Once you have decided where you would like to buy a property in France, and the price range, it is a good idea to plan a visit to the region, where you can visit and compare a selection of properties.

As there may be some differences in the way of selling and buying properties in France compared to the English method, some information may be helpful before signing the agreement.

-All legal aspects concerning transactions are treated by a public notary.

-After having signed “Compromis de vente”, (agreement to sell) the purchaser deposit 10 % of the price on a special account either with the notary or with the real estate agency. The purchaser may add one or more suspensive clauses like for instance obtaining of a loan.

-It would therefore be wise to inform your bank that you may need to transfer a deposit to a French bank.

-The clause of revocation runs for seven days after the signature of the agreement, and should the transaction be cancelled within this lapse of time, the deposit will be reimbursed.

-The notary will now start the investigations as to the legal aspects as emcumbrance, pre-emptive rights, property rights etc…

-Once all the investigations have been carried out, which may take up to three months, the remaining 90 % of the price plus the notary’s fees, approx. 6 to 8 % of the total price must be deposited with the notary.

-Insurance should be taken out before the signature of the deed. Water-, electricity- and gas-meters will be read on the date of the signature at the latest. We advise you to open an account in a French bank which will allow you to pay all fixed costs/expenses by direct debit.

-As to the agency fees, these are normally included in the announced price, but we recommend the purchaser to make sure that this is the case.

-Property tax and council tax are paid once a year, and the amount depends on the property’s value, situation and the size of living space.