hi new to the France thread, as i have been, over on the oz side, after months of research on moving to oz i have given up , it seems it has over priced itself, for my family and me. i am a dad of a 3yr old and a 5year old, we are an out door family who are sick of the long dark winter days and are just looking for some good weather and opportunities for my kids. i know nothing about France, and am only here because i google earthed the south, i had on idea it was so beautiful (the whole cost) i am only a builder, i have tried to look at house prices to buy and rent but without knowing a good spot for work and schools and good family life, its hard to know where to start. can any one help. thanks. PS this moving abroad, is like a game of snakes and ladders

Hi there,

It's very daunting at first, but it's so very very worth it in the end.
If you're a builder, you may find it easier to buy a piece of land for sale with building permission on it already. Materials aren't any more expensive if you know where to look and it's going to mean you'll have the home you want and need for your family. You could maybe temporarily hire or buy a mobile home to put on your land whilst building and then re-sell it once you're done. It happens all the time.
I'm in the Gers, which is South West and I have a piece of land for sale surrounded by vineyards and nearly 2 acres in size with water and electricity already connected and foundations are dug. If you're interested in looking, come on over and have a chat, I'll help you get started with everything, I've re-settled many families already and I speak French (which helps somewhat).

Anyway whatever you decide to do good luck and take the plunge, best while your children are young enough to learn French easily.