Clé France

This week we topped our 7000 listings target for the first time when we added the properties from 6 of our latest agents all within a few days of each other earlier this week.

Today we have 7159 properties for sale in France and the site is updated several times a day to keep everything as up to date as possible. We have also reduced the number of apartments, building plots and any properties not suitable so that our clients and visitors to the website can search through only the best France has to offer.

The "Quick Search" facility to the left of the screen makes it easy to filter down your property search if your original search gives you too many properties. Try selecting by Region or Department if you know where in France you want to buy. 

OR if you don't mind where you buy as long as it is a Countryside property then all you have to do is select Countryside from the "All Locations" drop down box. Then add into this Land size and number of bedrooms and your search will get more and more focused.

There is of course an even easier way to search for that perfect property - simple give us your criteria with as much detail as you wish and we will select a portfolio of properties for you to consider and send them straight into your email inbox.

'Happy surfing' on the French Property Network.

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

The anectodal feedback we getting from the lenders in general is to simply ignore thinking of any of the technical features of the Help to Buy scheme, leave that to them they say, the perspective buyers simply need to concentrate on getting the minimum 5% deposit together and leave the rest to the lenders.

 As the government are underwriting the first of any potential losses they have put a few tighter lending rules in place. It all then gets a bit complicated! so best advice is to speak to our expert Tim Durkin at Stag Mortgages.

Blog submitted by: David at Cle France.

David Cameron: "I'm not going to stand back while people's aspirations to get on the housing ladder... are being trashed"

A controversial scheme allowing people across the UK to take out 95% mortgages will be launched next week - three months earlier than planned.

PM David Cameron made the announcement as the Conservatives gathered in Manchester for their annual conference.

He rejected fears the Help to Buy scheme will fuel a housing bubble.

He told the BBC's Andrew Marr show the market was "recovering from a very low base" and first-time buyers needed help to get on the housing ladder.

"As prime minister I am not going to stand by while people's aspirations to get on the housing ladder are being trashed."

He added: "If we don't do this it will only be people with rich parents to help them who can get on the housing ladder - that is not fair, it is not right."

Blog submitted by: Originally from a BBC news article.

Cle France are proud to work in partnership with STAG Mortgage & Insurance Services. Tim Durkin is your specialist contact in this British owned and managed company. Ask Tim if this news will help you find some extra funding for that property you want.

Whether you have found the perfect French home for sale or still looking at the options for buying French property Cle France and Tim Durkin at Stag Mortgages and Insurance Services can help you to find the best solution to make it happen.

Making an offer is pretty much the 'done thing' in France these days, it did not used to be so and one had to be careful not to offend a French Vendor with a cheeky offer. Current market conditions over the last few years have meant that offers are more readily entertained.

It does depend on the property but our properties are valued by a local agent with the local market in mind so the asking prices are generally pretty accurate in terms of value. We are seeing that offers within 5% to 10% of the asking price (depending on the asking price) are being accepted or the vendors are open for negotiation. Although it is worth pointing out that French vendors do not like the 'start low and edge up' routine that is seen in the UK where you bat back and forth a few thousand here and there, they tend to not like that approach at all.

So how do I decide what to offer? my advice would be to make the offer you genuinely want to pay. If you view a property and you feel that for example, on an asking price of 100k you really wouldn't be comfortable paying more than 85k, then that is the offer you should submit, and if that is refused, you walk away because you don't want to pay any more.

What if I really want it and offer full asking price? If a French estate agent gets a full price offer for a vendor, the vendor is legally obliged to accept it; if they don't the agent can sue them for breach of contract.

The reason this is written into French law is for consumer protection, it stops a vendor trying to get two potential purchasers into a bidding war, which is a good point for buyers to note. Find out more about the Buying Process in France.

Blog submitted by: Sharon at Cle France.

Many people ask us to suggest properties that have income potential or properties suitable for a B&B style venture, we have a lot that fit that purpose, but it is surprising how many people don't start with the location?

It is an old adage but "location, location, location" is never more apt than when you are looking to start a 'host style" business, the B&B may well be in a nice property and you may be the best Host in the world but will people want to visit you in your location? what is there to do? where is there to go?

I know of a great little B&B just a few kilometres from Mont St Michel, so it's a great location. 

Before starting up a B&B it is essential to know the market you will be aiming for.

Property viewing trippers, Business trips, International, Family holidays? Romantic breaks? Hen nights or Stag weekends?

Sleepy village, busy town or coastal?

Are you going basic one-night stopovers or high end?

The location of your B&B, its decor and layout must be geared towards the type of guest you hope to attract.

Do your research, see what else is on offer, what kind of B&B’s are doing well, which are not and check out prices they charge. You don’t want to price yourself out of the market and people don't always look for the cheapest rates so research as much as possible.

What kind of breakfast you serve can be an interesting issue, to you go 'full English' for British tourists who expect a full hot breakfast or do you go for continental or buffet style breakfasts because 'when in Rome'. There is so much to think of but focus in on location and do your research!

This one is in a good location, set in a 'medieval' town slap bang in the middle of lots of things to see an do and a popular "House Hunting" location.

Blog submitted by: Alex at Cle France.