Introductions

Hello all,

I have been an active member on the Egypt Property side of this forum for some time now where we have an 'Introductions' thread in which people can tell us all a little bit about ourselves. Thought it might be nice to set one up here and maybe the moderators can 'sticky' it. Well here goes

My name is Suzanne I am 45 and live with my husband Jim and our two teenage kids in Warwickshire, England.

We first started our search for property about 3 years ago and decided we want to purchase in France. After several trips and property viewings in both Pas de Calais and Normandy regions, we decided that we definately want to purchase our dream home there, but just didn't quite have enough funds to do it (cash buyers). At one point we did actually put an offer on a beautiful cottage in St. Hilaire du Harcouet, it was love at first sight for me, the offer was accepted, but unfortunately my husband changed his mind. Then we came across a new development in Hurghada, Egypt. We have spent many holidays in Egypt and love it there, but it is not a place we would choose to live in the future. Luckily we had just enough funds to purchase an off-plan two bedroom villa apartment right on the sea front and take advantage of both a 25% discount and 5 years guaranteed rental. This is our stepping stone to our dream cottage in France. The plan is that our capital will double over the 5 years and then we can start seriously hunting in France again.

Well, that is my story. I will pop in from time to time, check out what's happening etc. Maybe even post a few comments.

It will be nice to make some new friends on this side of the forum as we will, no doubt, be asking for lots of advise in the not to distant future

[DPA France]

Hello Suzi ! Welcome

[thelfamily]

Hi everyone - we are looking at property in either spain, france or egypt. like I said on the other forum anywhere where it is affordable in this economic climate of ours. Came across the site on the internet while googling these countries. This may be a start to building a portfolio. thanks

[thelfamily]

Originally Posted by SuziQ2708

Hello all,

I have been an active member on the Egypt Property side of this forum for some time now where we have an 'Introductions' thread in which people can tell us all a little bit about ourselves. Thought it might be nice to set one up here and maybe the moderators can 'sticky' it. Well here goes

My name is Suzanne I am 45 and live with my husband Jim and our two teenage kids in Warwickshire, England.

We first started our search for property about 3 years ago and decided we want to purchase in France. After several trips and property viewings in both Pas de Calais and Normandy regions, we decided that we definately want to purchase our dream home there, but just didn't quite have enough funds to do it (cash buyers). At one point we did actually put an offer on a beautiful cottage in St. Hilaire du Harcouet, it was love at first sight for me, the offer was accepted, but unfortunately my husband changed his mind. Then we came across a new development in Hurghada, Egypt. We have spent many holidays in Egypt and love it there, but it is not a place we would choose to live in the future. Luckily we had just enough funds to purchase an off-plan two bedroom villa apartment right on the sea front and take advantage of both a 25% discount and 5 years guaranteed rental. This is our stepping stone to our dream cottage in France. The plan is that our capital will double over the 5 years and then we can start seriously hunting in France again.

Well, that is my story. I will pop in from time to time, check out what's happening etc. Maybe even post a few comments.

It will be nice to make some new friends on this side of the forum as we will, no doubt, be asking for lots of advise in the not to distant future

hi - I think you have a very good plan of what you want for the future - we are only just starting out - good luck!

I truly hope so 'L' and good luck with your search

[neustria]

"The plan is that our capital will double over the 5 years and then we can start seriously hunting in France again."
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Double your capital in five years whilst the world is in the throes of a Recession? I know nothing about Egypt but few markets are remaining unaffected by this downturn.

Also, who knows what the property situation in France will be five years down the road? If you can come up with some funds in about 2010 I am sure that prices will be MUCH lower than they were when you first visited the country. Bargains to be had I think, even now for that matter....

[Hot Key]

If thinking of buying a house in the current climate you must have two main factors in mind: exchange rate and number of sellers in the market. It is obvious that the exchange rate is against you at the moment. On the other hand, there are many people wanting to sell - it's meant to be a buyers market in places like Dordogne at the moment.

[Alberto]

Hello everyone,
My name is Manuela and I work with Alto developpement sa in Geneva. We sell properties in leaseback, Borloo et Classique in France mainly.

We are here to sale, it would not be fare to say the contrary, but I thing That Bob created here a great site and blogs for people to meet and exchange ideas. Its a one way trip round the world in...80 minutes, its great! Thanks Bob.

I will be happy to answer questions about how to buy a house in france (or spain or portugal) considering how hard it is sometimes to understand what is best to do.

In this time of crises, its the right moment, but laws in France allow you to buy under certain circonstances, which can be very helpfull to know about specially for non-residents.
I hope to find here nice people, trade ideas, exchange opinions...

Good day to all
manuela

[neustria]

Other posters in here have pointed out that leasebacks are a very fine way of getting burned....