For those of you who are thinking of buying in South West France, or about to embark on the purchase process, we provide a full range of services in the regions of Midi-Pyrénées, Languedoc-Roussillon and Aquitaine ( refer to Classic properties). 

Searching For Your New House

When you start looking for your new home you will want to see some properties. We can help. 

You can refer to our property list ( Classic properties ).

We arrange for you to see suitable properties through our network of local estate agents.

Advice On Borrowing

Generally speaking, total loan repayments on your mortgage and other loans should not exceed 33% of your single or joint net monthly income.

We will provide you with information on how much you can afford to pay, what your monthly payments will be and will provide you with a mortgage quotation.

Dealing With Estate Agents

If you would like some help dealing with estate agents;.
 

• We will accompany you to an estate agency or to view properties. 
• We will ensure that you are clear about the fees involved in the purchase.
• We will provide you with details of the taxe fonciere (land tax), taxe d’habitation (local services tax) and any other local taxes.

Surveys And Renovation

You have chosen a property you might like to buy and would like it surveyed. It is wise to do this before signing the initial contract, so that if any structural defects are found you can re-negotiate the price. 
French law demands that every property built before July 1997 is checked for asbestos, and that properties built before 1948, in areas declared at risk, are checked for the presence of lead. Checks for termites are also compulsory in some areas and apartments need to have their surface area measured. These checks are usually paid for by the seller. 

You may be interested in a property which needs to be renovated and would like an idea of how much it is likely to cost.
 

• We will organise a survey of the property for you. 
• We can organise a second check on asbestos, lead and termites.

Understanding The Compromis de Vente

Once you have decided which house to buy you will sign an initial purchase contract, at the estate agents or at the notaire’s. This is usually a compromis de vente . The compromis de vente commits you to buying a particular property. Before signing this contract you need to be certain that it contains everything you have agreed and, in particular, that your rights are adequately protected by the conditions suspensives . These ensure that your conditions for going ahead with the purchase are met, for instance, it could be stipulated that the purchase is dependent upon you being granted a mortgage. In France the contract is signed and usually a deposit, which can be up to 10% of the net purchase price, is paid before the notaire carries out the local authority searches and before the mortgage has been agreed. 

Immediately after signing the compromis you are given a seven days cooling-off period, a time to reflect on whether you have made the right decision. During this time you can withdraw from the purchase. Once the seven days period has passed the compromis is binding and the deposit has to be paid.
 

• We will be there, at the estate agents or notaire’s office, when the compromis is signed, to interpret the contract and provide assistance. Our legal department will answer any questions.
• We can arrange for the compromis de vente to be translated and/or carefully studied before you sign.

Clarifying Inheritance Issues 

When you buy a house in France the property becomes subject to French inheritance laws, which might not suit your own situation. There are also issues involving inheritance tax which need to be considered if you are to have maximum peace of mind after buying your house in France.

There are ways to ensure that your French estate is dealt with in the way you would wish and that inheritance tax implications for a surviving partner/spouse are minimised but this is a complex area and you should seek legal advice.
 

Our legal department will provide you with advice, best suited to your situation.  

Financial Advice

It is highly advisable before moving to France that you speak to a professional advisor on any matters which may concern you relating to taxation and taxation planning, investments, savings and pensions. We can help. There may be suitable investment options that you have not yet considered.
 

• We will introduce you to our financial advisor.

Your Stay In France During The Purchase Process 
 

• We can recommend accommodation.
• We have access to competitive Eurotunnel and ferry rates and can obtain a quote for you.

 

For information on the services we offer through to completion and beyond please click on Securing Your Purchase .