
Pyrenees Atlantique Property
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 house for sale, Saint Jean Pied de Port, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Aquitaine
5 bedroom house for sale, Saint Jean Pied de Port, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Aquitaine
Charming South facing 5 bedroom character house nestling in half an acre of glorious land while enjoying panoramic mountain views from its peaceful elevated location on the Chemin de Saint Jacques de ...
4 bedroom house for sale, Orthez, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Gascony
4 bedroom house for sale, Orthez, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Gascony
Enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful elevated location between the towns of Salies-de-Bearn and Orthez, is this charming renovated 4 bedroom house nestling in nearly 3 acres o...
5 bedroom villa for sale, Ledeuix, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Gascony
5 bedroom villa for sale, Ledeuix, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Gascony
Beautifully renovated South facing 5 bedroom villa with pool and glorious landscaped garden, enjoying panoramic mountain views from its peaceful location near all amenities in Ledeuix. This att...
4 bedroom French chateau for sale, Jurancon, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Aquitaine
4 bedroom French chateau for sale, Jurancon, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Aquitaine
Outstandingly beautiful and elegant 4 bedroom 19th Century French Chateau with pool and separate cottage and barn, surrounded by over 23 acres of glorious land while enjoying breathtaking mountain vie...
4 bedroom house for sale, Oloron Sainte Marie, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Gascony
4 bedroom house for sale, Oloron Sainte Marie, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Gascony
Full of rustic charm and character is this beautifully renovated 18th century 4 bedroom stone house with pool, surrounded by over an acre of glorious landscaped gardens, enjoying stunning countryside ...
5 bedroom house for sale, Salies de Bearn, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Gascony
5 bedroom house for sale, Salies de Bearn, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Gascony
Very nicely presented 5 bedroom character property in over 4 acres of land with lovely swimming pool, set in a peaceful, elevated position, with views of the surrounding countryside. With livi...
5 bedroom villa for sale, Salies de Bearn, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Gascony
5 bedroom villa for sale, Salies de Bearn, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Gascony
Charming 5 bedroom village house, with a total living area of 195m2 and set within a large plot of 7,350m2 with a swimming pool, ideally situated in a quiet setting, yet just a 7 minute drive from the...
6 bedroom house for sale, Salies de Bearn, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Gascony
6 bedroom house for sale, Salies de Bearn, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Gascony
A delightful property consisting of a main house with gite, in a tranquil situation within its own parkland of a hectare, yet just a 5 minute walk from the heart of the popular spa resort of Salies de...
8 bedroom villa for sale, Pau, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Gascony
8 bedroom villa for sale, Pau, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Gascony
Spacious and modern 8 bedroom villa, with a vast total living area of 510m2, set within a large plot of 5,590m2 with a swimming pool, various outbuildings and stunning views of the Pyrenees mountains,...
4 bedroom house for sale, Salies de Bearn, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Gascony
4 bedroom house for sale, Salies de Bearn, Pyrenees-Atlantique, Gascony
A bright and airy architect-designed house set in half an acre of gardens with gite, enviably located just two minutes' drive from the heart of the popular spa resort of Salies de Bearn. The f...