Loft conversions are a very popular form of home improvement in the UK as a result of their numerous perceived benefits. But it is not as common in France, except in very specific cases.

Quick and Cheap

One great advantage to a loft conversion is that you are not building on to your home. You are simply using space already available in your French house. This means that you do not need building permits for loft conversions. However, the installation of a loft conversion remains a difficult process as it can be a very large amount of work, depending on what you want to change in your attic. If you would like to convert the space into a bedroom, make sure your insulation and your ventilation system are perfect. The more you stay in that room, the better insulation must be.

There is a large amount of work involved in a loft conversion. Should you not know how to convert a space or if you meet difficulties when you attempt a “Do-It-Yourself” loft conversion, you might want to consider hiring a specialist loft conversion company to undertake the task. It is possible to fill in a quote request online, explain exactly what you wish, and then provide an idea of the amount you have to invest. It is very easy: Simply choose the room you want to convert (a former veranda, kitchen, game room, etc.) and write a small description. These companies generally answer quickly and sometimes, will even assist you with taking out a mortgage.

So, if you really want to start a loft conversion, you have to take into account the different steps involved during the works:

Step 1: Feasibility

Maybe you have an attic whose floor is not very new. You will want to ensure, for example, the weight of a desk would not damage the floor. Moreover, you will need to establish that there is adequate room under the ridge of the roof for a loft. A measurement of 2.3 metres is required to allow enough headroom, although you may find that you can still get a useful room from as little as 2.1 metres (7-feet). There must be at least 2 metres clearance above the position of the access stairs. If so, an office is very practical as you spend your time seated on a chair.

Step 2: Dimensions

The second stage of any loft conversion is a close inspection of the loft space to measure its dimensions and to determine whether conversion is feasible. For example, it is pointless to attempt a loft conversion for a bedroom in any space over 40 to 50 square metres. It might be better to take advantage of so much space and convert the area into a flat with bed, cupboards, bathroom, and toilet and put it up for rent.

Step 3: Roofing

The roof should be checked for any sign that rainwater is entering the space. Over the short term, it does not matter if you discover a small hole in your roof. But two or three years after your room has been converted, it may be hard for you to address this problem. We advise you to let a specialist (e.g. a roofer) check your roof. He is the only professional with the ability to detect any small amount of damage which would cause trouble to the framework in the future.

If you do not want to contact a roofer or if you believe your roof does not need to be checked, be aware that the appearance of dark stains on the roof rafters is a strong indication that a problem exists. Repairs to the roof are usually carried out as part of the loft conversion process, due to the construction of dormers and fitting roof windows.

Be sure to take into account of the slope of the roof and the required access headroom, as the feasibility of this type of project is dependent upon a minimum height of approximately 2.3 metres (7-feet 6-inches) measured from the floor to the apex.

Step 4: When You Down a Wall

When you want to widen your room, make sure you do not take down a bearing wall. It is paramount that you study it very closely, as consequences could be tragic if it collapses. Always remember, a loft is supposed to contain structures that support the roof. Furthermore, it is likely you will need permission before cutting through the wall or when wiring new lights.

You’re not sure how much work for your loft conversion would cost? It’s not as difficult as you might think. Simply provide a small description of your project by completing a quote request, along with other pertinent details. Please have a look at the websites listed below to get a free estimate for your loft conversion:

Estimate form 1

Estimate form 2

Estimate form 3

Estimate form 4

Take into considerations all of these essential steps and you will save a lot of money creating a new space in your own French house.

In the meantime we have also heard that Spain has officially slipped back into recession after figures showed the Spanish economy had contracted by -0.3% in the last quarter which has led to the dreaded double dip recession. To add to the gloom Spanish retail sales also fell by a staggering 13% from the previous year whilst unemployment hit a terrible 24.4% last Friday. These are truly horrible numbers and there is a growing fear that the Spanish banks will require a €120 billion bailout. If Greece and Ireland are anything to go by this figure could be much, much more! The news is so Euro negative that there is some scope for the pound to climb a little higher although having seen such rapid gains in recent weeks, the rally may well be running out of steam, however, as mentioned there are currently some fantastic opportunities for those clients looking to buy Euros.

While it was also confirmed that the UK has officially fallen into recession in April there is still some hope that when the figures are revised they show there has actually been some growth for the economy although we won’t know this until the end of May. The UK’s close trade ties with Europe mean that any negative news from the single currency economy can hamper Sterling but at present it appears the concern in Europe are worse than the UK. Also, with the Presidential elections in France coming to its climax the markets will be watching closely the new Presidents views on the French and European economy. We can expect May to be another volatile month in the currency markets.

If you need to buy Euros and would like to make the most of the current 2 years high speak to Foreign Currency Direct plc (FCD) today. FCD can offer a number of different contract types including a forward contract where, for a small deposit, you can fix the current rates of exchange for a period in the future, perfect to help you budget, take some of the risk out of the market and give you peace of mind. For more information call direct to the Foreign Currency Direct trading floor on 0800 328 5884.

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	What next? Call +44 (0)1494 725353 (Open 8:30am – 6pm (UK Time) > Open a Currency account today > Request a call back > Ask questions about Currency Exchange

Foreign Currency Direct plc (FCD) are Sextant Properties preferred currency partner and have been selected due to their award winning exchange rates having topped the exchange rate tables in The Sunday Times for three consecutive years. FCD also offer a number of different contract options for Sextant clients including a forward contract where you can fix a rate of exchange for a period in the future using just a small deposit, perfect to help take the risk out of the currency markets and budget for your French property purchase.

If you would like to discuss your currency requirements and all the options open to you including the forward contracts please contact our preferred currency partners Foreign Currency Direct plc on 01494 725353 or visit their website: www.currencies.co.uk

First things first, what you should do is checking if the property price is coherent with the average price in the area: having a look at other property ads on the Internet is a good way to proceed; you can also have a look on Internet to compare with other properties in the same area you are interested in. It could be also worth contacting the local planning authorities to check that no future or potential building could hide the view or create more noise.

Before going to view the property, being equipped with the following items will help you a lot:

•    A laser distance-measuring device (with batteries). You can find some on any DIY shop, from £25

•    A classic metre rule, in case you can’t use the laser one

•    A piece of paper and a pen

•    A camera (with batteries as well!)

•    And a flashlight, ideal to examine every nook and cranny

It’s a good idea to arrive on time for the viewing as French estate agents tend to be punctual with our customers. After the visit you can spend some time near the house, this will give you some time to discover the neighbourhood and spot the amenities indicated in the ad. You will also get a clearer idea of the traffic, the potential sources of noise, etc…

As soon as you start the visit, ask if you can take pictures. If yes, then do not hesitate to use your camera. Later, the pictures will help you easily remember the details of the property. Inside the property, you should check everything. In a house, the roofing is a priority. Indeed, broken or moss-covered tiles are likely to create leaks. Check the loft insulation (numerous houses built before 1974 are not insulated). Check the walls and floors and ceilings for humidity and cracks. The plumbing, electricity and sanitation should in no case be avoided. Pay attention to the windows: are they made with wood or plastic, double glazed? Feel free to measure the surfaces, and ask the person in charge of the viewing for the results of the French compulsory diagnostics, such as the EPC or the “surface loi-carrez” (exact size of the property, which doesn’t include areas where walls are less than 1m80).

During the visit, take the time to imagine the property in other seasons (in summer, when you need to open the windows, or in winter, when it is colder and darker) or the potential neighbour’s noise).

Done looking around? When leaving, try to see if the neighbours are present. It might be then interesting to ask them a few questions, in order to get another point of view about the property.

The region has the fastest population growth in France, and will probably reach 3,300,000 inhabitants in 2030, which would represent a 36% increase compared with year 2000. You may wonder why such an increase; and the answer is easy: because Languedoc Roussillon is an extremely touristic area.

Building, public service and tourism are the top-3 sectors on which the region’s economy relies. It is the second region of France in terms of “residences secondaires” (litt: secondary residences, holiday homes), and the leading region for camp sites and static outdoor accommodation. Indeed, people camp out in Languedoc Roussillon with great pleasure, as the Mediterranean climate in Languedoc Roussillon guarantees maximum sunshine throughout the year: warm, dry summers and mild winters – the temperatures usually remain above 0°C (32°F). This exceptional climate was named after the Mediterranean Sea, which is obviously another crucial factor for tourism in the region, which has been the major region of France for the quality of its beaches since several years, according to the number of its cities which were awarded the “Pavillon Bleu” (Blue Flag): a label with a strong touristic connotation, the symbol of environmental quality, a very sought-after title for coastal cities and marinas. It broadcast a positive and dynamic image among the inhabitants and the foreigners.

Another important factor which explains the attractiveness of the region is the excellent transport network between the main cities, particularly the presence of TGV lines, which connects the whole region, serving Perpignan, Narbonne, Beziers, Montpellier, Nimes, linking Paris from Montpellier in three and a half hours a ridiculous time compared with the 8 hours needed for the same trip in car. You reach Marseille within, an ahour and a half, where you will find an international airport and numerous ferries towards the whole world. Of course, the region offers international airports in Perpignan, Beziers, Montpellier, Nimes and Avignon: a real asset for the tourism industry, giving opportunities to reach the main cities of Europe in the twinkling of an eye.

Last but not least, the region comprises numerous places worth a trip, bringing more and more  tourists each year, such as  Canal du Midi, Canal Royal de Languedoc (Rivers), Le Pont du Gard (a roman bridge), La Cité de Carcassonne (The medieval town of Carcassonne),  and L’Abbaye de Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (an Abbey), the most visited place. In addition to the already existing cinema/music/arts festivals, new cultural events are created each year: more original, more innovative, such as vineyard hiking, brass bands, sports festivals, or street art festivals. The regional committee keeps creating and renovating the numerous traditional museums, operas and other cultural places.

Take a look at our properties in Languedoc-Roussillon. You will surely find your dream property among our adverts. You will appreciate this renovated medieval house (#44985) for the incredible amount of €220,000, or this lovely renovated stable (#42665) for €238,000. If you are looking for an original, still relaxing swimming pool, then this splendid village house is yours for €450,000! Let’s not forget the investment possibilities, for €359,000 you have this 2 bedroom apartment in a stunning wine estate, with a yield up to 4% net!

These properties are just a tiny sample of what you can get on our website. Feel free to contact us to find out more about properties in Languedoc Roussillon.

Maison de maitre
literally: Master’s house.
A maison de maitre is a spacious countryside house or townhouse. It used to be colonial properties, castles, luxury villas or large farmhouses, set in strategic places of a village or a town. They often come with spacious lands and outbuildings.

Inside the house, the architecture of a maison de maitre often comprises high ceilings, fireplaces, mouldings, wooden floors and panelling , as well as an imposing central staircase, which gives the maison de maitre its singular presence and style. Outside, the walls are always made with cut stone, with a garret overhead, and a bonnet roof or a roof having a single slope on each side of a central ridge. The windows are particularly numerous and large.

Maison bourgeoise
litterally: middle-class houses.
A maison bourgeoise is set in a city, a town or a small village: it used to be the house of the wealthy shopkeepers, artisans and notables, or a private hotel. The architecture is simple and functional, made with natural, noble and perennial materials; it is more or less decorated according to the status and the fortune of the owner. The building comprises one or two floor, as well as attics.

Maison d’architecte
literally: architect’s house.
This term is used to describe a house which was “custom-built”, in comparison with houses which are already designed off-plan and converted according to the purchaser’s tastes. Therefore, there are no limits for size and eccentricity. The plans are drawn for one unique house.

Domaine
literally: domain.
A domain is a synonym for an estate (house and land). It is also used for houses with a vineyard (and even a wine exploitation), which are then called “domaine viticole”.

Maison a Colombages
literally: half-timbered house.
A maison a colombages comprises 2 main features: a wooden structure, and a “hourdage”, forming the walls, used to fill and tighten them. The hourdage is made of bricks or light materials such as cob or plaster. This type of house is easily recognizable thanks to the typical exposed beams.

Bastide
literally: country house.
A bastide used to be a farming property owned by wealthy people, usually with a precise activity: farming, vineyards, market gardens, etc…The bastide comprised then a maison de maitre (see above) and numerous outbuildings and accommodations for the workers.  Nowadays, the term bastide can be used to describe only the main house, the holiday house, and sometimes the complete exploitation.

Mas
litterally: farmhouse.
A mas is a typical farmhouse from the Provence, Languedoc and Roussillon regions of France. The farmhouse used to be linked to the rural economic life, but nowadays, this type of house is mainly converted into holiday homes. A farmhouse is different from a bastide (see above), as a bastide was built for the bourgeoisie, the upper-middle class. The mas is always facing the South, with only a few windows on the north side, to prevent from the cold.

Longere
literally: long house.
The longere is a typical farmhouse in which all the rooms (for humans and animals) are set in a row. The house is usually built with its back to the wind, with local materials. It is common to find longere in the north-west part of France, as well as in the Limousin region.

Pavillon
literally: detached house.
A pavillon is a house with a moderate size and a garden. It is usually a detached house with a common architecture, symbol of the low-cost houses from the end of the 20th century in France.

Gite
literally: guesthouse.
A gite is a furnished quality holiday home with typical regional characteristics, which is rented (studio, apartment, house or part of a house) to customers passing through. The renting of such houses should be declared to the local authorities, and is controlled by the regional prefecture, contrary to a B&B activity (chambre d’hotes).

The PACA region benefits from a wide variety of landscapes due to its topographic contrasts, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Alps. It thus offers various ways to spend a holiday; some sunbathe on the beaches of Antibes or Saint-Tropez, and enjoy the busy nightlife by the sea, whereas others prefer to discover the hinterland, the preserved natural areas, forests with aromatic scents, or the perched villages. In winter, skiers can enjoy the ski resorts in the Hautes-Alpes department such as Saint-Chaffrey or Serre-Chevalier.

Each year, the region hosts several million holiday makers attracted by its mythical places as well as its renowned ski resorts in winter. It is also a favoured destination for retirement. Thus, due to the high property demand and offer in PACA, the real estate market is dynamic in this region with a wide price bracket, from €100,000 apartments to villas costing millions of euros.  With a budget from around €100,000 you can afford a charming studio or one bedroom apartment in Antibes, or near Fayence in a residence with swimming pool and spa (ref 41758). If you are looking for an uncommon apartment, this spacious and quality property in a palace in Menton can be yours for a €924,000. Sextant properties also offers this stunning villa with views over the sea for €2,625,000.

In case you plan to occupy your property no more than a few weeks a year, it is easy to lease it in PACA thanks to the high level of holiday accommodation demand. Moreover, some properties can be purchased in the framework of a leaseback contract which provides advantages such as a low risk investment, a maintenance carried out by the management company, and even a VAT deduction! It is a very common system in PACA, for the properties by the sea as well as those in mountains in the ski resorts. Indeed, it does not require any effort from you to let your property as it is taken in charge by a management company, all of this with a price which does not differ so much from a traditional contract.  For €124,200 you can buy a 1 bedroom apartment in Saint-Chaffrey in a residence with pool and close to the ski slopes.

1.       La Grande Plage, Biarritz (Aquitaine)

The area of Biarritz has become a major place for surfing, thanks to the Atlantic Ocean and its powerful waves, and the great weather. You will find 6 beaches in Biarritz, and among them, there is La Grande Plage, which is one of the longest and oldest beaches of Biarritz, surrounded by historical moments, and also restaurants and bars. Besides, la Grande Plage has an excellent reputation among the surfers.

2.       Port-Pin, Cassis (Provence Alpes Cote d’Azur)

Cassis houses some very famous and splendid coves: the “calanques”. The most stunning one, called Port-Pin, is easily accessible from the Port-Miou cove. Port-Pin is a charming little beach made with pebbles and sand, an invitation for swimming in a turquoise blue sea. The Aleppo pines growing on the calcareous ground of the area gave to Port-Pin its name.

3.       La Mine d’Or, Penestin (Brittany)

Discover the Mine d’Or (lit: gold mine) of Penestin: a high cliff with ochre glints, with a seducing 2-km beach. No doubt the colours there remind you of the precious metal, and it is also because the cliff housed a gold mine which operated until the 19^th century. At that time, the mine created hope, but it was closed during the First World War. Have a walk around at the end of day, with the setting sun, the cliff offers a wonderful view, a splendid show.

4.       Le « Racou », Argeles (Languedoc Roussillon)

The beaches of Argeles are much appreciated; however, the “Racou” remains the nicest one: a 7-km sandy beach, ultra-clean water, and the Alberes massif dominating the whole set. In the front of the sea, there is a 30 acres pine wood, and a 3-km wooded promenade…This stunning decor made of blue and green constitutes a splendid area for the numerous water and leisure sports which are offered by the local beach club.

5.       Le Carteret, Barneville-Carteret (Normandy)

The city is well-known for its familial resort. It is a holiday area full of resources for those who enjoy large open spaces between sea and countryside. From the top of the cliff, at the foot of lighthouse, you will discover a tremendous stretch of sand dunes on the north, and a long ribbon of beaches on the south interspersed with havens, natural shelters for birds and plants. 

It all started in 1889: during the fight for 8 hour-working days, a socialist congress proposed to make 1st of May a symbol of protest for this cause.  The date of May 1st was chosen in the memory of the North-American May 1st 1886, when syndicates gathered 400,000 workers to demonstrate for the same request.

In 1919, the French Senate agrees to set working days to 8 hours, and decides that no one will work in France on May 1st from now.

Then in 1941, during the Second World War, May 1st is declared “Labour and Social Reconciliation Day”, and no one is therefore allowed to work this day! May 1st has since become a bank holiday. However the name “Fete du Travail” (Labour Day) was only officialised in 1948, and since then, no one works on this day.

Therefore, in May 1st in France, 99% of the activity is stopped, yet some exceptions are made for health and public services. If a shop wants to open, its owner needs to ask their employees if they agree to work.  May 1st has also become the international day of workers demands and numerous demonstrations take place on this day.  In addition, May 1st is not just a bank holiday. It is also “lily in the valley’s day”: since the beginning of the 20th century, it has become common to offer a sprig of lily in the valley to friends and family. A tradition from the Middle Age, officialised by King Charles IX in 1561: it was said that lilies in the valley bring good luck, and symbolize the spring season (indeed, its flowering starts in May).

Nowadays, the tax authorities allow workers associations and particulars to sell some lily in the valley’s sprigs with no procedures or taxes, as long as the flower comes from a garden and woods. Then if you are in France during May 1st, don’t be surprised to see people – even children – on the street selling lilies in the valley, it is a very much appreciated tradition!

While it was also confirmed that the UK has officially fallen into recession in April there is still some hope that when the figures are revised they show there has actually been some growth for the economy although we won’t know this until the end of May. The UK’s close trade ties with Europe mean that any negative news from the single currency economy can hamper Sterling but at present it appears the concern in Europe are worse than the UK. Also, with the Presidential elections in France coming to its climax the markets will be watching closely the new Presidents views on the French and European economy. We can expect May to be another volatile month in the currency markets.

If you need to buy Euros and would like to make the most of the current 2 years high speak to Foreign Currency Direct plc (FCD) today. FCD can offer a number of different contract types including a forward contract where, for a small deposit, you can fix the current rates of exchange for a period in the future, perfect to help you budget, take some of the risk out of the market and give you peace of mind. For more information call direct to the Foreign Currency Direct trading floor on 0800 328 5884.

.

	What next? Call +44 (0)1494 725353 (Open 8:30am – 6pm (UK Time) > Open a Currency account today > Request a call back > Ask questions about Currency Exchange

Foreign Currency Direct plc (FCD) are Sextant Properties preferred currency partner and have been selected due to their award winning exchange rates having topped the exchange rate tables in The Sunday Times for three consecutive years. FCD also offer a number of different contract options for Sextant clients including a forward contract where you can fix a rate of exchange for a period in the future using just a small deposit, perfect to help take the risk out of the currency markets and budget for your French property purchase.

If you would like to discuss your currency requirements and all the options open to you including the forward contracts please contact our preferred currency partners Foreign Currency Direct plc on 01494 725353 or visit their website: www.currencies.co.uk

Like any language, French can be learned efficiently with practice. In addition, living in France will make your learning easier, because you will hear French in all occasions, whether you are at the supermarket or listening to the radio while driving! Moreover, you will surely find helpful individuals who will be delighted to help you to get your bearings at the beginning. You also have the option of choosing one of the many language courses which are also available on internet.

How to Find Someone to Fix Your Property (plumber, builder etc)

You can complete a simple search on the internet or in the phone book. Then, it will be necessary to check the companies reliability considering some of these elements such as name, the hourly rate (including taxes), and the business identification number (called SIREN or SIRET), which can be checked on the website www.societe.com. If you do not find this information, do not hesitate to ask the professional when you call him about his services.  Consider that the prices vary according to the region, the city, etc. Before he provides the service, it is better to ask for a quote, as well as an explanation of what he is going to do. Once the services are complete, do not forget to claim a bill.

Shopping

French people generally like to go to shop in hypermarkets, where they can find all kinds of products within the same store. The main leaders are Carrefour, E.Leclerc, Intermarche, Auchan, Geant and Hyper U. There are also low-cost supermarkets such as Lidl, Aldi or Leader-price and smaller stores in the French towns or the villages.

Finding the Irreplaceable English Products

By leaving the UK, you will probably miss some your beloved national foods. Even though British food consumption is not so developed in France, you may find some products in hypermarkets, which often have a department dedicated to foreign culinary specialities. However, it is quite difficult to get for example Marmite or jelly, unless you decide to purchase if over the internet where various websites offer the possibility to order products online.

Discovering Activities and Festivals

French towns offer a lot of activities due to their cultural richness. Exhibitions, shows, concerts, theatres, festivals, flea markets… there are various events suitable for all tastes. To obtain more information about these activities, you can consult with specialised guides in the kiosks or in the local newspapers. The tourism offices can also inform you about the events of the area.

Healthcare

Everyone working in France must contribute to the French Social Security system. European Union agreements allow you to benefit from the French state healthcare system.   If you become a resident and you register to the French healthcare system, you have to choose a GP that will treat you all the time. The healthcare institution provides you with something call a chip card that you use at the end of each consultation. This allows you to be reimbursed automatically without sending in any sort of form. A basic consultation costs on average €23 and is generally reimbursed at 70%. For the serious health issues, 100% of the treatments are reimbursed.

Night life

Most of the towns have a busy nightlife with their numerous bars and nightclubs. Within these many bars you can savour cocktails and enjoy all kinds of drinks; they generally close at 2am. There are also a few bars that are opened until 4am for those who wish to party a little later. Regarding the nightclubs, some close at 4am but the most part are open during the entire night, all the way until the morning hours. To ensure optimum security on the roads, French police take a lot of blood alcohol level controls, especially during the week-ends.

Driving in France

The roads in France are rigorously controlled, regarding the speed as well as those driving under the influence. The speed limits depend on the kind of road, the vehicle and the weather. They are displayed along the roads serving as a constant reminder. Be careful, as an EU driving licence can be confiscated on the spot by a police if the holder exceeds the speed limit by more than 40km/h.  Regarding alcohol, the French drink-driving limit is 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood.  Furthermore, some equipment is compulsory, such as a warning triangle and a reflective jacket which must be kept in an accessible place within the passenger compartment. If you use snow-covered roads, your vehicle must be equipped with snow chains.  Starting on the 1^st July 2012, further equipment will become compulsory: the breath analyser, without which people will be charged a €11 fine.

Removal

For your removal, you have the choice to manage it by yourself or you may call a specialised company which will take care of it for you. In the case that you plan to move by yourself, there are some preliminary details you have to consider before doing so, such as the custom formalities or getting a parking permission for your truck if your French property is located in town.  If you go through professionals, the total cost will depend on the type of services provided, which can cover all or just some steps of your removal, including the formalities.

Running a Small Business Activity in France (status auto entrepreneur)

If you choose to start your own business, you can benefit from the Statut auto-entrepreneur (self-employed status), which simplifies all the administration process. The registration is free and can be done online. The accountancy is simplified as well; the only requirement is to record the sales (and the purchases for the retailers). You pay the taxes and welfare costs according the turnover you collect, but if you do not collect anything, you will not need to pay anything.