Buyers guide France
The first step when buying a house in France is deciding where you want to buy and what sort of house you want. It is a good idea to visit the various areas which you think will appeal and find out whether they are hilly or flat, how far from the sea they are, whether you like the nearby towns, the style of architecture and so on.
Also have an idea what sort of property in France you want – traditional or modern, with a big or little garden, totally renovated or with some work still to do.
If you find a French house on our website and would like to view it contact us on sales@francophiles.co.uk or on 01622 688165 and we will arrange the viewing for you sending you full directions and contact numbers of the people who will show you the property in France.
If you have not found a specific French house to buy but want to view property in France, we are happy to send you details of other French houses. Just let us know your requirements and the areas you want to buy in France. Francophiles works with about 60 link real estate agents in France and we are happy to source French properties for you.
It doesn’t cost any more to enlist the help of Francophiles to bu a property in France. Any agency commission you pay will be exactly the same as if you walked directly into the estate agency in France. It is just split between the UK and French agencies.
Once you have been to France and found a house you like you will need to sign a Sales Agreement called a Compromis de Vente. The notaire makes arrangements for a surveyor to carry out inspections for asbestos, lead, energy efficiency and termites if the house is in a termite zone. After the Compromis de Vente has been signed by both parties and the 7 day cooling-off period has expired you will pay a non-returnable 10% deposit to the notaire who is dealing with the sale of the property.
If you wish a UK solicitor to look over the compromis for you Francophiles can suggest firms of solicitors conversant with French property law.
We can also put you in touch with mortgage brokers and specialists in currency transfer.
The period of time between signing the Compromis and paying the balance is usually about three months. During this time the notaire will carry out the necessary legal work and pay the government taxes involved in the sale. The notaire’s fee will generally be about 6 – 8% of the price of the French property.
If you are planning to move from the UK it is a good idea to have sold your UK house, or be well on the way of doing so, before house-hunting. It can be very frustrating to fall in love with a house in France and then discover that you cannot pay the non-returnable 10% deposit for it let alone pay the balance three months later because you still have your UK house to sell.
Ten tips for people wanting to buy a property in France:
- Research the area where you want to buy and make sure you are financially in a position to buy a French property.
- Decide what style of French house you want and what are your essential French property requirements
- Learn as much French as possible - Learn French
- Open a bank account in France before you move to your French property. Banks in France
- Be aware that agency fees are usually between 5% and 10% of the sales price (depending on the price of the property) but this is usually included in the sales price. Legal fees payable by the purchaser are usually between 6% and 8% of the sales price and are usually in addition.
- If you are intending to work be aware that, despite your qualifications, unless you are bi-lingual, you may have to work at a considerably lower level of your profession.
- If you intend to live permanently in France you need to register for income tax
- Sort out your health care entitlement. There have been recent changes which particularly affect people who take early retirement and move to France. CPAM’s (the equivalent of local health authorities) English speaking help line is 0820 904 212. If you have medical problems get your medical records from your UK doctor
- If you have children of school age check that the local school has room for your children. This can be done at the local town hall, the "mairie" or at the school itself. Schools in France
- Dogs and cats going with you have to be inoculated, chipped and have a pet passport. Pets in France when buying property in France
Further information from Francophiles Ltd contact us here
