Le Mans Property
Area GuideProperty Buying Guide

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3 properties
1
Income Potential 12 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Le Mans, Pays de la Loire
Ref 249223
Enchanting 3 storey, 12 bedroom historical Chateau with separate lodge, nestling in over 5 hectares of glorious land with river frontage, beautiful gardens, pool and vineyard, located in a peacefu...
1,595,000 EUR
Grand 15 bedroom Loire Chateau for sale with countryside view in Le Mans, Pays de la Loire
Ref 248901
Magnificent Loire chateau for sale between Le Mans and Tours, set in an estate of over 60 acres with many attractive features including outbuildings, equestrian facilities and pool. Easily acc...
2,640,000 EUR
14 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Le Mans, Pays-de-la-Loire
Ref 240977
Currently undergoing restoration, this exquisite French chateau offers 680m2 of habitable space plus an additional house and outbuildings sitting on 25 hectares of land with beautiful gardens, eque...
2,640,000 EUR
1

Area Guide

Le Mans, long famous for its 24 hour motor race, has charm and an excitement all of its own for those looking for property. Its historic 13th century cathedral sits in the old town, which overlooks the modern-day centre and is a haven of peace and medieval buildings.

Buying a Property in France

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.

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