French Property: Moving To France - Here’s How
If you are contemplating moving to France, it is important that you prepare well beforehand for the move. There are a number of factors that are crucial before you buy French property (if you intend to do so) and relocate.
First, why are you moving to France? Your reason for moving should decide where you will live. If you are moving because of business or a new job, then you would obviously want to get a house close to your place of work.
Language may be a key factor if you are moving to France from a non-French speaking country, or you otherwise have no basic training in French. Of course, persons from English speaking countries who are moving to a major French city will find that there are many Frenchmen and women who can speak English quite fluently. However, not knowing any French is likely to constrain your overall level of interpersonal communication.
Social relationships are key; think about your family and friends now. These form an important part of your life circle and if you have relatives and friends in the part of France you would like to move to, that would come in handy and help make settling in far much easier. But if you do not, talk to the people around you and establish whether they know someone in the area that they could refer you to.
Do you, your spouse or children suffer from any long term medical condition? If you do, find out if there are medical facilities near the place you intend to settle in that have the sophistication necessary to handle the condition.
Your medical planning should also involve exploring the options available for medical insurance and the premiums you can expect to pay. Persons that are moving because of a job will probably find it easier since employment benefits may include medical insurance cover from the employer.
Does your partner agree and are your children looking forward to the move? Your partner’s consent is necessary. But the children may not look forward to the move. This is understandable as the move to a new country will see them leave their old circle of friends and join an entirely new school. Take time to highlight to them the positives of the move including the adventure of experiencing life in a new culture.
Remember that everything will not always go according to plan – so you must have a contingency plan. Even if you have bought the property, the above factors or any other may necessitate a change of plan. For example, it may be more feasible for you to rent out your French property.