Feeling a Bit Lost About House Hunting in France?
You’re not alone! Many of our guests at La Grue Gites arrive with big dreams of moving to the Charente – and a long list of unanswered questions. And that’s okay. Buying a home in another country can be daunting, but we’re here to make it easier.
Whether it’s about paperwork, pets, or practicalities, we’ve heard it all – and we’re sharing some of the most common (and important) questions right here.
Real Questions from Real Guests
🏡 “Do you know a reliable estate agent?”
Yes! We work closely with trusted local agents and always recommend Veronica Callaghan at Leggett Immobilier. She’s lived in the area for over 20 years and has helped several of our guests find their dream homes.
📄 “How do we understand French property documents?”
A simple fix – we suggest downloading a translation app on your phone with camera mode. Many guests also use AI tools to summarise or translate complex documents into plain English.
🏠 “Do you offer longer stays while we look for a house?”
Yes, we offer rentals of up to 90 days, which is often plenty of time for guests to search, view, and secure a property. Our gîtes are fully equipped and comfortable year-round, with heating, insulation, and all the essentials.
🐶 “Can we bring our dog?”
Absolutely – we accept dogs in certain gîtes, and we have a pet-friendly policy to ensure everything stays clean and comfortable for everyone.
🛏️ “Can we bring our own bedding and towels?”
Yes, no problem. For longer stays, we welcome guests bringing personal items. We also supply a spare set and recommend a local cleaner to help you feel at home.
🧳 “Can you store a few things while we go back to the UK?”
Within reason – yes. We’ve stored toiletries, small bags, and essentials between visits. For larger items, we recommend nearby registered storage services.
🪑 “Should we bring our UK furniture?”
We always say: don’t bother! What fits in a UK home often doesn’t suit a traditional French stone house. Plus, local brocantes and antique dealers are full of bargains that suit the French look perfectly.
A Few More Common FAQs
🚗 “Can you help with car and health insurance?”
Yes, we have a list of English-speaking local contacts, including trusted insurance advisers and our local Credit Agricole Bank, who are incredibly helpful with new arrivals.
🏦 “How do we open a French bank account?”
You can wait until you’ve secured your property. In the meantime, we recommend either Britline (online) or visiting our local bank adviser in person once you’ve settled.
✉️ “Can we use La Grue Gites as our address or open a PO Box?”
French law doesn’t allow guests to use our property as a temporary address, but our local La Poste can help set up a PO Box. They’re very helpful and used to assisting expats.
🕰️ “What happens if we’re delayed arriving?”
No worries – once your rental is confirmed and paid, the property is reserved for you. We know the house-buying process can have hiccups, and we’re flexible.
Don’t Let the Paperwork Put You Off
France has a reputation for tricky paperwork, but once you know where to go and who to ask, it becomes far more manageable. And the rewards? They’re absolutely worth it.
We help guests settle in, make connections, and access the kind of practical local support you just can’t get from a brochure or property website.
Ready to Start Your Own House Hunt?
If you’re house hunting in the Charente, La Grue Gites is more than a place to stay – it’s a support system, a home base, and a helping hand as you navigate your French adventure.
👉 Get in touch for any FAQs we didn’t answer or Book your stay and let’s make your French property dream a reality.
