FH&C
Researching the move abroad |
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They say that throughout your life you will come across some events that are major life changing and stress situations. High up on the list, and holding its own against bereavement and divorce, is moving house. In the economic climate that exists globally at the moment, many people are finding themselves in extremely difficult situations. It is easy to understand how the demise of one business has a roll on reaction and hence property prices are dropping furiously, credit dries up, employment ceases and people become trapped in their lives with the added value of financial stress and all that entails.
France too has been effected because the world is a very small place nowadays and restricted financial cash flow, leaps the channel. Although France is officially 'out of recession', in many areas, much of France continues living in the same fashion as before the crisis. It is certainly true that industry and commercial enterprise are still being feeling the after effects, but for the majority of country living householders, they continue unscathed and almost oblivious to the world around them. The major reason for this, is that in the first instance they never lived on borrowed money and credit, nor lived a life with 'imaginary money'. To use the word 'modest' is not inferring an impoliteness but merely to describe the way that many French country folk live. In the same breath it is definitely true to say that this simple form of living and the way of life belonging perhaps an era 50 years before, has been very much what has in the past, attracted overseas buyers.
To be able to find for example, an old farm property, complete with outbuildings and land at a very affordable price, has been the dream and reality of many buyers. To maybe renovate and live a far more relaxed lifestyle, surrounded by good old fashioned values is truly a sense of achievement and certainly, as they say in France often, 'good for the morale!'
The poorly exchange rate is not exactly alluring buyers at the moment. With the uncertainty of the future it is encouraging anyone who has some funds to 'keep them for a rainy day'. Previously these funds may have been invested in a french property. On the flip of the coin however, many people are realising that they have become totally disenchanted with the way of the world and are deciding to opt for a far more relaxed lifestyle. Even if this lifestyle maybe sometimes less materialistic it offers a new beginning and a brighter prospect for the future. Such decisions must surely be upper most in the minds of horse owners and people who need land. The rising costs of living in the UK are reportedly causing many people to find new homes for their beloved equines as they cannot afford to keep them themselves as they face loosing their homes. Anyone with any financial equity or funds would understandably be attracted to swapping all they know and are used to, for an affordable new place to live.
So for those of you who are researching, thinking, deciding or actually on the move, read on. Throughout the coming months this Online Magazine is here to help and answer some of those questions. As we have said before it is a real leap of faith. Try to make that leap a little more educated though and understand what maybe ahead of you. The majority of people living in France have all been through the same and some survive, some do not. A costly mistake and such a shame to loose out on what could have been a pleasant experience, just through lack of planning. What definitely makes the difference is support, information and a sense of humor and adventure.
Read the articles, click on the links below and on the other pages. If you want to know more or have inquiries or anything to add, then please contact us, fill in the form on the contact page or email us and be part of the magazine, either privately or published. Its here for you, so let it evolve as you need it. We love receiving your comments and thoughts and its so rewarding knowing there is a great support network out there already on the go.
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