- If you view a few properties, try to rate them on good and bad characteristics, so you can compare them. Collect any questions together on a list and get them answered in a single session.

- Buying in France means the transaction will take place in Euros, so you will be buying these with the currency from your home country. Start to study the exchange rate.

- Have a mortgage arranged before you start looking for property. If this is a French mortgage, the lender has to ensure you have enough income to keep up repayments so proof will be needed. Be realistic and forget about properties that you cannot afford.

- Make your own arrangements for a structural survey - mortgages do not depend on a survey in France.

- Having found a property, appoint a "notaire" to act for you. Their fees are fixed and you should inform them of any concerns you have with the sale so that they can ensure everything is being done legally.

- If you choose a French mortgage, then the lender will insist on you taking out French life assurance (policies from other countries are simply not recognised).

- Get a French accountant to help you through what can be a minefield of tax issues.

- Be aware of French probate law, as it may vary widely from that of your home country. Heirs and blood relatives are favoured over spouses, so consider setting up complementary wills in both countries.

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