Contact: Edwin Cottey B.A.,N.P. Solicitor & Estate Agent.
Tel. 0033 (0) 494 997200 Fax: 0033 (0) 494 997201
E-mail: info@ejcfrenchproperty.com

Buying Property in France

Buying a house in France is different from buying in England in that a binding contract is entered into at an early stage. While this means that the problem of gazzumping does not exist, it also means that care must be taken when lodging an offer. It must also be remembered that properties are often placed with several agencies at the same time. This means that once you have made up your mind to buy, you should not waste time in signing a contract since another agency may have a client who is similarly minded.

Legal Expenses

The add-on costs are greater than in Britain but are coming down. Whereas three or four years ago you would have to add about 10% or 11% to the price for legal expenses, today between 6% and 7% is sufficient. Unlike Britain, legal expenses are borne solely by the purchaser. The seller is of course responsible for the agent's commission which is included in the selling price of the property.

Edwin J. Cottey B.A., N.P.  Solicitor & Estate Agent. Carte Professionnelle No. 3873 – Prefecture du Var
Member of the Law Society of Scotland. Member of the Franco-British Lawyers Society