Buying a Property in France - Basic checklist
Before purchase
Below is a list of things that is the bare minimum that you should check out before buying in France. No responsibility can be taken for any inaccuracies or omissions - use an English speaking Notaire or get the advice of a solicitor here or ask for a translation of all documents if you're French isn't up to reading the legal gobbledegook; I doubt it will be.
Don't sign anything until you're ABSOLUTELY sure you've gone through the basics below.
Check all the notaires in the area before signing any viewing papers from an estate agent. This can save a small fortune as most of the properties on the estate agents books are gained from visiting the local notaire. Department codes for France. A list of Notaries is available here by typing in the name, post code or department number. This is part of the Official French Notaries website. You should also check out this very informative site from Prettys Solicitors, full of very useful legal advice. If you use a registered Agence Immobilière or Commercial Agent check that the price you are given includes ALL fees.
| Structure | ||
| Survey | Unsure, get it surveyed (not normally done in France). Watch out for damp, evidence of insect life, bulging walls and sagging roofs. | |
| Agents description | Check thoroughly, be prepared to get the tape measure out. Ask who is responsible for the boundary fences. Any rights of way? Ask to see the plans. How long has it been on the market? Grill them. | |
| Utilities | ||
| Water | Puits (Well) or town, connected? | |
| Electricity | Connected? Nearby? | |
| Waste Water | Fosse septique (Septic tank) - when was it last checked? | |
| Gas | Tank or town | |
| Phone | Connected? | |
| TV aerial | Connected? | |
| Infrastructure | ||
| Road | Check out Mappy for free route maps and approximate timings to and from the ports. Get a decent up to date road map such as Michelin Tourist & Motoring Atlas: France 2003 (Large Format) available from amazon.co.uk | |
| Rail | Nearest station. Is it TGV? | |
| Plane | Nearest airport and cost of flights and transfers. | |
| Ship | Does the service you're going to rely on run in Winter? | |
| Rights of way | Communal roads, any across property? | |
| Proximity | ||
| Ports, Airports | ||
| Major town | ||
| Shops | Check opening times. | |
| Sea | ||
| Amenities | Pubs, clubs, restaurants, local attractions - do they all close down in the off season? | |
| Downsides | ||
| Natural | Flood area, Avalanche | |
| Nuclear power station | ||
| Flight path | Any military bases nearby. Visit the property at different times of the day. | |
| Neighbouring properties | Usage. Have a chat with the neighbours. | |
| Electricity pylons | Shown on 1cm=250m map | |
| Mobile phone masts | ||
| Others | ||
| Bank account | Set one up within the area you're going to buy, transferring from a different region can be a nightmare. | |
| Climate | Explore your chosen area thoroughly in Summer and Winter. Check out Weatherbase. | |
| Maps | Buy a series of maps produced by IGN, Série Bleue 1cm=250m, covering the area. | |
| Work | You'll most likely have to be fluent in French unless you're very lucky. | |
| Ex Pats | A useful source of info even if you want to avoid them in the future. They'll know the best local plumbers, builders and are always ready to give advice. |
You'll need a 10% deposit for a property purchase - make sure all finances are in place. You only have a very short time to back out once you've signed. Be absolutely sure. After that time has passed you're legally obliged to follow through with the purchase.
After purchase
| Utilities | ||
| Reconnection | Ask the agent for help, if it's not a service they offer, suggest strongly, they should. | |
| Electricity | Get wiring checked. Decide on usage tariff once you've decided the appliances you're likely to run. Turn off the electricity when you leave and take a meter reading. | |
| Plumbing | Get plumbing checked. Make sure you know where the stop cock is and the route of the pipe from the mains on to your property. Make sure the pipes are insulated. Turn off the water when you leave and take a meter reading. | |
| Water | Well water has to be tested - you need a certificate | |
| Wood burning stove | Get a plumber to check the pipe work. Carbon Monoxide is a killer. | |
| Fireplace | Chimney has to be swept - you need a certificate | |
| Other | ||
| Insurance | Home and contents | |
| Rubbish | Is rubbish collected, when? Where is the local tip? | |
| Mairie | Get to know the Mairie. Any planning applications start here. |
Areas
| Are | 100 square metres |
| Hectare | nearly 2.5 acres |
Learning the Lingo
Working in France
ARE YOU CHANGING YOUR LIFE TO PURSUE YOUR DREAMS?
SELLING UP, PLANNING NEVER TO RETURN?
ARE YOU MOVING ABROAD THIS SUMMER TO START A NEW BUSINESS VENTURE?
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