Unerstanding Septic Tanks (a little better)

Since 2011 house sellers are required to have a survey of their septic tank undertaken prior to sale. This means that if the property has a septic tank, the Contract of Sale must include a “diagnostic d'assainissement non collectif”. Indeed if the property is on mains drains a report is still required to confirm that the property is correctly connected.

The report will form part of the Dossier de Diagnostic Technique (DDT) - the House Information Pack of documents that has to be prepared by all sellers. We will run through and explain all these reports to you so that you are clear of their content.

New European Inheritance Rules Explained

Many people who already own property in France, or who are thinking of buying, will be aware that French law currently governs the taxation and devolution – who gets what when you die – of your overseas property.

The House Buying Process In France

Buying a property in France is actually a simple and secure process as long as you find a good agent who will guide you through the process.

It may sound simple, but finding the right area is where you need to start. We are surprised by the number of clients who have not carried out research on the region before coming to view properties.

The Four Seasons : To Twitch or not to Twitch?

One thing that I love about living in the Poitou-Charentes is that you notice the changing seasons. You can get the first signs of spring quite early and quite often I have seen butterflies as early as the beginning of February. The autumn can be quite stunning with the beautiful colours on the trees.

"Lest We Forget"

The 11th of November is always a bank holiday here in France and the Remembrance Services are held on this day irrespective of the day of the week on which it falls. Each year I take my two girls to the local service (which starts at 11h30) as it is so important for them to understand the sacrifice so many made for our freedom all those years ago. The local mayor reads a different patriotic speech each 11^th November which is the same across France at every ceremony and of course the same as the one addressed by our dear (and much loved) Monsieur Hollande who does so alongside the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris.