Move to France before the Brexit transition period finishes at the end of 2020 – and whatever the UK agrees with the EU in coming weeks, you should still be able to register as a resident in France with little fuss. This turn makes you a resident of the wider European Union, which could make travelling across the Continent that little bit smoother had you stayed in the UK.
Buying in France in 2019
There are doubtless many other reasons you may think of as to why buying in France generally is an excellent idea. Perhaps particularly in these somewhat uncertain times in the UK, now may be one of the best times in recent years to consider buying property in France in 2019. Will this be the year you follow your dream?
France has got a sociable, laid-back lifestyle
This is one of the main reasons so many British people love France. The lifestyle is generally much gentler, more laid-back and more relaxing. The French in general stick to their old traditions such as keeping lunchtime sacred (many shops and offices still close between 12 and 2 pm). There is less of a feeling of being in a rat race, even in major towns and cities with so much more space which brings with it a feeling of calm. The family is important in France. Generations tend to mix well together. One might call it old-fashioned values!
Plus, France has long been proud of its culinary expertise! It is such a joy to find a small, family-run restaurant in a village offering a fixed price menu with home cooking at very reasonable prices. At the other end of the scale, there are 27 Michelin-starred restaurants in the country but of course plenty of others which will be easier on your pocket. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to wine. It is easy to find a decent wine for around €5 and most restaurants serve wine in carafes at excellent prices.
Pretty much every village and town has a weekly outdoor market or at least travelling vans selling all manner of goods from fresh food and wine to household items including beds and furniture. There is something very enjoyable about meandering around a market, stopping for a coffee at a pavement café and watching the world go by.
Pleasant climate
France tends to be sunnier and warmer than the UK! Of course it is seasonal but it is rare to have days on end of clouds and rain and anywhere south of the Loire benefits from warmer temperatures overall. Summers are very hot in many areas and winters, although still cold, rarely get to below freezing.
Here in the Limousin, you’ve got an average temperature of around 20ºC in the summer. It’s pleasantly warm without making it ‘sit indoors under the air con’ weather!
Welcoming people
Don’t allow anyone to convince you that France is great except for the people! The French love the fact that British people move to their country and are more willing than they are to renovate a property and integrate. The key is to learn some French, most people who feel excluded only speak English. Imagine moving to a British village without speaking English – you’d feel the same!
No matter if your French is still at school level, you will usually find that making an effort to speak the language is welcomed. The French find their language spoken with an English accent hugely attractive, so just get out there and practice!
More space and fewer people
France is more than twice the size of the UK with a far lower population density. There is no feeling of overcrowding, there is less congestion on the roads and a far greater choice of properties with not only land but spectacular views. Space is good for the soul and is part of why we feel a real sense of well being when in France.
Flying is always an option too, wherever you are in France, thanks to the country’s dense web of regional airports that connect not only the UK but other European destinations. Let’s also not forget France’s world-famous rail network and high-speed TGV trains, which offer high-speed travel between Paris and most large French cities.
