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.
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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. In 2008,
the interest rate is between 5.2 and 5.5%.
Mortgages are relatively easy to obtain, and well
worth shopping around the various banks for good
deals.Estate Agents can also recommend Mortgage
companies. 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:
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2 proofs
of address in France- under 3 months old.
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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 owed-if any- on the
vehicle)
|
Insurance
is required. Please shop around for this as it does
vary hugely. There are some very good internet
Car/House insurers that are very competitive.
|
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), and claim back on your Carte Vitale. This
is available to anyone, and worth paying into if
you are eligible. It is similar to National
Insurance-and a must if you work in France. For
retired people, worth getting professional advice.
|
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 on your
Carte Vitale, if you have one.
|
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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