Bespoke Property Search Service for People Buying Homes Abroad

Recent Testimonials

I have had dealings with CBI for some time and have been impressed with the quality of services offered. Of note is the professionalism and attention to detail yet with a personal touch. All in all giving one confidence to build an on-going relationship based on a thorough understanding of customer requirements.

Dr A R Grinham
Director
AFF LTD

Property Search Agents in France

Cavendish Brooke covers most areas of France but we specialise in sourcing luxury properties on the Cote d'Azur, including Monaco and Provence. We have many years of experience in these regions and have chosen to specialise here as these are the areas of France that we know best and those that our clients most frequently ask us for.

As property finders we are not tax or legal specialists but here is a brief outline of the buying process in France and things to budget for when thinking about purchasing your property here:

Some interesting facts about France

  • One of the 6 founder members of the EEC, precursor to the European Union
  • Largest Western European country
  • Capital = Paris
  • 90% Roman Catholic, 3% Muslim, 1% Jewish
  • French is also the official language of the Olympics and organisations such as the United Nations and the International Red Cross
  • Currency = Euro (EUR)
  • The air route from Paris to London is the busiest in the world
  • Time = GMT + 1

Climate and Healthcare

France has four main types of climate ranging from Mediterranean in the South to cold snowy winters in the Pyrenees and Alps. Most of France enjoys hot summers. The North and North-west regions are generally cooler with rain being more frequent. The Rhone Valley areas experience the Mistral wind. This is a very strong cold wind which blows only when the sky is very clear. It can reach speeds of up to 100kph and can cause depression in those experiencing it.

In 2000 the World Health Organisation placed France as number one in the world in the provision of healthcare to her citizens. UK citizens qualify for emergency medical treatment on the same terms as French nationals via the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which replaced the E111 form in January 2006. You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is available free of charge through most United Kingdom post offices or through the UK Department of Health via their website at: www.dh.gov.uk or by telephoning 0800 555 7777 and obtaining their leaflet "Health Advice for Travellers". You will not be covered for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. It is thus advisable to have travel insurance.

Visas and Documentation

British citizens do not need visas to enter France but must have a valid passport. UK Driving Licences are accepted.

The Buying Process

The buying process in France is divided into two main stages.

STAGE 1 - During the first stage there are various types of Preliminary Contract e.g. the 'contrat de vente sous conditions suspensives' or 'compromise de vente' or 'promesse de vente'. These may be prepared by either a Notary (notaire) or an Estate Agent. The Preliminary contract is a binding agreement between the two parties.

The process is subject to certain conditions, known as 'conditions suspensives' or 'clauses suspensives'. These state the conditions by which the contract becomes binding e.g. mortgages and timings. On signature of this document a deposit of typically 10% is paid. French law offers a 7 day cooling off period.

STAGE 2 – The second stage is the signing of the formal deed of sale or 'act de vente', which is the title deed proving ownership of the property and providing a detailed description. This is prepared by the Notaire.

There is typically a 10 to 12 week difference between receipt of these documents. You then pay your taxes and fees after which the deed of sale is registered at the land registry.

The unique role of the Notary
Notaries in France enjoy a very privileged position and are very influential in the buying process. They enjoy a monopoly regarding property transactions in a particular area. One Notaire can act on behalf of both parties. They are responsible for many important parts of the process including: title and registration, identification, ownership, searching the land registry, reports, planning certificates and more.

Tax and Legal

The French taxation system can be complex and difficult. We at Cavendish Brooke International are not tax experts, however, we will be happy to introduce you to professionals who will be delighted to assist you and answer any questions you may have on this subject. The information below is offered merely as helpful notes and we strongly recommend you employ the services of professional tax advisors.

Some areas to consider when you are looking to purchase a property in France may be:

  • Income tax and Social Taxes
  • Healthcare contributions
  • Capital Gains Tax
  • Wealth Tax
  • Inheritance tax

The French legal system is very different to the English system. However, provided that you make the necessary enquiries and checks, you should have no concerns about buying in France. To avoid complications and pitfalls, we strongly recommend that you employ Independent legal advice. We will be very happy to put you in contact with a panel of lawyers who are totally independent of any estate agents or developers.

Costs

It would be wise to assume costs of 10-15% of the purchase price of he property when buying in France.