Looking up the words Midi-Pyrenees on the web isn't the easiest of search - all you get at first is lots of links to MIDI files and Mike Oldfield. Persistence is worth it though to find out about this wonderful and diverse region - it covers 6 departments and includes high mountains as well as rolling hills and beautiful river valleys, quiet villages and bustling market towns. It is within easy reach of Spain, Andorra, the Bay of Biscay and the Mediterranean for the rare day when you feel like spreading your wings, but there is so much to see and do in a relatively small area from the arts to golf, fishing, markets, great fresh food, wine and all the rest.
The area is a popular one with Brits with its picture postcard views, wonderful life style and great choices of property still out there. It can be expensive, but bargains are still to be had if you search hard enough, whether you are looking for an investment property, a holiday home or something more permanent. It can seem a long way to go all that way south, but the airport at Toulouse has hourly connections to Paris, which, with the Eurostar connections, makes it manageable, especially for those coming from southern England.
Why have you chosen the area? The answer might seem obvious - the sun, the scenery, the wine, the food, but you need to look at other considerations too. The answers will affect the kind of property in Midi-Pyrenees you buy. The occasional walking holiday or wine buying trip perhaps, with holiday lets. Perhaps you are moving to set up a business or join the ever growing industry in the area. Do you have children still at school? Is this a permanent move? Do you need an income? How well do you know the area? Be aware that prices are still rising by about 10% per year, though this is expected to be rather a lower figure this year, though the statisticians tell us that 63% of people pay less than the asking price. But don't let this rush you into a decision you aren't ready for either, while at the same time don't keep saying 'Maybe next year' - we all know that next year will never arrive.
These and other questions need to be sorted out early on along with the boring bits such as how much you can really afford and what are you going to do about health insurance.
Do look for a bi-lingual Immobilier - it will save you many problems and avoid a lot of wasted time however good you consider your French to be. They will be able to guide you through the somewhat complicated French system and explain terms such as the fact that ancient can mean any property over about 5 years old, that a maison mitoyenne is semi-detached, and that a grenier is a hay loft. Explain your budget - it might be nice to look at million euro villas, but if all you can afford or need is a two bedroom village house then concentrate on these.
France is a very different country with different priorities and what can seem to be very different logic. It takes a while to adjust - but do take a plunge with the essentials -the language, the formal politeness whether buying a baguette or a mansion - the paper work can seem daunting but help is available and eventually you really will have the keys in your hand to a whole new adventure.
Lovely Midi-Pyrenees