Let's get one thing straight
from the start - there
is a severe shortage
of available properties
coming onto the market in France.
If you struggle to fi nd your dream
home, you are not alone. We hear
the same story across the country.
From our agents in Brittany and
Charente-Maritime, down to the
teams in the Alps and PACA on the
borders of Switzerland and Italy.
French property is in demand.
The Notaires de France report that
we are sure to see well over a million
sales again in 2022, but how can
you get to the front of the queue?
I started my career in the west end
of London in the 1980s, and I have
rarely seen a market like this.
Looking on the internet or
in estate agencies' windows and
seeing "under off er" and "sold"
stickers on so many properties is
frustrating. This is exacerbated if
you live overseas or in a diff erent
region and need to plan viewing
trips carefully.
So, how do you jump to the
front of the queue and get the pick
of the crop? Here are my top tips -
add them together, and they might
give you the edge and enable you to
snap up your dream home.
CREATE A WISHLIST
Home in on an area and get to know
the local agents on the ground. Be
clear in your brief and help them
understand that you are serious.
You will fi nd that many properties
never even make it onto the open
market and are marketed discreetly.
This is particularly true in highervalue areas
such as Paris, PACA, and
the Alps. Let the agent have your
mobile number so they can get hold
of you quickly.
GET ORGANISED
Have your fi nances in place and let
your agent know that everything
is squared away so you can
move quickly. Once again, this is
particularly important if you are
buying from a distance. If you need
a mortgage, it is never too early to
get an "in principle" agreement
from your bank or proof of funds.
Similarly, if required, you should
register with a currency broker -
preferably someone experienced
in transferring money overseas and
into the notaire's client account.
MAKING AN OFFER
Think carefully about your "must
haves". I am not suggesting that
you compromise but that you think
creatively. For instance, the latest
trend in homeworking means most
people are looking for a home
offi ce, and you may have this as
the top priority. However, it is
more important that your property
has high-speed broadband and
preferably fi bre optic. Work is
geared toward mobility, and the
BUYING PROPERTY
14 Leggett Magazine
Six top tips on getting to the front of
the property queue
Graham Downie has over 30 years of experience in the
international property market, working for some of its
most prestigious agencies. Who better to help you fi nd
your dream home?
Buying the
perfect property
Lcoming onto the market in France.
the same story across the country.
Graham Downie
is Special Projects
Director at Leggett
Immobilier International.