France
Should I buy or rent a home in France?
If you have not spent a lot of time in France, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision...
"We had bought our home in 2004 and spent all our holidays (winter and Summer) at the house making a few changes and keeping the garden in check. Like any purchase in a foreign country there are different rules and regulations so it is as well to ensure you have a reliable agent and notaire to guide the process. If French is not your first language, or you are not fluent,or your notaire is not bi-lingual, then it is a requirement to have an authorised translator at the signings," remarked another expat in Aude and Herault Departments, France.
"Buying a home in France is an attractive option for long-term residence and investments, but renting a home may make more sense for short-term stays. Renting can be more cost-effective when factoring in upfront costs and ongoing maintenance fees. You may also be able to find rentals that provide access to amenities that may not be available when purchasing a home. It all depends on your goals and budget. Renting can also provide you with some flexibility in case you decide you want to move to a different part of the country. Ultimately, it is important to do your research and consider both your goals and budget before making a decision," said a member in France.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in France?
- How do I meet people in France?
- What is life like in France?
- Is there a lot of crime in France?
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- What are the schools in France like?
- Is the cost of living in France high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in France?
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- Are there good restaurants in France?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in France?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in France?
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- What do I need to know when buying property in France?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in France?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
Should I buy or rent a home in France?
If you live in France, newcomers to France would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
