
Loire Valley Chateau 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.
16 bedroom French chateau for sale, Chinon, Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley
16 bedroom French chateau for sale, Chinon, Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley
Beautifully restored 4 storey 18th century French Chateau, surrounded by 4.5 hectares of glorious land while enjoying far reaching countryside views across the valley from its Ideal location near all ...
23 bedroom French chateau for sale, Tours, Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley
23 bedroom French chateau for sale, Tours, Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley
Beautifully renovated French chateau dating back to the late Eighteenth Century, set in 22 acres with outbuildings and easy access to Tours and the Loire Valley. Purchased over 15 years ago...
13 bedroom French chateau for sale, Rivarennes, Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley
13 bedroom French chateau for sale, Rivarennes, Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley
Grand, spacious and beautifully presented throughout, this luxurious 'eco-friendly' French Chateau is ideally situated within a quiet setting in Rivarennes. Superbly and totally refurbished to...
17 bedroom French chateau for sale, Tours, Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley
17 bedroom French chateau for sale, Tours, Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley
Spacious character Nineteenth Century chateau just 10 minutes from the heart of Tours, set in 37 acres of landscaped parkland with views over the valley and village below. This impressive 17 b...
6 bedroom French chateau for sale, Loches, Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley
6 bedroom French chateau for sale, Loches, Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley
Unique opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored period French Chateau, nestling in 114 hectares of glorious land with lake, various outbuildings and a separate lodge, enjoying far reaching countr...
11 bedroom French chateau for sale, Tours, Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley
11 bedroom French chateau for sale, Tours, Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley
Nestling in 12 acres of glorious land is this wonderful 9 bedroom period French Chateau with separate fully restored 2 bedroom logis and various outbuildings, enjoying countryside views from its peace...
10 bedroom French chateau for sale, Tours, Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley
10 bedroom French chateau for sale, Tours, Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley
A impressive French chateau dating from the mid Nineteenth Century, tastefully renovated and set in an estate of over 100 acres of extensive parkland in a quiet situation. This commanding prope...
13 bedroom French chateau for sale, Blere, Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley
13 bedroom French chateau for sale, Blere, Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley
This impressive chateau which dates back to the Renaissance period, stands in 21 hectares of land which includes 10 hectares of vineyard which is producing well and the sale includes the wine producin...
7 bedroom French chateau for sale, Lavardin, Vendome, Loir-et-Cher, Loire Valley
7 bedroom French chateau for sale, Lavardin, Vendome, Loir-et-Cher, Loire Valley
Beautifully restored 17th Century Chateau style residence situated right in the heart of one of France's most beautiful villages. - High quality and sympathetic restoration - Superb conserv...
18 bedroom French chateau for sale, Loches, Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley
18 bedroom French chateau for sale, Loches, Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley
This beautiful Medieval chateau which dates back to the XVth, XVIIth and XIXth centuries has been tastefully restored whilst retaining historical features of the period, and stands in parkland of appr...