Finding a property in France

is a similar process to that in most other countries. There are

many estate agents in France (agents immobiliers) who will put

you in touch with people selling property. Indeed, we have links

with many of them ourselves.

Many home buyers are attracted by the fact that property prices

in France appear to be much lower than, the UK for example. There

are reasons for this and before you start you should be aware

of the following points:

French domestic property is not usually bought as an investment.

Apart from some very fashionable or highly sought-after areas,

prices usually just rise in line with inflation. Therefore, you

would need to own a home for at least three years to recover the

high fees associated with buying, even without accounting for

any maintenance or improvement costs.

France has a similar population to the UK but is three times

the size. There is therefore less pressure on land and hence lower

prices. Many rural areas can be very isolated with people moving

away to the cities.

That isolated farm/cottage set between fields of vines next to

a running stream may sound idyllic, but may require major renovation

and improvements. It might not have the same appeal to a French

family, hence the lower price; and you should consider the possible

difficulties with resale in the years to come.

We do not want to put you off of "La bonne vie en

France" but it is essential to start with the realities before

embarking on the buying process. One of the most common mistakes

made by people buying an old property in France is to underestimate

the cost of restoration and modernization. If the property needs

work doing to it, then get accurate estimates from a master builder

(maitre d'oeuvres) before signing any form of contract. Better

still, have a structural survey completed. This can be expensive

and is not normally done in France (the term "surveyor"

does not have the same meaning), but it will provide reassurance

if you have any doubts at all. This can be arranged on your behalf.

In many ways, the French purchase process affords a certain amount

of protection to the buyer. A formal contract is entered into

at an early stage. This could even be on the day that you see

the property and agree a price with the person selling it subject

to a statutory seven day cooling off period. This initial contract

makes it difficult for the vendor (seller) to pull out without

financial penalty, thus reducing the risk of someone coming in

with a higher offer. It is also difficult for the buyer to withdraw

as well without forfeiting their deposit.

One of the main things to bear in mind is that France still uses the Napoleonic law. Basically this means that you cannot disinherit your children, even if you don't like them! This can cause problem with couples in a second or third marriage. There are ways of working around this, Tontine's, marriage clauses and the setting up of a special kind of limited company called an SCI.

We would strongly recommend that you seek legal and/or financial advice before committing yourself to a purchase.