 year period.

This would mean today’s loss on the exchange rate has been offset by the interest rate decline.

Best rates at the moment can be obtained for a 80% LTV of 1.8% over 20 years, and this rate is fixed for that whole period. This can be obtained for properties all over France.

If you have savings already locked up given yield of over 2% then it’s worth leaving them untouched and obtaining a mortgage instead. You would also be protected by the current trampoline exchange rates we are experiencing presently.

Cle France Mortgage Options...

Looking for more spending power? 'The Banks' will only try and sell you their own tired products!

For the vast majority of people looking for property in France, and especially non-resident buyers, it is much quicker and much more effective to use the services of a experienced and qualified Independent Mortgage Broker.

An Independent Mortgage Broker will look at your specific circumstances then look through a selection of lenders to find you the best possible Mortgage product for your specific requirements, it is so obvious when you think about it!

We have 2 clear options for you

Option 1 would be a French Bank Mortgage or option 2 is UK Bank Mortgage.

It does not matter if you have not found your perfect French House yet, you can still start planning for when you do buy into your French property dream so in no particular order choose from our 2 options, just think about the one that best suits your circumstances and you can discuss your plans on a 'no obligation' basis, International, UK based or the leading French mortgage arranger.

Both Cle France Partners will be willing to advise you on a no obligation basis: 

OPTION 1 : English Speaking French Mortgage Broker

Aurore Davis is our English speaking French Mortgage broker at 'Vous Financer' the French Mortgage Experts, Aurore is our main English speaking advisor, born in Paris she speaks perfect English as she has lived and worked in London for many years after working in Paris.

Whether you have found the perfect French home for sale or still looking at the options for buying French property, Cle France and Aurore Davis at Vous Financer can help you to find the best mortgage out there.

OPTION 2 : UK borrowing for overseas buying

Tim Durkin of STAG Mortgages and Insurance services may have the borrowing / mortgage solution for you.

We are proud to work in partnership with STAG Mortgage & Insurance Services. Tim Durkin is your specialist contact in this British owned and managed company.

Contact them by clicking the links above - you have nothing to lose!

For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk