Do I need UK professionals?
Well, it's a fairly straightforward process that most people, obviously using a measure of common sense, should handle easily. Equally, no matter who you pay or which UK professionsal you use, the legal documents still have to be passed by the French Notaire and, under their supervision, property problems and litigations are lower in France (less than 0.5%) than any other country.
All our agents are fully trained, have long experience of non French clients, are ENGLISH SPEAKING and will guide you through the whole process, at NO EXTRA CHARGE.
After all, if they didn't, you probably wouldn't recommend us to your friends.
1 - Making an Offer
Just like people in the UK, some owners will accept an offer and others won't. Your agent should know whether the owner will accept and, if so, within what range - so use his knowledge. After all, he wants to find a suitable property for you as much as your do.
If you can afford the time, it's generally a good idea to leave your last day free of appointments. This will allow you time to review the properties you've seen and if you've made your mind up, sort out the paperwork without being rushed into mistakes.
2 - Signing the Contract
When you've reached an agreed price, you will required to sign the first contract - "compromis de vente". Without this, your offer remains only an offer and most owners will not stop the marketing of their property. However, once you do sign it, you are legally bound to purchase the property or foreit your deposit (usually 10% of the agreed price). Equally, once signed, the owner is legally bound to sell it to you at the contracted price. There is a 7 day 'cooling off' period.
A registered agent, advocat or notaire is allowed to draw up the compromis and it is at this point that you might want to insert any clauses which you feel must be met in order for the sale to continue to completion. For example, should you require a mortgage, should you NOT want to be subject to the normal french inheritancy laws, subject to an amount of "to be defined" land, subject to particular items being included in the sale, etc. These conditions are called "clauses suspensives".
Whilst speed is of the essence in the signing of the compromis (as mentioned, without this, the property could be bought by someone willing to sign the contract more quickly than you), it is possible and acceptable for all the documentation to be sent to you in your own country so you do not have to sign anything there and then if you accept the risk of losing the purchase through your delay.
3 - Completing the purchase
Once you have signed, the notaire will begin his work (relevant enquiries and searches) which normally take 2 to 3 months. You will then be required to return to the notaire's office to complete the purchase and pay the outstanding amount of the purchase price and associated fees or appoint a "power of attorney" to do the same on your behalf.
After what can be a quite straightforward process, you will be the proud owner of a French home.
