expat network

Moving to France – What You Need to Know

So, you are moving to France!

Whether you are emigrating, taking a short term assignment or joining family in France we have put together the information you will need to make your move a smooth one.

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10 Must-Ask Questions When Purchasing Property Overseas

Buying a property abroad might be a dream for many, but for some, it can quickly become a nightmare. With different buying processes to the UK, legal systems, languages and currencies there are lots of potential areas for things to go wrong. However, YourOverseasHome.com believe that potential problems can be avoided, as long as prospective…

What To Know When Buying A Second Property Abroad

Owning a second property abroad has become increasingly popular among UK residents, offering a blend of lifestyle enhancement and investment diversification. Whether you’re purchasing a holiday home, an investment property or somewhere you are looking to retire, purchasing real estate overseas requires careful consideration and thorough research. Here’s what you need to know before taking…

Monaco Real Estate: A Guide For International Property Buyers

Monaco is one of the world’s most exclusive destinations and for international property buyers, it offers the ultimate real estate investment opportunity. Indeed, to own property in Monaco is to join an elite club of some of the world’s wealthiest individuals who can afford to own a home in the most expensive and sought-after real…

Keeping Your Home Number Abroad: An Expatriate’s Guide

Understand how VoIP lets you keep your country’s phone number anywhere worldwide. We will cover how VoIP transforms expatriate communication by enabling the retention of your home phone number anywhere in the world. This guide delves into VoIP’s main advantages, from global connectivity to always-on access to SMS messages, explaining what makes it an excellent…

What Are The Most Popular Regions In France?

Moving to France remains a popular choice amongst expats looking to change their way of life. There are many different French regions to choose from and each has its attractions, but the following four have proved to be consistently popular with people looking to move to France to live and work, or to retire. Brittany…

Financing A Property in France

Whether you are planning to buy a holiday or investment property or are moving to France to live and are buying your main residence you need to consider the best options for funding your purchase. Here we set out how the French property market works and the options available to borrowers. Sources of funding…

Buying Property In France

The property buying system in France is completely different to what you might experience elsewhere. It is better regulated than in many countries, making a purchase safer, but more expensive. For a start, agents (immobilier) are licensed. They will have a Carte Professionnelle, be professionally insured and work under the Loi Hoguet, their code of conduct. They may…

Financial Planning When Retiring Abroad

When retiring to Europe what are the options for funding the move, how do you arrange to receive your state pension and transfer your private pension(s) while abroad. What are the financial issues that need to be considered before you make the move? Jason Porter of Blevins Franks takes you through the key financial issues…

Common Mistakes People Make When Purchasing Property Abroad – And How To Avoid Them

Prospective expats and holiday home buyers have been offered expert tips and advice to prevent them from making easily avoidable mistakes during the property buying process. From planning viewing trips in the height of summer to ignoring each country’s basic legal requirements, overseas property experts at YourOverseasHome.com have issued advice to highlight eight of the most…

Moving Abroad For Work? Five Tips To Help You Settle In Quickly

Moving abroad for work can be an exciting but also challenging experience, and settling into a new country and adapting to a different culture can take time. However, there are several things you can do to help make the transition smoother. Here, the overseas property experts at Property Guides have revealed their top tips for…

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.