Buying advice webinars have been in demand
Unable to meet you in person at property exhibitions this summer, Joanna Leggett has done the next best thing and been answering your questions on A Place in the Sun’s French webinars.
These two sessions have attracted around 600 attendees each, and the good news, if you have missed them, is that you can listen to the recordings of both the May and June webinars and you can also sign up for the next one on July 7th, which will be focusing on moving to France after the very latest decisions on the residency process for Britons (sign up at aplaceinthesun.com).
We received hundreds of questions, but here are 10 of the most frequently asked ones – again, check out the aplaceinthesun.com webinar library for a longer list of FAQs that should go live at the end of June.
Q: What is the ‘deadline’ when it comes to becoming resident in France?
A: The withdrawal agreement concluded between the United Kingdom and the European Union provides for a transition period to run until 31 December 2020. During this period, British citizens and their family members already living in France or wishing to move to France before 31 December 2020 retain their rights as European citizens and are not required to hold a residence permit. Pursuant to this agreement, these citizens will need to apply for “withdrawal agreement” residence permits. However, they have a long timeframe in which to make their application since they will only be required to hold a residence permit as of 1 July 2021.
A new version of the website will be online in October 2020 for these citizens to apply for their “withdrawal agreement” residence permit online in good time.
Q: How do I apply for residency?
A: During the first week of October 2020 a new French government website is due to launch for Britons to apply for new ‘Brexit deal’ residency cards.
Q: Do I have to have bought a property when I apply for residency?
A: No, you need a permanent address but this can be on a long-term rental contract on a property.
Q: How long does it take to buy a property in France?
A: We usually say 10-12 weeks, but it can happen faster than that.
Q: Can I view properties (and stay in hotels) once we can travel out?
A: Yes, we are doing lots of viewings with buyers already in France – with safety precautions in place – and many of the hotels have re-opened now.
Q: If time is running out, is it s good idea to rent a property then?
A: Potentially. If you are struggling to secure your dream property, trying an area by renting first is a good way to start your relocation to France.
Q: I have already got a holiday home in France, does this count as an address for residency?
A: No, not if it is not your permanent residence. British citizens and their family members wishing to move to France will need to apply for ‘withdrawal agreement’ residence permits. However, they have a long timeframe in which to make their application since they will only be required to hold a residence permit as of 1 July 2021.
A new version of the website will be online in October 2020 for these citizens to apply for their “withdrawal agreement” residence permit online in good time.
Q: Will property prices drop because of Covid?
A: We think it is unlikely because the domestic market has returned strongly already and we see the same with the British market.
Q: Has Covid affected the availability of mortgages?
A: No, and the rates have remained low. Only if you are in one of the sectors perceived as ‘risky’ such as the hospitality industry then you might find it tougher. But note that being a cash buyer will speed up the purchase process.
