| Scorching
summer!
The Poitou-Charentess has enjoyed, if that is the right description,
a sun-blasted summer, with record temperatures being set here, similar
to the UK only plus several degrees.
It has been a bit distressing seeing temperatures of 40 degrees
plus for the whole of a 5 day forecast. Officially it is already
the hottest summer in the past 50 years here, and by the end of
the summer who knows what new records will have been broken.
Temperatures in the French capital Paris, remained above 35°C
(95°F) for more than a week, and set a record night-time high
of 25.5°C (77.9°F). This has lead to a severe crisis with
significantly above average deaths in France as a result of the
extra high temperatures this year. For an up to date weather forecast
see our weather links.
New services
Regular visitors to the website will have noted the upgrade carried
out on the 1st August with a range of new services. In addition
to our range of property in the Poitou-Charentes
and the Vendee, we have started to offer property in the Languedoc
Roullisson area in the south.
Private properties
As a result of demands by clients, we have started to offer properties
for sale by private vendors. These
properties are totally unknown to us and you deal entirely with
the vendor - but do have a look to see if something takes your fancy!
Currency
/ Deposit / Final payments
We have been horrified by some of the stories we have heard recently
about events with payments. First of all, using a specialist dealer,
you will get better rates than using a High Street bank - we do
know of clients receiving tourist rates by the banks!
We can only suggest that you do not send money to the Immobilier,
even though they are authorised to receive this. We only recommend
that money is sent direct to the Notaire. We have heard stories
from clients buying through other agents where deposits have disappeared.
The same applies to final payments for completion.
Using a specialist currency dealer
ensures that your money gets moved at low-cost, at the best rates
and to the right people.
Insurances
As well as buildings / contents and motor insurance policies we
are also able to offer Individuelle scolaire policies for those
clients with children at school. An outline of the cover provided
is available on the Insurance page
on our web site. An application
form is available by request.
Tax Advantages
The French tax system is well known by most as being very penal,
hence the national pastime of trying to pay as little tax as possible.
Did you know that you can use 10,000 Euros as a qualifying expense
for the employment of a home-help. The tax credit is 50% of the
expense up to this maximum figure.
Tax Disadvantages
Many ex-pats have buried their heads in the sand once installed
in France and hope that the taxman ignores them. He wont !
France operates a similar self assessment system to the UK and it
is your responsibility to advise the taxman of income earned. The
French authorities are clamping down on tax evasion, with help from
the UK as well, to eradicate fiscal fraud. Do therefore beware if
you should be declaring some income to the taxman. Some examples
that you may have omitted include:
- Proceed from foreign life assurance bonds
- Proceeds from endowment policies
- Pension or similar remuneration wrongly taxed in country of
origin
- Foreign assets undeclared for wealth purposes
Food for thought...
Viewing visits
The second half of the year looks set to continue in its busy vein.
We are regularly booked ahead for 10-14 days on viewings and recommend
therefore that as much notice as possible is given for a viewing
trip.
Future articles
If you have any suggestions for future editions, please
let us know.
Business opportunity
Looking for a property to generate an income via gîtes? Are
you a pet-lover? Have you thought about running a small cattery?
There are a lot of advantages... all year round income, shortage
of catteries in the Poitou-Charentess, sizeable ex-Pat market to
utilise. Do consider broadening your plans a little and consider
a venture of this type. Currently, as an example, we have to drive
100 miles to take our cats 'on holiday'. Contact
us if you are interested in this idea.
Friends or Family
thinking of moving?
If you have friends or family thinking of moving to France do please
pass on our details to them and we will send them a regular copy
of this electronic newsletter. Alternatively, forward their e-mail
contact details to us and we will deal with the request.
Regardless of where they are looking, we can offer valuable support
services.
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