I doubled my house value in months

A SOUTH African woman who restored her French home in just seven months - almost doubling its value - says it is crucial to know exactly what you are getting for your money when you buy.

Annie James bought her house in Limousin in March, 2007.

By November that year all the work she had carried out included replacing all external doors, replacing 50% of the windows and the glass in the remaining windows and carrying out some major paint jobs.

Ms James has also had the house re-wired and re-plumbed and converted the attic into a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. A new kitchen was installed and internal walls were removed to make the inside more open.

The wooden floors were scrubbed down, insulation installed in the ceilings and gravel put down on the driveway.

Ms James said: "I still need to do a few decorative things like cornices but the major work is now done. My favourite room is the attic bedroom and ensuite as I have always wanted to be able to lie in my bath and have a view, which I now have, and I also have a skylight right over my bed so I can lie and look at the stars.

“Smaller things can make a difference too - you don't want to know what some of these so-called gardens are really like - but by such small improvements like that can have a difference when you put a property on the market."

Ms James bought the house, which has a total surface area of 150m2, for €70,000 but months later it was valued at €137,000.

Delighted

She continued: “I was delighted. I spent €30,000 on the renovations so it cost €100,000 overall.

“My research before arriving here indicated that Limousin was the best area to invest in.

“The local authorities are very busy trying to promote the area and it is one of the most undeveloped parts, which is why it is said to be best for investment."

Having had a lot of experience in restoring houses back in South Africa, she hopes to put her experience to use by acting as an intermediary for those less experienced who are looking to do a similar thing.

She added: "I think I have proved people wrong who say not to expect anything in France to happen overnight, I have found people here who have a really good attitude and things get done.

“But knowing who the right people are to help with the work is important.”

“I have viewed many properties here and found a good estate agent. She has told me a couple of things about what to look out for and I have found some exceptionally good contacts - whereas nine out of ten potential buyers would look at the work needed and think 'lots of problems' and 'lots of money'. I found people who can get the job done, nothing is a problem and the work is guaranteed for ten years.

“Many British people want to do things themselves but they live in the UK and don't have anybody here who can chase things up.

“The main piece of advice I would give to people is know what you are getting for your money - people can come to France with a certain expectation of how things should be and you do have to be careful of that in this country. But finding a modern house is not really the reason why most people come.

“Most people want the challenge of seeing their property being transformed as I did. I am delighted with the outcome, I absolutely love the house and I am not going to want to leave.”

“I hope to work now to help other expats achieve what I have.”