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Post by coolbriezh on Jul 23, 2016 16:05:27 GMT 1
We are a young couple, in the process of trying to find a house to rent, though because of our circumstances, it is proving very difficult to find something suitable, or indeed available with our limited funds. Able to do most work as far as renovating a building is concerned, from stonework, woodwork, slating/roofing etc, to a high standard, also any type of gardening,. Unfortunately I am currently unemployed, (though looking for long term work), my better half has a couple of gites that she takes care of throughout the holiday season, and we're about to begin a new enterprise growing organic vegetables and flowers. We have with us, 4 average size dogs, and 11 chickens,.. So a house with a reasonably sized garden is a must. We have scoured all over the place around where we are looking to live, and seem to keep coming across all these properties which appear to have just been walked away from. How does one go about getting contact details for the owners of abandoned properties? We have been to several Mairies and asked questions, but they have been little to no help to us. Anyone here know of anything that sounds like it could be what we're looking for? What we aren't looking for is anything fancy. Something that needs work would be ideal, ie low rent in exchange for working on the house and prettying up the garden etc. Anything considered, and any help from anyone will be greatly appreciated, Thanks in advance
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Post by bisdu on Jul 23, 2016 23:47:16 GMT 1
Empty properties - my first stop would be the neighbours, and after that the local notaire - (would have included the Mairie , but you say that's not working for you). Good luck - hope you find what you are looking for.
ps - know someone who has gone down the organic veg route - seems to be having some success with it too.
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Post by lib on Jul 24, 2016 21:32:05 GMT 1
Not in Brittany, but a friend who i am close to, godfather to his son, found an abandoned farmhouse and land that he and his wife fell in love with. In the hills above Grenoble, close to Voiron.
It took him nearly 3 years to trace and agree a sale with all the inheritors of the property. Even then there is a small section of his 'front garden' that has never been resolved.
It really helped that his wife is French.
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Post by coolbriezh on Jul 25, 2016 8:06:28 GMT 1
Thanks Bisdu, will see if the Notaires can do anything, (except sitting around doing as little as possible!) We have already had success with regard to the plants and such, just need somewhere to keep the ball rolling:s
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Post by coolbriezh on Jul 25, 2016 8:08:43 GMT 1
Not in Brittany, but a friend who i am close to, godfather to his son, found an abandoned farmhouse and land that he and his wife fell in love with. In the hills above Grenoble, close to Voiron. It took him nearly 3 years to trace and agree a sale with all the inheritors of the property. Even then there is a small section of his 'front garden' that has never been resolved. It really helped that his wife is French. That's really good to hear lib! Unfortunately, my wife isn't French, but I can see how that helped the situation! Thank you
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Post by bisdu on Jul 25, 2016 11:10:31 GMT 1
Just another thought - try the tax office - owners have to pay Tax fonciere on a property whether it is occupied or not so they will have the owners address
By the way many of the empty properties are the result of inheritance laws in France.
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Post by coolbriezh on Jul 25, 2016 11:16:00 GMT 1
Thank you for the insight there Bisdu, hadn't thunka that one!! Though we are well aware of the archaic laws that have a strangle hold on properties here. Largely just so the state can profit more from 'un-lived-in' properties, new builds, and inventing more taxes as a result! Great eh?!?
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Post by Ali on Jul 26, 2016 16:25:04 GMT 1
Have to ask - what is your monthly rental budget and in which part of Brittany or Normandy are you looking (I'm guessing you're already in France?) It's sad seeing the abundant empty houses however I guess that the taxe (plus valu I think it's called) and the usual large number of people who the property is left to (who never seem to be able to make up their collective minds whether to sell or keep to rot) keeps them empty, and rotting..... I'm with Bisdu. Neighbours and local Notaire best source if Mairie isn't being helpful. Oooo and plus the local bar (if it's still open) - great source of info there
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Post by coolbriezh on Aug 1, 2016 10:29:10 GMT 1
Have to ask - what is your monthly rental budget and in which part of Brittany or Normandy are you looking (I'm guessing you're already in France?) It's sad seeing the abundant empty houses however I guess that the taxe (plus valu I think it's called) and the usual large number of people who the property is left to (who never seem to be able to make up their collective minds whether to sell or keep to rot) keeps them empty, and rotting..... I'm with Bisdu. Neighbours and local Notaire best source if Mairie isn't being helpful. Oooo and plus the local bar (if it's still open) - great source of info there Hey Ali, Agreed on the sad state of many, many properties, not just in France, but all over the world in fact! And yet bizarrely not enough housing supplied to many needy people Back to our scenario, our budget at this time could only extend to about 350€ per month, and even that would be tight for us to manage for any long period of time. Hence why we were looking for an empty or abandoned place, that needs tlc or general tidying, renovation etc, in exchange for a low rent. Just something habitable is all we're looking for. (with some land for chooks and dogs and possibly a polytunnel) Our neighbors, locals, and friends have been asked whats about/available, but thats not been a fruitful as we'd hoped sadly. Problem for us is that we know it's quite a tall order, (what we're asking for,) but thats the criteria. So we're still continuing our search........ Thanks to you all for your kind input
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Post by coolbriezh on Aug 1, 2016 10:33:10 GMT 1
Forgot to add, yes you guessed right, we're here already, in Morbihan, Brittany. Not too far from Pontivy:)
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