(And the Answers That Really Matter)
When guests arrive at La Grue Gites with house hunting in mind, they often tell me the same thing:
“We’ve done a lot of reading online… but we still feel unsure.”
That’s completely understandable. Buying a home in another country brings excitement, but it also raises lots of questions — some practical, some emotional, and some that people feel slightly awkward asking.
Over the years, I’ve answered these questions many times, usually over a cup of tea or during a relaxed conversation once guests have settled in. I thought it would be helpful to share the most common ones here, along with honest, real-world answers.
“Do You Know Any Good Estate Agents?”
Yes — and this is one of the most important questions to ask.
I regularly put guests in touch with Veronica at Leggett Immobilier, who has lived in the area for many years and knows the Charente market extremely well. She understands how overseas buyers think, what concerns them, and how the French system works.
A good local agent doesn’t just show you houses — they help you understand villages, pricing, renovation realities, and whether a property really suits your lifestyle.
“How Do We Read Documents When Everything Is in French?”
This is a very common worry, and thankfully much easier than it used to be.
I always recommend:
- Installing a translation app on your phone with camera mode
- Using tools like Google Translate or DeepL for longer documents
- Asking professionals to explain things clearly rather than guessing
You don’t need perfect French to buy a house here. You just need the right support and a willingness to ask questions.
“Do You Offer Longer-Term Rentals?”
Yes — and many guests are surprised by this.
We can offer stays of up to 90 days, which is usually ideal for the house-buying process once you’ve started viewing properties. Our gîtes are comfortable outside the summer season, with proper heating and insulation, so you’re not just camping through winter.
As a rough guide, one week in peak summer season is often similar in cost to a month’s winter rental, although heating costs need to be considered. I always explain this clearly so there are no surprises.
“Can We Bring Our Dog?”
Absolutely — dogs are part of the family, and I completely understand why people don’t want to leave them behind during such a big life change.
We accept dogs in certain gîtes and have a clear pet policy to ensure the property stays comfortable for everyone. Many guests find that having their dog with them makes the whole experience far less stressful.
“Could You Send Us Some Photos?”
Yes — and I insist on it!
When guests are booking outside of peak season, I like to send current photos and videos so you know exactly what to expect. The Charente is beautiful year-round, but it’s important to see it honestly.
Winters here are generally short and can be damp at times, but the sun still shines often — just not every day. Guests appreciate seeing the real picture rather than just summer images.
“Should We Ship Our Furniture From the UK?”
If I’m honest, I usually suggest not doing this.
Shipping furniture is expensive, and what works in a UK home doesn’t always suit a traditional French property. Many Charentaise homes have larger rooms, higher ceilings, and different proportions.
Instead, I recommend:
- Local brocantes
- Antique dealers
- Recycling and second-hand shops
Guests are often amazed by the quality and value — and it’s a much more sustainable way to furnish a French home with character.
“Can We Leave Some Belongings With You?”
If guests need to return briefly to the UK to deal with paperwork or house sales, I’m usually happy to store small items, such as toiletries or essentials.
However, we don’t have the facilities or insurance to store larger belongings. In those cases, I can recommend local storage providers who are properly registered.
“Can We Bring Our Own Bedding and Towels?”
Yes, that’s absolutely fine for longer stays.
We do have a simple bedding protocol to keep mattress and pillow protectors clean, and I always supply a spare set. I also recommend a local cleaner for extended stays — it makes life much easier and keeps everything stress-free.
“What About Bank Accounts, Insurance and Healthcare?”
These questions tend to come once people start feeling serious about the move.
I always explain that:
- There’s no need to rush into opening a French bank account until you own a property
- Britline is a popular option for UK buyers
- Our local Credit Agricole advisers are excellent and very used to helping English speakers
- Healthcare here is very good, with accessible pharmacies, doctors, and hospitals
Taking things step by step is key.
“What If We’re Delayed Arriving?”
House sales rarely go exactly to plan — and that’s okay.
If your arrival is delayed due to a UK sale or paperwork, it’s not a problem. Once your rental agreement is signed and paid, the property is booked for you. Flexibility is part of the process.
The Questions People Ask Quietly
There are also the questions people ask a little more softly:
- Is the paperwork difficult?
- How long did it take you to learn French?
- Are there social groups for people like us?
- Will we feel isolated?
These questions matter just as much, and they’re easier to talk about when you’re here, relaxed, and not under pressure.
My Final Thought on All These Questions
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:
You don’t need all the answers before you arrive. You just need a safe, comfortable place to start asking the questions.
House hunting in the Charente doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With time, local support, and the right base, it becomes a much calmer — and even enjoyable — experience.
👉 If you’re thinking about house hunting or simply want to explore the idea, I’m always happy to chat.
Feel free to get in touch with me at La Grue Gites — sometimes a conversation is all it takes to feel more confident about the next step.