A Guide To Buying A Property In France

Why Purchase a Property In France?

France is not only an ideal environment to holiday in, but it is also an ideal environment to work and live in too.

Whether it is the rural lifestyle, space and pace of life, the culinary lure or the simple "joie de vie" France offers it all from majestic peaks in the Alps, peaceful river valleys or the beaches and sand dunes of the coast, there is something on offer to suit all tastes and budgets. France is one of the few countries which have such a diverse range of landscapes in one country.

It is no wonder that France is the number one tourist destination in the world and the same attractions have inspired ten's of thousands of buyers from across Western Europe to invest their money, time and enthusiasm in homes.

Doing Your Research
If you are about to embark on your hunt for a property in France it is important that you do your research first. If possible try and visit the property exhibitions which are being held in England, there are not only estate agents who attend these exhibitions, but also there are a number of other companies that may be of help to you, whilst doing your research.

Having a dream to move to another country is obviously your first step, and this decision should not be taken lightly. If you are retired, then you need to consider your pensions, will they be enough for you to live on, or will you need to supplement your income. Or is the point of retiring to France not to work at all, but to enjoy the relaxed lifestyle.

If you need to work, what will you do, can your existing employment be carried on, even though you have decided to live in France. If this is the case, you will need good transport links to your work destination. Are you thinking about setting up a business in France, have you an idea which has not already been done before. Or will you take employment over in France; is your French fluent enough to go through an interview?

Whatever your requirements are please seek advice from companies like Siddalls, Frank Blevins who will be able to help you, with tax planning etc.

Short Listing Properties To View

Once you have decided which properties you would like to view, you will visit the properties you have short listed with the agent.

You will go away and think about what you have seen, once you have decided you like a particular property, you can decide whether you would like to view the property again, or put in an offer.

The Offer

Once you have found a property that you feel suits you, your family, your requirements and needs, you will make an offer to the agent. When the offer is accepted the property is then taken off the market.

The First Contract (Compromis de Vente)

Once the Compromis de Vente has been signed all parties receive copies and you then have a 7 day cooling off period. If for some reason you decide not to proceed with the purchase you must inform us in writing within this period and the letter must be sent by registered post.

Once the 7 days have expired you give a deposit which is normally around 10% of the purchase price. The deposit is held by the Notaire and remains there until the sale proceeds or is cancelled.

Completion and the Acte de Vente

The time it takes to complete the sale can vary depending on circumstances but generally it takes approximately 3 months. During this time the Notaire conducts the required searches and draws up the Acte de Vente which is the second and final contract of sale. The Notaire also checks that nothing is going to affect the value of the property as well as whether it has any outstanding mortgages.

About two weeks before completion the balance of funds need to be transferred to the Notaires account. In time for completion insurance arrangements will be need to have been made for your new property. On completion day both parties attend the Notaires office to sign the document (that's unless you have a power of attorney). Once signed congratulations are in order as the property is officially yours.