With so many TV programs now dealing with people buying houses abroad, and in particular France, there is a risk that the problems experienced by the few are being sensationalised in the interest of "good viewing". It is a pity that every program now seems to want to deal with the problems that people experience which only leads to one of two outcomes: either it makes the people in question look extremely foolish or it gives a false impression of the French way of life.
1) Yes there are a lot of foolish people who don't do their homework before they come and yes they probably are foolish - especially as, in that British way, they're convinced it is everyone else's fault ! Fortunately, hese people are in a small minority and should we really be publicly humiliating these fools ?
2) There are some rogue property agents, dodgy builders etc. around but there are also a lot of very good ones. Is it fair to make people worry that all agents and builders are like that ?
3) Some people do experience genuine problems, but again, only a minority and probably no more than would do so buying a house in the UK so why does it need to be blown up out of all proportion ?
4) The vast majority, whom the program makers don't seem to be particularly interested in, buy their houses without trauma, employ builders who do a good job, settle in well to their local area and don't live in enclaves of ex-pats. When does this message get put across in TV documentaries ?
SO . . . .
What about a short documentary series that deals with the practicalities from start to finish of looking for a house, buying it, having building work carried out, employment, registering with the French social system, re-registering a car etc. etc. In fact the outline for the subjects that need to be covered can all be found here in the AngloINFO forum !
Why not show people how the process should take place, and how it does successfully for many. You won't have any difficulty finding people with positive stories to tell. Let it be a practical program starting from a realistic look at what your money will buy - and show that the days of buying a habitable house for €10,000 are long gone ! What we really need is a big change from all those programs with whinging, complaining, and completely unrealistic Brits who should really have had their passports confiscated years ago !!
Wow, what a revolution that would be for British TV, a positive program dealing with sensible people and good service providers (yes there are good property agents, honest - lots of them !!!!) leading to a happy ending that makes everyone feel good.
What do you think ?
James
