| France is a favourite place to own a property, | | | | who specialises in the French property market |
| whether for holiday hideaway or permanent | | | | can advise on contracts and French conveyancing |
| home. It's easily accessible, the quality of life is | | | | law. They will also liaise with the French Notaire, an |
| good and the cost of living moderate, the roads | | | | independent official who acts as an intermediary |
| are a joy to drive on and in most regions the | | | | for both buyer and seller during a French property |
| weather is better than in the UK. How do you find | | | | transaction. |
| a house to buy in France - and what should you | | | | The purchase procedure is in two main stages. |
| know about the buying process? | | | | Once you choose a property and agree a price, |
| First, research the regions of France for local | | | | you will likely be asked to sign a preliminary |
| weather and character, accessibility, prices, | | | | purchase contract and will have to pay a deposit, |
| countryside and architecture. Specialists like French | | | | which is usually 10% of the purchase price. The |
| Connections not only list properties for sale but | | | | contract is binding subject to various conditions |
| also offer regional guides and expert practical and | | | | and formalities. The second stage is signing an |
| legal advice. | | | | acte de vente (deed of sale),when ownership of |
| A property fact finding mission is a good idea. Set | | | | the property is transferred to you and the full |
| aside a long weekend to explore your favoured | | | | amount of the purchase price and Notaire's fees |
| region and view properties. Plan ahead to make | | | | are paid. For new build properties, signature may |
| appointments with estate agents, giving them | | | | take place in advance of completion, with a |
| time to prepare a list of suitable properties, and | | | | proportion of the price being paid. |
| make sure an English speaker is available if you | | | | French lenders will generally allow you to borrow |
| need one. Remember that in France, the buyer | | | | up to 80% of the purchase price - but do |
| pays the estate agents' fees so buying direct | | | | remember hidden costs like taxes. After you've |
| from an owner could save you money. | | | | become the proud owner of a property in France, |
| When you fall in love with a property, don't | | | | there are ongoing expenses to consider- including |
| commit yourself on the spot, particularly if under | | | | income, wealth, property, capital gains and |
| pressure to sign a contract. Do obtain a structural | | | | residential taxes. If you rent out your property in |
| survey and valuation report. A proper survey | | | | France, you will have to declare and pay income |
| may even reveal problems that enable you to | | | | tax on the rental income, even if you live abroad. |
| negotiate a reduction in price. A bilingual solicitor | | | | |