Buying a Property in France


At Fitou Property Services we recognise the fact that the purchase of a property is likely to be one of the most important and expensive decisions that you will ever make.

Whilst we generally specialise in Fitou and the immediate surrounding area, in association with our partner agencies, our database features hundreds of properties and we are sure that with our local knowledge and expertise, we will be able to find you a property to suit your needs.

If you cannot find what you are looking for on our website please contact us with your requirements and we will endevour to find a selection of properties for you to view.

VIEWING
We will arrange viewings of your selected properties and will accompany you on every visit.

MORTGAGE
In order to speed up your house buying process, it is advisable wherever possible; to get a mortgage agreed in principle before any final decision on your new property is made. This has the advantage of providing you with a clear indication of what is affordable and the fact that you have a mortgage agreed in principle is also attractive to sellers. We can recommend an English-speaking bank who will be able to arrange this for you.

MAKING YOUR OFFER
Once you have located your ideal property, your offer will be submitted by us to the vendor for their consideration.

ACCEPTED OFFER/INSTRUCTING NOTAIRES
In France it is common practice for one notaire to act for both the vendor and the purchaser. However as soon as your offer has been accepted by the vendor, you will need to sign the sales agreement contract, Compromis de Vente and pay a 5-10% deposit, held by the notaire. You do have the right to instruct your own notaire to act on your behalf, if required. The notaire will handle all legal requirements of your purchase. Once you have signed the contract you have seven days to change your mind and pull out of the contract. At this point, you also need to formally proceed with your mortgage application and instruct your mortgage consultant/broker accordingly. You normally have 30 days in which to obtain a morgtgage under the terms of your contract.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE
We can put you in touch with reputable currency exchange companies.

SURVEY
Surveys are not normal practice in France, however there are English-speaking surveyors in france who could carry out a property survey if you so wished.

COMPLETION
Completion usually takes approximately three months following the original signing. At this stage an Acte de Vente is signed by both parties and the notaire pays all the taxes, settles all the accounts of the purchase/sale and registers the deeds and the mortgage.

Congratulations! You are now the owner of your new French home!