Hello all, I've just signed in. I visited Goa 5 times, the last time I stayed for 3 months in 2000. I'm hankering after it again, in fact I think about it all the time!
I came close to buying a house in Benaulim but was scared of the legal aspects, so moved to the south of France instead, where I've been for 7 years. I'm planning on coming back next winter, and wonder how it has changed in 10 years..... cost of living, is Directors Choice Whisky still as good, more / less tourists, acceptance of foreigners by locals..... whatever!

Cant speak personally about Benaulim -I live in the north!

But I think youre in for a big shock. Especially price wise.

Out of tourist ville Goa is still beautiful The roads are far far busier and more hazardous .
Garbage is now a serious problem so strewn along roadsides.

Goa is no longer the goa you knew in 2000,.But you`ve got to see it for yourself.

J.

South is still a great place to visit (apart from Colva). North has changed beyond recognition, but there seem to be plenty of good restaurants see relevant thread.
Main road from southern border to Margao increase in heavy traffic, but garbage not such a problem generally. Margao (which has always had a garbage problem) has actually improved traffic-wise as there are now more one-way streets easier, for pedestrians.
More Russian and domestic tourists but domestic tend to be families, and nice to see them enjoying themselves. Palolem and Benaulim plenty of British people visiting in 'season'. Varca, Betalbatim still quiet.

Sekundar - welcome to B.E. hope you will enjoy the site.

We have been coming to Goa for the last 18-20 years. It really has changed so much, and not for the better. We still love coming, that is as long as we can keep the property we purchased and had registered in our names.
There are plenty of fantastic restaurants in the North. The prices this year have really shot up. The local taxi drivers are really greedy, and the place is full of Russians and local tourists. In the North the Indians are mostly young couples in gangs from Delhi or Mumbai, they are so rude, throwing their ciggy ash on the floor or the restaurants, even their water bottles, then they go onto the beach with bottles of beer and throw the bottles INTO THE SEA.
Some even sit with their feet on the table which somebody else has to eat off. Unfortunately we have not seen any indian families.

Are there any problems in owning property in France?

Thanks for your replies, I guess I'll have to see for myself. The Russians seem to be taking over everywhere - serious money!
As for my property in France, absolutely no problems. French red tape / beauocracy is a drag but once you get to understand their system it's liveable with. To get on here it's important to speak French which so many Brits don't bother with. My only real criticism is the winters here are pretty crap - better than UK but not nice! I need the sun.