France is divided into 22 regions and subdivided into departments and deciding on which area you want to move to is one of the biggest hurdles. We aim to assist you with every other aspect of your relocation.
So, you have found your dream home, what happens next? Assuming your intended property fulfills your criteria there are several other factors to take into account. <<Back
We can provide details of mortgage providers and professionally qualified people who may assist you.
If you are renovating there are permissions which will need to be granted. Like in the UK, any changes to the facade of the building i.e. providing a new window or door openings will need planning permission. if you are building from new, you will approach the local Mayor (mairie) and then further permission will be required from the Town planning office. Using a local architect or specialist will help you as they have the local knowledge to guide you through the process. You will need to have your property reassessed for local taxes if you have extended. For some reason people assume that planning laws are very lax in France. This is not the case and if you build something without permission you are just as likely to be told to take it down as you would be in the UK.
When building or renovating a building you should use registered artisans. If you do not have any receipts for the work done you will not be able to take these costs into account should you decide to sell the property. It would also be necessary to use tradesmen who are insured, for their work, if you require a mortgage.<<Back
So, you have agreed a price with Vendor, you will be asked to sign the Compromis de vente (sale agreement). This is a legal contract and at this point you must make sure that all your questions have been answered. Make sure that everything is in order and there are no incumbrances of any kind. i.e. the farmer next door keeps some cows on the land now and again. In France a verbal agreement may be as strong as a written agreement. Do not agree to anybody having access to your property without taking advice. If you do not have a good command of the French language, it would be advisable to have somebody to translate the document for you. A good agent will do this for you and if you are buying a property without an agent , there are people who specialise in this sort of work. We will shortly be listing businesses who deal with sort of work. You will be required to pay the deposit, usually 10% (possibly less) of the purchase price. The notaire will hold your deposit until completion of the transaction. If require a mortgage you can write into the agreement a clauses suspensives (get out clause) which means that you will not lose your deposit if you do not get your mortgage. These clauses can also be used to confirm other matters i.e. agreed repairs are carried out. Make sure to make a list of any fixtures and fittings included in the sale to avoid confusion at a later date. Once the Notaire has prepared the documents for the transfer of title arrangements will be made for the final signing acte authentique, the remains of the purchase monies will be paid over whereupon the Notaire will confirm when the monies have cleared the keys may be handed over. <<Back
DIAGNOSTICS REPORTS are mandatory and the vendor will be required to provide one.
The diagnostics report which is similar to the UK Hips, is basically concerned with energy efficiency, environmental effects and dangerous substances i.e. lead, asbestos etc: Quite likely there will be a termite report as some areas have large termite infestations. Most of these problems are likely to be resolved but bear in mind your budget.
Once you have signed the Compromis de vente you have a eight day cooling off period. Once this time has elapsed you are committed to the purchase. From this point the time will vary as to how long it will be before the completion date. However, your notaire will advise and give you some indication of this.
You can use the same notaire as the Vendor or instruct your own. it is considered more convenient to use the same notaire. There is an increasing number of English speaking notaires available and we will provide information in this respect upon request. <<Back
Notaire's fees can vary but expect to pay anything from 6% upwards. The fees for new buildings is less. Land registry fees vary from region to region.
Agency fees vary and can be as much as 10%, expect somewhere in the region of 6%. <<Back
Contact us for our terms and conditions at info@frenchrelocation.com. A private purchase wherein the Vendor is not using an agent will incur no agency costs but don't forget the notaire's fees. <<Back
OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT . MANY FRENCH BANKS NOW PROVIDE ENGLISH SPEAKING SERVICES.
Once again, we will be listing individuals and companies who will provide help with this, should you require. You will need to open a French bank account as soon as you have decided to purchase a property, although you can transfer funds from a UK account to a notaire if they have the necessary facilities in place. There are currency transfer agents who try to get you the best deal on the exchange and your own bank may be just as helpful. <<Back
The property must be insured in your name on the day of completion. Again your agent should provide you with information for insurance companies in the area and we will also provide details shortly.
Local taxes - Habitation Tax. You are liable for taxe d'habitation on any property which is habitable. The tax varies with the size of the property. Tax is payable from the 1st January of that year.
Land tax - Taxe fonciere. Tax is payable by October/November.
If you need to finance your purchase it is important that you consult a mortgage advisor. Again there are English speaking contacts who will be able to help with all your enquiries.
Inheritance laws: These differ significantly from the UK. French succession law applies to non nationals also. Protected heirs come first and only children are considered as protected heirs. Advice should be taken. <<Back
Capital gains tax is payable on holiday homes or any home which is not your main place of domocile. If you are registered in France and have completed French tax returns and the property is your main residence, no capital gains tax is payable should you decide to sell the property. <<Back
I trust you will find this page helpful to your research. More interesting information will be added to the site as soon as possible and we will add more features as we build the site.
Patricia Carr
Director - FrenchRelocation.com