One strategy for financing the purchase of a property in France is to take a second mortgage on a property in your own country and then use the proceeds to pay for your property in France.

6. Property taxes and insurance are no higher than in the United States or United Kingdom

Property taxes in France are generally lower - in some cases considerably so - than those paid by property owners in the United States.

By way of example, annual taxes (including property taxes and a local inhabitant's tax) on a property valued at € 600,000 in Provence in the département of Vaucluse are around 1,400 € annually. Taxes will vary according to the local jurisdiction.

Similarly, insurance costs are also reasonable. Take, for example, the cost of a homeowner's insurance policy on a 300 m2 (3,200 sq. ft.) house in Provence with a pool and contents insured for 40,000 €. The annual premium is around 800 €. The premium for an apartment of 100 m2 (1,075 sq. ft.) in the 7th arrondissement of Paris with contents insured for 25,000 € is 650 €.

So, don’t let preconceptions get in the way of acquiring your dream property in France. Find a reliable bilingual property acquisition company to help you, and start looking for the house or apartment that is just right for you.