
French Properties with Lakes and Ponds
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 villa for sale, Bagnols en Foret, Var, Cote d'Azur French Riviera
5 bedroom villa for sale, Bagnols en Foret, Var, Cote d'Azur French Riviera
Set in nearly an acre of land is this beautiful renovated 5 bedroom house with 2 separate studios, located in a peaceful area near to Bagnols-en-foret. This charming property has been complet...
10 bedroom house for sale, Villereal, Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine
10 bedroom house for sale, Villereal, Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine
Grand and spacious manor house, which is currently being run as a successful Chambre d'hote and gite business, ideally situated in a quiet setting in Villereal, set within a large plot of 43,520m2 wit...
10 bedroom house for sale, Eymet, Dordogne, Aquitaine
10 bedroom house for sale, Eymet, Dordogne, Aquitaine
Stunning and completely renovated 10 bedroom stone built country estate, with a total spacious living area of 350m2, which has been beautifully and sympathetically restored whilst managing to retain m...
16 bedroom house for sale, Montignac, Dordogne, Aquitaine
16 bedroom house for sale, Montignac, Dordogne, Aquitaine
Spacious and immaculately presented home and 3 gites, with a total of 16 bedrooms, ideally situated within a private and quiet setting in Montignac right in the heart of the Vezere valley and just 5 m...
4 bedroom villa for sale, Villeneuve de la Raho, Pyrenees-Orientales, Languedoc-Roussillon
4 bedroom villa for sale, Villeneuve de la Raho, Pyrenees-Orientales, Languedoc-Roussillon
Very nicely presented Provencal property in quiet situation in the pretty and popular village of Villeneuve de la Raho well known for its lake and amenities . This is a bright and easily maint...
5 bedroom villa for sale, Les Brevieres, Tignes, Savoie, Rhone-Alpes
5 bedroom villa for sale, Les Brevieres, Tignes, Savoie, Rhone-Alpes
Beautifully presented throughout, this superb 5 bedroom architect designed villa has a total spacious living area of 194m2 and is set within a lovely mature plot of 15,754m2 with a 5,000m2 lake and a ...
5 bedroom house for sale, Monflanquin, Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine
5 bedroom house for sale, Monflanquin, Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine
Unique opportunity to acquire a charming 5 bedroom stone farmhouse full of rustic charm, set in more than 58 hectares of land with a lake, located in a village near to all amenities. The proper...
8 bedroom mill for sale, Beaumont du Perigord, Dordogne, Aquitaine
8 bedroom mill for sale, Beaumont du Perigord, Dordogne, Aquitaine
Beautifully restored 8 bedroom stone built 17th Century mill set in 3 hectares of land, ideally situated alongside river Couze, in a quiet setting close to Beaumont-du-Perigord. Located in a ...
11 bedroom French chateau for sale, Beaumont du Perigord, Dordogne, Aquitaine
11 bedroom French chateau for sale, Beaumont du Perigord, Dordogne, Aquitaine
Unique opportunity to acquire a magnificent, renovated 11 bedroom Louis XIVth style chateau built in the late 17th/early 18th century, set in 190 hectares of land in a peaceful area in the Dordogne.
4 bedroom villa for sale, Cabris, Alpes-Maritimes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera
4 bedroom villa for sale, Cabris, Alpes-Maritimes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera
Ideally located in a quiet setting yet just 400m from the charming village of Cabris, this beautiful 5 bedroom is set within a large elevated plot of 1,140m2 with magnificent views towards the sea and...