
French Equestrian Property
Whether you own one horse, 5 horses, or perhaps breed and train dozens for a living, PPG are almost certain to have a suitable equestrian property in France. If you are looking to buy a French cottage with pasture land or to move your business abroad to take advantage of the better climate and value-for-money that France can offer, please take a look at our comprehensive listings of equestrian properties.
Several of our larger French properties include full equestrian facilities such as a tack room, gallops, feed storage, covered riding schools, convenient water supplies, and many acres of quality pasture.
Guide to the French Buying Process
1. Signing the Agreement (Compris)
On finding a property you wish to purchase you will need to negotiate the terms, price and conditions of the sale with the owner. The next step, once you are in agreement, is to sign the preliminary contract (Compromis de Vente). This is a legal document and after ten days will be binding on both parties. Rules change frequently in France and it is best to consult with your notary about when this period starts. Generally the compris will be signed in France with the Agent. Variants can be included in the compris, for example an Acte (clause) can be added if the name or names to go on the title deed have not been finalised. If a mortgage will be required to purchase the property, the details for this, including the name of the mortgage company, must be on the compris.
2. Paying the Deposit
Generally the deposit will be 10% of the agreed purchase price. This will normally be paid to the notaire. There are exceptions to this, if the agent holds a carte professionelle, is bonded and fully registered then you may pay them, but do not hand over the deposit to anyone else. If for some reason the purchase does not go through, for example, if you write to the notaire and the agent that you do not wish to go continue with the purchase before the contract is binding (within seven days of signing the compris), then your deposit would be repaid. This would also apply if a condition had not been met, or the mayor or S.A.F.E.R. (a government agency that has the right of first purchase on most rural property that comes onto the market in France) could oblige the purchaser to give way. If you decide after the seven days 'cooling off' period that you do not wish to complete the purchase and pull out of the sale you would lose your deposit. If however the vendor pulls out of the sale then you will receive your deposit back plus the same amount from the vendor.
3. On Completion
Generally it will take around two or three months to complete the purchase. During this time the balance of the purchase money must be paid into the account of the notaire, this must be done well ahead of the completion date. The notaire will prepare the documents, check that the deed of sale (Acte de Vente) is in order and have the legal title ready to be signed over. It is possible to have someone sign on your behalf if you give them power of attorney. An interpreter may be of use at this point if your French is not very good and many Notaires will suggest (or insist) that an interpreter is with you.
IMPORTANT - Disclaimer :
All information provided is believed to be current and provided free of charge. No liability can be accepted for the reliability of the information and statements made as this is obtained from 3rd parties. We always recommend you take legal advice from a fully qualified Lawyer or Notary before buying a property overseas.
French chateau for sale, Saint Caprais de Bordeaux, Gironde, Aquitaine
French chateau for sale, Saint Caprais de Bordeaux, Gironde, Aquitaine
Superb and imposing French Chateau, complete with AOC Bordeaux hobby vineyard and equestrian facilities. This unique property comes with a tangible history to be discovered it was first built...
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11 bedroom French chateau for sale, Carcassonne, Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon
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6 bedroom French chateau for sale, Orne, Orne, Normandy
6 bedroom French chateau for sale, Orne, Orne, Normandy
Overlooking the countryside, French classical property erected in the 18th century with symmetrical outbuildings across the formal courtyard. Chateau of about 720sqm of living space: Hall, Gre...
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8 bedroom French chateau for sale, Angouleme, Charente, Poitou-Charentes
Fabulous French chateau dating back to the Seventeenth century set in an estate of over 300 acres in the Charente, close to Angouleme. This exceptional property enjoys a wonderful and peaceful ...
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7 bedroom French chateau for sale, Angouleme, Charente, Poitou-Charentes
7 bedroom French chateau for sale, Angouleme, Charente, Poitou-Charentes
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11 bedroom French chateau for sale, Villeneuve sur Lot, Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine
Luxurious, spacious, beautifully presented and full of character and charm, this superb country estate is set in a glorious countryside setting in a popular region in Villeneuve sur Lot. Origi...
11 bedroom French chateau for sale, Monflanquin, Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine
11 bedroom French chateau for sale, Monflanquin, Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine
Delightful and carefully renovated French chateau dating back to the Fifteenth Century with fabulous views over its 20 acre estate, with 11 bedrooms, tennis court and 2 swimming pools. Thi...
4 bedroom villa for sale, Grans, Bouches-du-Rhone, Provence French Riviera
4 bedroom villa for sale, Grans, Bouches-du-Rhone, Provence French Riviera
Near the Alpilles and Salon de Provence, 350m2 property in a rural location in a peaceful environment. Set in grounds of 4 hectares with a pool and 2 separate apartments. Opportunity for hors...
8 bedroom French chateau for sale, Saint Germain de Salles, Allier, Auvergne
8 bedroom French chateau for sale, Saint Germain de Salles, Allier, Auvergne
Outstanding and beautifully restored French Chateau dating back to the Sixteenth Century, with outbuildings and set in an estate of 30 hectares ( 75 acres). This elegant historical property si...