Greece Vote 'No'

The much awaited Greek referendum took place yesterday and the Greeks have quite surprisingly voted ‘NO’ to the current bailout offer that was on the table.

Although this was a highly anticipated event on the currency markets it did little to affect the euro, with the single currency dropping 0.5% against the pound and 0.4% against the dollar.

How I Love The Seasons In The Poitou-Charentes

There is a definite sense of the passing of each season in the Charente, winter turns early in the year into spring which rapidly becomes summer.  Reluctantly the long summer meets autumn. Being a real country girl the seasons are important to me as I spend most of my working hours and free time outside.

Climate: choosing the right area of France

Weather comes high up many people’s lists as a factor in choosing the right area to move to or to visit. France is a big country with many climatic influences, so it is hard to generalise but there are a few basic guidelines and resources that can help you.

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.