What comes to your mind when you think of a picturesque lively ancient French village? Perhaps pavement cafes, timber framed buildings, cobbled streets, local art, a market, the smell of freshly baked bread emanating from the local boulangerie? What about affordable property? Let’s take a look at some beautiful villages with a buzz and find you your dream home in the process!
Once you have the keys to your new French home in your hand, it is incredibly exciting to think about furnishing it, stocking up on consumable items, perhaps a bit of DIY and browsing what the French shops and brocantes have to offer. However, some things are a bit more difficult to find – so here’s what to bring with you when you move.
Known as the bread basket of Portugal, the Alentejo is known for its farms and vineyards. It’s also got a gorgeous coastline, with some of Europe’s best (and secret) beaches. This paradise is one of the best value places to buy in Portugal, too. While house prices are booming in Lisbon and the Algarve, the Alentejo is 5.8% down on its peak levels.
Your estate agent is one of the three experts who are crucial to a successful overseas purchase. If you’re enquiring on a property online from overseas, their expertise and knowledge is vital. At the very least, make sure you ask them these ten questions to gather as much information about the home and area as you can.
The Italian government is selling off a selection of its state-owned properties in an ambitious plan to raise €1.2billion. Most exciting are the buildings of historic interest and those in prime city centre locations.
Spanish property prices continues to rise at a steady rate, if not quite at the speed of 2018. However, with some way to go still to recover the highs of 2008, the rises appear to be sustainable, backed by a strong economy and international demand.