Pollen From Flower

Whether it's touring around France or simply looking in magazines or on websites, there's a charm and attraction about an old French house that's difficult to beat.

They come in just about every size and shape too. From a tiny little French cottage, covered in flowering climbers, to a regal chateau set in acres of manicured lawns. Whatever your budget there's an old French house that will suit you.

It's easy to be seduced too. They're often not only a delight to look at but also very affordable. It depends where you're coming from, of course, but for many people French property can be very cheap.

Provided you have your eyes wide open, that is. Now I hate to put a dampener on things but if you don't have your wits about you, French property can be a money pit. A big hole in France that swallows your hard-earned cash at an alarming rate!

It's not that anybody is out to rip you off - at least not the French agents. French property agents are almost invariably highly professional and they're also highly regulated. That's not the problem.

Please don't take this the wrong way but the biggest problem is probably you. OK, now maybe this isn't you precisely, but this is what I see all the time. It's the rose tinted glasses - everything looks lovely and faults are overlooked, and it's the lack of knowledge of the language so things get misunderstood.

So here are some top tips from someone who has bought an old French house and, after a few pitfalls, lives in it very happily.

1. Learn as much French as you can. I'm not saying you have to be fluent but the more French you know the less you'll be a confused bystander when the French property agent and the French house owner start speaking to each other, or to a builder, or whatever.

2. If you're not a fluent speaker get every piece of paper translated. Don't sign anything until you know exactly what it says. You may think this one's obvious but I've met people who have signed paperwork not realising it could cost them thousands if they change their minds.

3. Learn about the French house buying process. It's different to the way they do it where you come from. You need to know what you have to do to buy your old French house and when you need to do it. Delays can cost you money.

4. You need to look at any old French house with a clear head. Get accurate quotes if renovation is required. The agent may have a brother whose cousin "does that sort of thing all the time" and says it won't cost much but don't just take their word for it. Renovation of old properties can be very specialized and very expensive.

5. If in doubt, ask. If still in doubt, make a nuisance of yourself until you're absolutely sure. French real estate agents are well paid - make them work for it!

Buying an old French house needn't be difficult. It just requires you to do a bit of research. The agent will normally be a great help - really - and quite often speak English. However, they're used to dealing with people who know how the system works so they might pass quickly over certain things they take for granted.

Jeff Seems is an Englishman living in France. He is author of a book you simply MUST have if you're looking for an .