JOE AND CECILE: FRANCE

Joe and Cecile Duigan are currently renting in Provence in the South of France. Joe works locally and they expect to be here with their two children for the foreseeable future.

This puts them in the enviable position of being able to take their time finding their perfect home, but for many buying abroad it's a question of fitting viewings around their holidays.

Last week they had no luck. They're budget is in the region of €250 - 300,000. Joe and Cecile's first visit this week takes them to the a small scheme of houses in the town of Peymenade.This house is well within budget at €260,000 needs very little work. It's got three bedrooms and a converted garage. It also has a good sized conservatory/terrace and a mature garden. They like the house but would prefer a bit more space, so they move on.

The next property is a split level house in the exclusive area of St. Jacques, near Grasse. It has three bedrooms - 4 if you use the study - a big garden and is in perfect condition. It's a the top end of their budget at €282,000, before the 7% notaire fee is added. This house is a real contender for Joe and Cecile. But next week they'll continue their search to see if there is anything to top this property.