What does the new energy-efficiency law mean for buyers in France?
To sell a property in France, the seller legally has to provide up-to-date energy ratings before it can go on the market. This is known as the “Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique” in France or DPE. The other ratings on gas (if applicable), electricity, natural risks, termites, lead and asbestos, must be done before the property is sold. This is termed as “dossier de diagnostic technique” (DDT).Read more...
Where are the best areas to buy property in Sicily?
Sicily’s one of the most popular parts of Italy for expats. The island lifestyle – you’re never far from the sea – and the relaxed pace are big pluses for many of us. The affordable property prices are a big draw, too. Many expats find they can get a much bigger property in Sicily here for less than back in the UK.Read more...
Costa del Sol attracting younger buyers
The average age of Costa del Sol buyers is getting younger. This follows Brexit concerns sparking worries about uncertainty in the UK housing market and residency abroad. There’ll find plenty to keep themselves occupied here – we’ve had quite a packed calendar of events these last few weeks. Here’s your news round-up from Spain.Read more...
News round-up: Property sector booms in Portugal
We’ve got plenty of stats coming out in an otherwise slow month here in Portugal. Construction’s booming, but tourist numbers are down – here’s the low-down.Read more...
Why buy property in the North of Costa Blanca?
The north of the Costa Blanca – the ‘white coast’ due to its sandy beaches – stretches from the city of Alicante up to Denia. It’s known for gorgeous beaches, fantastic food and drink and year-round sunshine. The WHO even considers it one of the healthiest places to live in the world. Many think the good-value homes are gone, but bargains are still out there. Today, we’re looking at why buying property in the north of the Costa Blanca is an excellent idea.Read more...
Property hotspots for footy fanatics
Anyone mourning the end of the football World Cup only had to wait 26-days for the Premier League to kick-off. If you can’t live without your footy fix, you’ll want to buy an overseas home somewhere you can watch the beautiful game in beautiful surroundings. So we’re taking you on a tour of European cities that combine a strong football pedigree with an appealing lifestyle.Read more...
Why move to Central Florida?
Central Florida’s Top of the Pop with the Brits for a reason (or several): year-round sunshine, world-class beaches, no state taxes – and surprisingly affordable property. If you’re looking to make a move to Central Florida, this one’s for you. We’re exploring the property hotspots, what you can expect to pay in each area, whom these areas would suit, as well as our favourite topic, the weather.Read more...
Make a success of moving to France with children
Are you thinking of moving to France with children? You won’t be the first – or the last – to be tempted to offer your family the rich experience of living in a country with a wonderful culture and history. Not only that, but they’ll become bilingual quickly and benefit from an excellent academic education.Read more...
Greece exits bailout as economy recovers
Greece exited its austerity program on Monday with some positive news. Exports are on the rise – with a 35.5% increase in value since 2015, according to the Hellenic Statistics Authority. Overall, the country’s real GDP levels have followed a slow upwards trend since 2017. Property prices, however, are still 42% lower than ten years ago. This makes it a fantastic time to buy in Greece for overseas house hunters.Read more...
Where are the cheapest homes in Italy?
Dotted around the Italian countryside and in pretty historic villages there are thousands of cheap houses for sale, just waiting for someone to recognise their beauty and potential. If you explore areas outside the tourist hot spots you’ll discover that a low budget can get you a charming home of your own in the real Italy, where local traditions, family values and healthy local produce are part of everyday life. We take a tour of the regions with the cheapest homes in Italy.Read more...
How to obtain residency in Cyprus
Owning a holiday home in Cyprus is all well and good, but what if you want to live there permanently? Who wouldn’t want to enjoy the island’s weather, landscape and lifestyle all year round? Rather than snatching the odd weekend away here and there to escape the drizzle back home.Read more...