Some house buying tips and advice

The sale of a house has two distinct stages: the signature of the compromis de vente/promesse de vente (reservation agreement); followed several months later by the acte de vente (final deed of sale). Only the Notaire has the legal power to draw up this deed of sale.

Never pay any money directly to the seller - even if it is accompanied by a receipt counter-signed by witnesses. All money in house sale transactions passes through the Notaire. Not only do you risk never becoming the owner if the vendor decides not to sign the acte de vente, but you also risk not being refunded your money.

For the seven days following the signing of the compromis de vente, the buyer may pull out of the agreement with no loss of deposit. If you are going to withdraw from a sale during this seven-day ‘cooling off’ period, it is wise to do so by letter by recorded delivery. No money may change hands during this period.

Buying a property is a serious business: you must know exactly what you are buying and fully understand all the obligations that come as your part of the deal. If you are in any doubt, employ the services of a translator as all dealings with the Notaire are required to be in French and your Notaire is not required to translate for you.