Nothing that you encounter in your search for the right property, be it finding a trustworthy plasterer, or the re-registration of your vehicle, will be strange to us for the simple reason that we went through the exact same process when we moved to France. We also have several years experience of the property market in Europe, focusing in the last couple of years on the market here in France.
French Lifestyle Consultants was established in 2006 to serve property buyers in France. Unfortunately, the French property market is not as transparent as one might wish it to be. The French system is very different from that which exists in the UK and, of course, language is often a barrier. Searching for a house in France also presents several practical difficulties. If you don't live in France you'll need to take time off to travel here to visit a selection of properties. However, the information French estate agents provide is often no more than a single side of A4 paper, making it virtually impossible to gain a realistic impression of the house. It's strange but, as the French say, "c'est comme ca"; the detail really is minimal and nothing like that which you're used to receiving from a British estate agent. Our mission is to overcome that, thus greatly simplifying your search for your dream home from the outset.
From experience, we know it takes a thorough search to find your ideal property and we can gladly help you with this. We can carry out that search for you, from A to Z. And, if you find a house that could well be "the one", we will help you make a well-informed decision based on full knowledge of all the facts pertaining to it.
Obviously, we are well aware of the phenomenon of the impulsive buy and the traps that buyers can fall into when they take that route. Our consultants will always tell you honestly what they think about the house, even if that means advising you to not go through with the sale. Our service is designed to help you find a dream house you can enjoy, not about helping you buy the first house you see, as rapidly as possible.
And with the purchase of your ideal property, our assistance doesn't stop. We offer other services to help you with all the administrative procedures and practical problems you will undoubtedly encounter. We are neither notaries (solicitors) nor official interpreters, but we do know where to find these experts for you. Our consultants know their area backwards and speak fluent French, English and Dutch.
Even if you want to renovate your house we can assist you. Our consultants know the local artisans (both good and bad); indeed, they have often worked with them. But, not only do we help you find the most reliable workers, we also keep an eye on them and on the ongoing renovation. Of course, you will always be in the driving seat but, with our help, you won't have to be always on-site to do so. And you will always know what's going on. We will provide you weekly with extensive, well illustrated reports so you keep abreast of what's happening in and around your house.
We look after your interests and your interests alone. We are independent and we work for you. Full stop. We have absolutely no financial arrangements with estate agents, building contractors or, indeed, any other third parties.