Buying Property in France

Below is a brief overview of the process and should not be viewed as legal advice.

The process of buying a house in France has two stages - firstly the Compromise de Vente and then the Acte de Vente.

Step one: Compromis de Vente

When you have found a property to buy and have agreed the price with the owner you pay a deposit (normally 10%) and enter into the Compromis de Vente or preliminary sales contract. A copy of this Contract is then posted out to you at your home address and you have seven days from its receipt to change your mind without penalty.

The Compromis can be drawn up either by a licensed French Estate Agent or by a French State Official (Notaire) who oversees all house purchase transactions.

Upon you and the owners signing the Compromis, the property is then effectively 'taken off the market' whilst the Notaire makes his searches and completes the Sales procedure.

The French Notaire ensures that:

• The sale is conducted legally, in accordance with French Law.
• That the Title to the property is authentic.
• That the Contract represents the agreement reached between the Vendors and the Purchasers of the property.

The Notaire is not the purchaser's or the seller's solicitor in the normal sense and acts for both parties impartially.

Step two: Acte de Vente

Normally, and typically around 12 weeks after the Compromis de Vente has been signed and various formalities have been completed, you will then be asked to sign the Acte de Vente (the Deed of Sale). This is always prepared by a Notaire.