THE PROCESS OF BUYING

Bon de visite.
When visiting an estate agent you will be asked to sign a 'bon de visite' with the reference numbers of the houses seen.

Offre d'Achat.
Having found the house of your dreams you make an offer, through the agent, for the property.

Compromis de Vente.
Having agreed a price for the property, a meeting with a notaire(a government appointed official who acts on behalf of both parties) is arranged and the compromis de vente is signed (this is when any suspensive clauses are put in e.g. a mortgage cannot be obtained or planning permission is not granted and approximately 10% deposit is lodged with the notaire. There is a 7 day cooling off period but after that, apart from the suspensive clauses, you and the vendor are committed.

You can also choose to have your own solicitor, at your own cost, but you will still have to pay the notaire ( or you can instruct another noatire also to act for you and he/she shares the fees with the vendors notaire - this is useful if wanting to use an English speaking notaire) whose fees are generally in the range of 8-10%.

ACTE AUTHENTIQUE

This is the deed signed by both parties at the final signature after approximately 2 months - sometimes much longer. All the funds have to be sent to and lodged with the notaire before this can be signed.

It is advisable to open a bank account in France so that your bills can be paid by direct debit otherwise you leave yourself open to being cut off through non payment of bills.

You have insure your house from the first moment of ownership - your agent will advise you.

Taxe d'habitation is paid by the owner of the property on 1st January. If you sign the Acte Authentique after this date you don't pay the tax for that year.

Taxe Fonciere is paid for the part of the year occupied i.e. if you sign at the end of October then you will pay 2/12ths.

We will advise and help (free of charge) with water, electricity and telephone connections as well as putting you in touch with reputable local builders.