Ariège Aude Forum

With thanks to LFN Digestive

Hello again to all of you out there doubtlessly enjoying the well awaited sun!

With the sun come the tourists and I'm sure many of you will be doing Gites to cater for the high demand in this region. The Aude has always been high in the top ten departments most frequently visited in France, but some of you may not know that The law was changed last year and is only coming into effect now, and you only have a few days to comply or get fined!

The new requirement applies to anyone who runs a gite or other furnished holiday let in France, whether it is let all year round or for a limited period and regardless of how long they have owned it. Ask your mairie for Cerfa form number 14004-01.

The two-page form needs to be sent to the mairie in the commune where the property is located - not the one where you live, if different.

The deadline is July 1 and the fine for failing to register can range from €45 to €450. Registration has become compulsory under this new tourism law, which was passed in July last year. The law included other measures including changes to the classification system for holiday accommodation, which has seen the arrival of France's first five-star hotels and campsites. The owners of chambres d'hôtes (guest houses) are already required by law to register with their mairie.

Finally, the word on the street, i.e. with other Agents, is that March, April and May  saw some steady movement in the market but , as usual June and the next couple of months are tailing off with the Summer holidays.

The indications are, that visitors to this area look for locations then look at website and agents windows, make notes and a wish list to visit later in the season, without the kids and beach time. But this doesn’t stop the locals looking at houses that are on the market, so if you intend to sell get ready for action.

Good luck ,  Jo Slater

 http://www.french-property-sale.com