n buying property in France is to set yourself a realistic budget and stick to it.

Although viewing stunning properties which cost the earth can be tempting, it is always better to stick at looking for properties at or below your price range.

Investors would also do well to pick an estate agent wisely and keep in mind that many agents in France are happy to conduct the

You may have found that perfect home in France but there are a number of extra costs which may catch the less savvy investors by surprise.

These can vary according to the type of property and the region you are buying in but it is important to make space for them within your budget when purchasing a home.

Danny Parker, relationship manager at Barclays Bordeaux, said: "Don't forget, salaries may be lower or you might have to change job. Do some research and budget accordingly."

One such cost which will come your way is estate agent's fees which will leave you having to fork out anywhere between four and ten per cent of the purchase price plus VAT at 19.6 per cent.

But despite this seemingly large amount of cash, most agents are happy to negotiate and in some cases, costs can be split between the buyer and vendor.

A notaire will also charge fees of around one per cent but again, these are usually shared with the seller.

Another cost to consider is Land Registry fees which range from 0.71 per cent and 5.09 per cent depending on how new or old your new home is.

Mortgage registration fees can set you back by one to two per cent depending on the amount you are borrowing and are subject to the approval of the bank.

Top Tips for buying in France Buying a home in France can be an intimidating process but following some easy steps will have you relaxing in your chateaux or Parisian apartment in no time.

One of the most important tips when buying property in France is to set yourself a realistic budget and stick to it.

Although viewing stunning properties which cost the earth can be tempting, it is always better to stick at looking for properties at or below your price range.

Investors would also do well to pick an estate agent wisely and keep in mind that many agents in France are happy to conduct the

Don't forget, salaries may be lower or you might have to change job. Do some research and budget accordingly."

One such cost which will come your way is estate agent's fees which will leave you having to fork out anywhere between four and ten per cent of the purchase price plus VAT at 19.6 per cent.

But despite this seemingly large amount of cash, most agents are happy to negotiate and in some cases, costs can be split between the buyer and vendor.

A notaire will also charge fees of around one per cent but again, these are usually shared with the seller.

Another cost to consider is Land Registry fees which range from 0.71 per cent and 5.09 per cent depending on how new or old your new home is.

Mortgage registration fees can set you back by one to two per cent depending on the amount you are borrowing and are subject to the approval of the bank.

Top Tips for buying in France Buying a home in France can be an intimidating process but following some easy steps will have you relaxing in your chateaux or Parisian apartment in no time.

One of the most important tips when buying property in France is to set yourself a realistic budget and stick to it.

Although viewing stunning properties which cost the earth can be tempting, it is always better to stick at looking for properties at or below your price range.

Investors would also do well to pick an estate agent wisely and keep in mind that many agents in France are happy to conduct the

are happy to negotiate and in some cases, costs can be split between the buyer and vendor.

A notaire will also charge fees of around one per cent but again, these are usually shared with the seller.

Another cost to consider is Land Registry fees which range from 0.71 per cent and 5.09 per cent depending on how new or old your new home is.

Mortgage registration fees can set you back by one to two per cent depending on the amount you are borrowing and are subject to the approval of the bank.

Top Tips for buying in France Buying a home in France can be an intimidating process but following some easy steps will have you relaxing in your chateaux or Parisian apartment in no time.

One of the most important tips when buying property in France is to set yourself a realistic budget and stick to it.

Although viewing stunning properties which cost the earth can be tempting, it is always better to stick at looking for properties at or below your price range.

Investors would also do well to pick an estate agent wisely and keep in mind that many agents in France are happy to conduct the

es can set you back by one to two per cent depending on the amount you are borrowing and are subject to the approval of the bank.

Top Tips for buying in France Buying a home in France can be an intimidating process but following some easy steps will have you relaxing in your chateaux or Parisian apartment in no time.

One of the most important tips when buying property in France is to set yourself a realistic budget and stick to it.

Although viewing stunning properties which cost the earth can be tempting, it is always better to stick at looking for properties at or below your price range.

Investors would also do well to pick an estate agent wisely and keep in mind that many agents in France are happy to conduct the

n buying property in France is to set yourself a realistic budget and stick to it.

Although viewing stunning properties which cost the earth can be tempting, it is always better to stick at looking for properties at or below your price range.

Investors would also do well to pick an estate agent wisely and keep in mind that many agents in France are happy to conduct their affairs in English. Picking a French-speaking one may result in confusion or aggravation if you are not fluent in the language yourself.

It is also advisable to check that your agent is a member of a regulated professional association such as FNAIM, SNPI or UNPI.

The internet is one of the best ways to find that dream home and it saves time and money on repeatedly crossing the English Channel.

Another good tip is to try to head town to an overseas property exhibition which is being held in the UK to get an idea of the sort of house you may buy and make some useful contacts.