Do I need any sort of permit to buy in France and live there?

• Hi, I am a uk citizen looking at buying a house and lake in France with the intention to run a b&b and a holiday fishing business (eventually). I am getting conflicting reports on what I need to do to obtain residency. Do I have 3 years to apply? Do I need to apply immediately? What is the criteria?
  
  Many thanks

  26 jul 2005, 08:54 Anonymous