bottomed out. We don't expect
any dramatic increases in value
- unless in real property hot
spots like Paris or the South of
France - like those witnessed in
the UK over the last few years.
Just because property values
are rising in your neighbourhood, it doesn't necessarily
mean they're rising in the part
of France you have chosen. And
should they increase, it will not
be at the same rate. So do your
homework. Come and talk to
us or drop us an email - we're
always happy to advise.
ADVICE YOU CAN TRUST
Do obtain professional assistance
when buying. It's unlikely
you're familiar with the details
of French real estate law. We
have an obligation to keep you
properly informed about the
process of your purchase and
help you avoid any potential
pitfalls. Leggett is the only real
estate company in France with
their own in-house legal team
and notaire. We explain all the
sale and purchase agreements
in plain English.
It's important to establish
the legal status of exactly who
LEGGETT IMMOBILIER - LOCAL KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN TRUST
is buying the property before
you sign. If you're an unmarried
couple, you might consider
buying on a joint basis. If you
are married and wish your surviving spouse to inherit all your
estate, you will probably need
to adopt a French marriage
contract or buy 'en tontine.'
Unrelated groups of people
should consider establishing
a property company. We can
put you in touch with specialist
legal and tax advisors.
MAKING AN OFFER
When you've found the house
that meets most of your criteria,
it's time to make an offer. Once
the purchase price has been
agreed, a 'compromis de vente'
is drawn up. You then have a
seven-day cooling-off period.
The sale proceeds through a notaire.
You can share the notaire
with the vendor or appoint your
own - in either case the notary
costs will be the same.
Mortgages are comparatively
cheap in France and can
offer some tax advantages if
you are permanently relocating.
Should you require a mortgage
to buy the property, this will be
inserted as a conditional clause
in the contract.
At this stage you will
be required to pay a deposit,
usually 10 percent of the purchase price.
The buying process
continues through the notaire
and usually takes 3-4 months -
although this could be longer in
the summer.
COMPLETION
When the day of completion
finally arrives, make sure your
monies are deposited with the
notaire several days beforehand. This will ensure
the sale
goes through smoothly. Should
you have overpaid, the balance
will be refunded. Visit the property to ensure
all is as it should
be - particularly the fixtures
and fittings - and the sale can
proceed.
A FINAL WORD...
If you do your research and
take professional advice, the
purchase of your dream home
should be a simple process!
For more information on buying
a house in France contact our call
centre team at info@leggett.frttp://leggett.fr" target="_blank" title="Visit leggett.fr">leggett.fr
or visit www.leggettfrance.com
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