Paul W. Says:
What can you tell me about buying a house in France?
IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says:
Hi Paul,
The first rule of property buying in France is: Don’t rush in. Unless your heart is set on a home in the more popular areas of Provence or in Paris, there are more than enough French castles, farmhouses, and village houses on the market for everybody. The supply is not going to dry up suddenly, so take your time.
Visit a range of properties to get an idea of prices. Clearly, you want to get as much maison as possible for your dollar. And note: It’s quite acceptable to make an offer. Away from the really high-profile areas, houses often sell for less than their listing prices. Start off dramatically lower with your first offer—you may be pleasantly surprised.
In France, the business of conveyancing (the buying and selling of property) is handled by a certified real estate attorney—un notaire. A notaire is a public official responsible for ensuring that all deeds are authentic and of incontestable value. You will have to appoint one to act for you.
A good real estate agent should be able to put you in touch with a notaire who speaks both French and English. If, on the other hand, your agent insists that you sign a contract before you’ve had time to seek legal advice, you have to wonder why. Don’t be pressured.
As for real estate agents, I would recommend you find one that belongs to FNAIM (Fédération Nationale de l’Immobilier).
The FNAIM network includes some expat English agents who have relocated to France. Obviously, the British house-buying system is not the same as that in North America, but these agents are used to answering questions—in English—about how the French process works.
If everything is new to you, and you’re dubious of your French language skills, these agents can help you open a bank account and get set up with gas, electricity, and telephone companies.
You can read much more about the process—and get some handy contacts—in Chapter 5 of our comprehensive guidebook, Escape to France. Pick that up on the IL Bookstore here.
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