For obvious reasons, France is one of the most popular choices for UK residents who are interested in buying a home overseas. Whether we are talking about a primary residence or a charming pied-a-terre, there are several important things every new buyer must know. In this article we are going focus on finding cheap homes in France.
In the wake of the recession, UK buyers are slowly but surely returning to the French real estate market. Most of them are looking for great deals on holiday homes in France. And while prices have dropped a bit, one way to ensure a steal is to buy a home that needs a little work. We are talking about a genuine fixer-upper that can be financed by the best mortgages France .
Why is buying a fixer-upper a good idea? First, they are much less expensive than new homes. Second, the work that needs to be done is often less extensive than it seems. In fact, the most common reason a home falls into disrepair is that a couple is simply too old to make the few simple repairs it takes to keep a home looking its best.
Where to start? The most common mistake young couples make when they buy a fixer-upper is that they pour all of their money into two rooms: the kitchen and the master bathroom. In our opinion this is a major misallocation of resources. Really, it is better to refurbish the entire home than it is to have an old abode with a new kitchen and a new master bath.
Here are a few simple tips. Instead of redoing the entire kitchen, simply spruce it up a bit. Paint the walls, replace ancient appliances, stain the cabinets and lay some new linoleum. All of these additions will only run into a few hundred pounds and some sweat equity.
One of the simplest and easiest ways to improve the overall look of the home is to invest a few thousand pounds in new window treatments. Some fancy blinds or shutters are just what you need to tie the rooms together and achieve some consistency.
