
French Farmhouses For Sale
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.
5 bedroom farmhouse for sale, Marmande, Lot-et-Garonne, Gascony
5 bedroom farmhouse for sale, Marmande, Lot-et-Garonne, Gascony
Full of character and charm and immaculately presented throughout, this historical 5 bedroom stone built 'Tuilerie' has been completely renovated with care and great attention to detail. The m...
7 bedroom house for sale, Limoux, Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon
7 bedroom house for sale, Limoux, Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon
Located in a quiet setting on the edge of Limoux and with a total of 7 bedrooms, this substantial and historical property, with a total living area of 288m2, was formerly a wine estate and is full of ...
4 bedroom house for sale, Archiac, Charente-Maritime, Poitou-Charentes
4 bedroom house for sale, Archiac, Charente-Maritime, Poitou-Charentes
Totally refurbished to an extremely high standard, this superb 4 bedroom stone built home is located in a quiet and peaceful setting in Archiac, within a large plot of 1,679m2 with a lovely enclosed c...
9 bedroom farmhouse for sale, Callian, Var, Cote d'Azur French Riviera
9 bedroom farmhouse for sale, Callian, Var, Cote d'Azur French Riviera
Magnificent 6 bedroom property and staff/guest accommodation, with its origins dating from the 14th Century, ideally situated within a quiet setting between Callian and Montauroux, set within a large ...
8 bedroom farmhouse for sale, Grasse, Cote d'Azur French Riviera
8 bedroom farmhouse for sale, Grasse, Cote d'Azur French Riviera
Full of authentic character and charm, this grand and spacious 8 bedroom farmhouse is situated in a quiet setting, yet within walking distance to Grasse lively village centre. Set within a mat...
6 bedroom house for sale, Orriule, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Aquitaine
6 bedroom house for sale, Orriule, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Aquitaine
Full of charm and character and beautifully renovated, is this fabulous 18/19th century 3 bedroom farmhouse with separate 3 bedroom guest house and workshop, nestling in nearly 2.5 acres of glorious l...
7 bedroom house for sale, Pessac, Bordeaux, Gironde, Gascony
7 bedroom house for sale, Pessac, Bordeaux, Gironde, Gascony
Attractive Eighteenth Century character stone property set in a hectare of land with spacious accommodation and including a covered swimming pool. This property offers excellent potential. Th...
3 bedroom house for sale, Montferrer, Pyrenees-Orientales, Pyrenees Vallespir
3 bedroom house for sale, Montferrer, Pyrenees-Orientales, Pyrenees Vallespir
Beautiful 3 bedroom stone Mas full of charm and character, nestling in over 14 hectares of glorious land with expansive pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful locati...
6 bedroom farmhouse for sale, Collioure, Pyrenees-Orientales, Pyrenees Vallespir
6 bedroom farmhouse for sale, Collioure, Pyrenees-Orientales, Pyrenees Vallespir
Grand and spacious 19th century property, which is ideally situated right in the heart of Collioure, within walking distance from all the amenities and the beach. This exceptional stone-built p...
14 bedroom manor house for sale, Narbonne, Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon
14 bedroom manor house for sale, Narbonne, Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon
Substantial 14 bedroom wine estate, which is ideally situated on the edge of a charming village with all amenities, right in the heart of wine country in southern France, less than an hour from severa...