French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED

Thinking of buying a renovation property in France? Before you fall in love with a ruin on the internet, you might want to hear what someone who's been selling French property for 40 years has to say.Dan Newton - director and co-founder of Agence Newton, the first British person to hold a full real estate licence in Brittany, and the voice behind the popular French Estate Agent YouTube channel - joins Rosie and Sue for a frank, fascinating conversation. From budgeting realities and DPE ratings to 'vice cachée' claims and unlicensed property finders, this one is packed with things you didn't know you needed to know.For a detailed summary of the episode, along with a mini glossary of terms used in the show, head to the French Reno Diaries website and look for episode #17.What we talk about:Why two thirds of buyers walk away once they get proper renovation quotes.Whether flipping property works in France (spoiler: not really) and the official status that exists if you want to try.Location, location, location - why where you buy isn't just about where you want to live. DPE ratings explained - what they mean for buyers, sellers, holiday lets and long-term rentals, and why old stone houses are often unfairly penalised.The French buying process from start to finish - why the three-month silence is normal and what the 'compromis de vente' actually protects you from.Vice cachée - what it actually means legally, and why it's becoming the latest fashion in buyer complaints.Why property finders may need a licence too - and what to check before using one.AI-generated property adverts and unregulated property portals - what's legal and what isn't.Dan's rant: why he'd like to see full structural surveys introduced into the French buying process.The ghosting problem - and why it goes both ways between agents and buyers.Resources mentioned:Agence Newton — Dan's estate agency, specialising in English-speaking buyers in west and central France.The French Estate Agent on YouTube — Dan's YouTube channel, full of essential advice for buyers.French Homes for Sale — Dan's Facebook group, open to private sellers and registered agents; 55,000 members.Connect:Facebook | InstagramSubscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.comEmail: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com

Micala's back - and there's lots to chew over! In this episode: a Facebook post about deposits that had Micala seething before 4am, the growing crackdown on cash-in-hand work in France, and a very public social media post from some new arrivals that raised more than a few eyebrows. Plus, working from home in your pyjamas, the French social system defended, and a lovely shout-out from a well-respected voice in the renovating-in-France community.Resources mentioned:Renovations in France — Professional tradesman, Peter Gerrit's well-regarded Facebook group.Fix Radio — UK radio station and podcast for the trades, referenced during the episode.CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales) — the French family allowance fund that provides housing and other support.Mini glossary:Devis — a formal written quote that, once signed, forms a binding contract. Should always include payment terms.Travail au noir — cash-in-hand work that is undeclared to French tax and social charge authorities. Both the worker and the person employing them can face serious penalties.BTP (Bâtiment et Travaux Publics) — the construction and public works sector; one of the top three sectors targeted by French anti-fraud authorities.Cotisations sociales — social charges paid by businesses and workers in France, funding healthcare, pensions, unemployment benefit and more.CAF — the French family allowance fund, providing housing aid, apprenticeship support and other benefits.Mairie — the town hall; local planning and governance authority.Connect:Facebook | InstagramSubscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.comEmail: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com

Think you can save money by managing your own renovation project in France? You might want to listen to this first.In this episode, Rosie and Sue (Micala is off running a fundraising event - more on that next time) get into the detail on project management: what a professional project manager actually does, what it costs, the legal framework you need to understand as a homeowner in France, and the red flags to watch out for when hiring one. Frank, practical and - as ever - unfiltered.For a detailed summary of everything discussed in this episode, go to www.frenchrenodiaries.com.Resources mentioned:Chambre de Métiers et de l'Artisanat - the body responsible for artisan accreditation in France.URSSAF - the organisation that collects social charges from artisans and businesses in France; issues the attestation de vigilance.French Reno Diaries - How to be a good client - referenced during the episode and well worth a listen if you're thinking about managing your own renovation projectMini glossary:Maître d'ouvrage - the project owner; legally remains the homeowner even when a project manager is hired.Maître d'œuvre - the project manager; contracted to coordinate and oversee works on the owner's behalf.Devis - a formal written quote from an artisan, which becomes the contract once signed.Décennale - compulsory ten-year structural liability insurance required of all artisans in France.Attestation de vigilance - a certificate from URSSAF confirming an artisan is up to date with their social charge declarations.ERP (Établissement Recevant du Public) - classification for any building open to the public, triggering specific fire, safety and accessibility regulations.Gîte - a self-catering holiday rental. Chambre d'hôtes - a bed and breakfast.Connect:Facebook | InstagramSubscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.comEmail: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com

What unique challenges - and opportunities - do women face in the traditionally male-dominated renovation industry? In this empowering episode of French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED, timed to coincide (almost!) with International Women's Day 2026, Rosie, Sue, and Micala share personal stories and insights in a typically unfiltered and lively discussion.What we talk about:Celebrating women artisans in the renovation sector.Misogyny in the construction industry and social media dynamics.The importance of creating safe spaces for women to ask questions.The impact of visibility in traditionally male-dominated fields.Personal stories of navigating challenges as women in trades.Initiatives and statistics about women in French construction.Strategies for supporting and uplifting fellow women in the industry.Resources Mentioned:International Women's DayChambre de Métiers et de l'Artisanat - French Chamber of Trades and Crafts.Le Compagnon du Devoir - An organisation promoting craftsmanship and training.Mini Glossary:Conjugal collaboratrice: A spouse who works with their partner in a business but may not receive formal recognition or compensation.CAPEB: Confédération de l'Artisanat et des Petites Entreprises du Bâtiment - a French confederation for artisans in the construction sector.Apprenticeship: A system of training where individuals learn a trade under the guidance of experienced professionals.Connect:Facebook | InstagramSubscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.comEmail: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.comFind out more about us and our French reno businesses:Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis)S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell)Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins)Credits:• Produced & mixed by: Katy Wright• Music: Grand Project

What makes a French renovation project run smoothly? And what quietly destroys trust between a homeowner and their artisan? In this episode, we reveal the secret to being a good client in France - and what it's fair to expect from your artisan. From communication and paperwork to boundaries, payment terms and unrealistic deadlines, we share what actually helps a project succeed (and what makes trades walk away). If you’re renovating in France and want better results, fewer delays and a more positive working relationship, this episode is essential listening. We’ve also pulled together the key takeaways on our website if you’d like to revisit them.Resources mentioned:Artisan Central – Trade mentoring and marketing platformOBAT – French quoting and invoicing software for building tradesPenny Lane – Accounting software used by French businessesQualibat / RGE – French certification bodies for building professionalsMini glossary:Devis – Formal written quote (legally binding once signed)Facture – InvoiceDécennale – Mandatory 10-year building insuranceSIRET number – Official French business registration numberRGE – Government-recognised environmental certification for tradesAvenant – Written amendment to an existing quoteConnect with us!Facebook | InstagramEmail: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.comMaison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis)S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell)Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins)Credits:• Produced & mixed by: Katy Wright• Music: Grand Project

Planning rules can make or break a French renovation. So, in this episode, we unpack how planning permits in France actually work, why the mairie should always be your first stop - and what can go wrong if it isn’t!If you’re renovating (or thinking about buying) property in France, this episode will help you avoid expensive mistakes, delays and legal headaches. We’ve also pulled the key concepts, definitions and resources together in written form on our website, so you can revisit the details whenever you need to.*** www.frenchrenodiaries.com ***Resources mentioned in the episodeService-Public – Official French government guidance on planning and permitsLocal mairie – First point of contact for planning rules and applicationsPLU (Plan Local d’Urbanisme) – Local planning framework for each communeGéoportail – National mapping tool showing zoning, flood risk and boundariesMini glossary: French planning termsPLU (Plan Local d’Urbanisme) – Local planning rules set by the communeDéclaration Préalable (DP) – Simplified planning permission for certain worksPermis de Construire – Full planning permission for larger projectsCertificat d’Urbanisme (CU) – Document confirming development rightsBâtiments de France (ABF) – Authority overseeing protected and historic areasAffichage de permis – Mandatory on-site display of planning approvalConnect:Facebook | InstagramSubscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.comFind out more about us and our French reno businesses:Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis)S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell)Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins)Credits:Produced & mixed by: Katy WrightMusic: Grand Project

If you’re renovating a property in France, chances are you’ve heard the term assurance décennale - along with claims that's it's not worth the paper it's written on. In this episode, Rosie, Sue and Micala explain why it most certainly IS!There’s are lots of details you'll want to remember, so we’ve pulled everything together into a clear, written guide on our website: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Resources mentioned in the episodeService Public - the official French government website for rules on construction, insurance and homeowner responsibilities.Your local mairie - a key point of contact for renovation rules, declarations and local requirements.Qualified French artisans - always ask for a valid attestation d’assurance décennale before work starts - and check it covers the work being done.Architects / maîtres d’œuvre - particularly useful for larger renovations, structural work or coordinating multiple trades.Facebook renovation groups - helpful for shared experiences, but advice should always be verified. Mini Glossary: Key French insurance termsAttestation d’assurance - the insurance certificate you must check before work begins.Assurance décennale - a mandatory 10-year insurance held by professionals.Garantie décennale - the 10-year legal guarantee that applies once work is completed and signed off.Garantie de parfait achèvement (1 year) - covers defects reported within the first year after completion.Garantie biennale (2 years) - covers fixtures and equipment such as heating systems.Réception de travaux - the formal sign-off of completed work (this triggers all guarantees).Assurance dommage-ouvrage - omeowner insurance that pays for repairs quickly while insurers sort out liability. Connect:Facebook | InstagramSubscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.comFind out more about us and our French reno businesses:Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis)S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell)Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins) Credits:Produced & mixed by: Katy WrightMusic: Grand Project

In this episode of French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED, Rosie, Michaela and Sue pull back the curtain on reality TV renovation shows and glossy YouTube channels - and compare them with what actually happens on real renovation projects in France.TV shows mentioned:Escape to the Chateau (now known as Chateau DIY)A Place in the SunNew Life in the SunThe episode also references several renovation-focused YouTube channels:Chateau de PurnonHow to Renovate a ChateauOh No Another ChateauHelpful resources mentioned:Service Public – Official French government informationFrenchEntrée – English-language resource for living and renovating in FranceLeroy Merlin & Brico Depot – In-store advice, materials and specification sheetsLocal mairie offices and professional artisans for accurate guidanceFacebook groups (use with caution — advice is often mixed!)Listener comments: Thanks to Anna, Helen and Claire from our Facebook community for sharing their experiences and insights - we loved reading your comments and comparing them to what we see on TV renovation shows.Connect:Facebook | InstagramSubscribe to the newsletter: https://frenchrenodiaries.substack.com/Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.comFind out more about us and our French reno businesses:Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis)S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell)Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins)Credits:Produced & mixed by: Katy WrightMusic: Grand Project

In this first episode of French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED, we - Rosie, Micala and Sue - share our own French renovation journeys. No TV edits, no rose-tinted fantasies - just the raw, honest truth about buying, renovating, and surviving building projects in France.Between us, we’ve renovated multiple properties across Brittany, Burgundy, the Gers and beyond. We talk about what drew us to France, the mistakes we made early on, and the lessons we learned the hard way.What we talk about in this episode:Why renovating in France takes far longer than you expectRenting before buying — and why it can save you financially and emotionallyBuying renovation properties with no savings (and how we made it work)Living in houses without heating, floors or proper plumbingHow a house will “tell you” what it needs - if you listenThe dangers of DIY electrics and non-compliant fittings in FranceWhy tradespeople’s own houses are never finishedThe difference between renovation fantasy and real French lifeResources & tools mentioned in this episode:Le Bon Coin – France’s main second-hand marketplace, widely used for sourcing renovation materials such as tiles, staircases and wood burnersGreenacres – UK-facing French property portal used to find renovation propertiesCrédit Agricole – French bank mentioned in relation to mortgages and lending requirements for new business ownersGlossary (French terms used in this episode that might be new to you):Micro-entrepreneur – French self-employed business statusDiagnostics immobiliers – mandatory property reports when sellingFosse septique – septic tank systemÉpandage – soakaway drainage systemMairie – local town hallConnect:Facebook | InstagramSubscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.comEmail: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.comFind out more about us and our French reno businesses:Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis)S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell)Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins)Artisan CentralCredits:Produced & mixed by: Katy WrightMusic: Grand Project