We all dream of a place in the sun.

For many, Provence, France has been central to that dream occupying a warm place in our hearts.

Whether you are in search of a mountainous retreat or the melee of the Mediterranean ports, there is something for everyone from families with children in search of activities or busy people or retirees looking for relaxation in the sun.

This beautiful and diverse region boasts over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year.

Memories of villa based pool holidays under azure blue skies, rustic scenes from Manon des Sources or the glamour and glitz of the coastline from Nice to St Tropez evoke vivid images of a unique, sensual experience.

Provence is also France's oldest wine growing area and offers a range of famous wines - from the heady reds of Bandol to the thirst quenching roses of the Cote de Provence; Chateau Minuty is one of our favourites!

Within reach

Access has never been easier to this beautiful region.

With new routes opening every year, well serviced by traditional and low cost airlines, it is a region that is closer than ever. It remains a favourite for British buyers and demand and prices continue to be strong.

A wide property choice, relatively strong Sterling and equity growth in the UK housing market, along with advantageous interest rates in France make owning a property in Provence an exciting opportunity.

This is evident with the myriad services that exist – from search facilities, either personal or web-based, estate agents, legal and mortgage services to key holding, maintenance and security services – yet many of them are fragmented and costly. 

Realising the dream

The purchase process remains complex, expensive, time consuming, laden with bureaucracy and obviously in French, with the added burden of the French inheritance law.

Mistakes can be made and are costly.

For many, the French language, law and negotiations are a real worry. The dream of owning a property is often marred with such additional stress and anxiety. Local market conditions, planning and price variations can add to this burden and it soon becomes clear that all property acquisition services are linked to a high selling price. After all a sale is a sale!

But what of that nagging feeling about the price, the location, the property itself (and its construction) and the complexity of papers that need to be signed, let alone the cheques and commissions that need to be paid – all based on the sale price.

So who represents the buyer – from selection to acquisition and beyond?