Aude Scenes



Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
 

What is the property market like in the Aude?

The property market here is like any other in the Western world. There are peaks and troughs and, without a crystal ball, very difficult to predict accurately what is in store. The facts are that for the last few years, the Aude and the Languedoc, have shown the highest rises is property prices for the whole of France. It has become a very interesting area to invest in, as the sales of houses show. There are still "bargains" to be had if you are prepared for major renovation work. Looking to buy a property?

How easy is it to get a mortgage?
www.mortgagefrance.com
The interest rate at the moment (08/06) is at 3.9% which is very encouraging for borrowers. Mortgages are relatively easy to obtain, and well worth shopping around the various banks for good deals. Try and find a bank that is well represented in the high street. Think carefully about how your money is exchanged from pounds to euros. It is well worth finding a reputable financial exchange company as high street banks don't always give you the best rates.

How do banks operate in France?
It is quite straight forward opening up an account. Choose a popular one with many branches and make sure that your branch is close to where you live (if you need to withdraw around 500 euro or more, this can ONLY be done at your branch). To open up the account, you will need the following proof:

www.portalino.it/banks/_fr.htm
2 proofs of address in France- under 3 months old.
Passport
Remember, if you open up a non-resident account, you will need to spend at least 6 months outside France. Also, the cheque book here is regarded as cash. If you write a cheque with insufficient funds in your account, you may well get blacklisted as a bad debt. Finally , never let your account get overdrawn.

I need to buy a car for my visits to France. How does this work?
The second car market is as much a shark infested sea as anywhere else. Find a French person, who is a mechanic, to come with you and look it over.
Once bought, you will need to change the registration documents and plates very quickly. The one practical reason for this is to avoid paying fines of the last owner. This is done at the Sous Prefecture in your closest big town. Passport and 2 proof of addresses are required (NOTE: most Sous Prefectures have a machine where you can type in the current registration number, and it will print out for you any debt/finance on the vehicle)
Insurance is required. Please shop around for this as it does vary hugely
www.parisfranceguide.com:81/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=45
Diesel cars are well worth buying- better consumption, cheaper fuel and could run past the 200 000 km mark easily

What happens if I fall ill in France?
Generally , the French medical system is very efficient. If you need to visit the GP, you will pay him/her after the visit- currently 20 euro per visit (09/06)
www.ppa.org.uk
There is the NHS European health card that can be used to claim back expenses- as long as you were only holidaying in the country (this is NOT a substitute for travel insurance). Apply for this, well in advance, on
All medication is bought in the Pharmacy. You will need to pay for this in full and claim back
Keep receipts for everything

We hope to set up business in France. How easy is this?
It is quite straight forward because these Government organisations are very keen to receive your money!
www.franceaccountants.com
It is worth registering first with a good Accountant, who will explain all the issues, and do your yearly books. Have a look first at
You need to be very precise of the type of activities that your business will undertake. This is for your business code, that all your activities will be based on. Ensure that this code, either given to you by the accountant or URSSAF, covers all your business needs.
At URSSAF, ( Union de Recouvrement des cotisations de Securite Sociale  et d'Allocations Familiales), you will need to register your business, and can start, legally, operating on this day.
They will then send you the all important SIREN and SIRET numbers - business registration numbers. These must appear on all invoices.
Then, you will need to pay Social Security and State pension. Unlike the UK, this is payable almost from day 1 and is not linked to your business income. They calculate your yearly premiums themselves. Beware, that in year 2, they will assume business growth of a certain percentage. This can be challenged- via your accountant.
You will receive your Carte Vitale- which is your Medical card. You still need to pay for everything up front, but via this card, the State will reimburse you- from 50-100% of the costs. There are companies that offer to pay you the short fall- at a premium.


What is the weather/climate like in the Aude?
This area of France has the most hours of sunshine than any other.
It is generally very dry, and sea temperatures from July - September range from 20-30 C
www.meteofrance.com/FR/index.jsp

FAQ's

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