Welcome to AFRANCE.com

Here you will find listed properties and land for sale by owners. You deal direct with the owner and negotiate your own purchase. 

Whilst many people prefer to work through the French equivalent of an Estate Agency to purchase their property there is a growing tendency for people to do their own research and buy direct. This way they do make savings to the extent of the commissions the Immoblier (French Estate Agent), would load onto the price asked by the owner. 

The majority of Immoblier we have come into contact with do provide a fair and reasonable service however the fees charged can be as high as 8% of the purchase price shown in the property literature. The service we offer costs you the buyer nothing at all but you are advised to use professional help prior to confirming any purchase. Simply select the items you are interested in and click your way through the information provided by the owner.

SOME PRACTICAL ADVICE 

The person whom you have to engage to complete the purchase of any property is called a Notaire, (a French property lawyer)

A Notaire acts as an intermediary for both parties during a French property transaction. As an independent official, his main duty of care is to ensure that the documents transferring ownership of the property are in order, and to collect taxes on behalf of the French government.  

The Notaire acts on behalf of the seller and the buyer. You do not have to engage the same Notaire as the person you are buying from.

It is adviseable to identify a Notaire who either speaks your native language or is able to provide a translation service at no extra cost to you. Never sign any document without your Notaire explaining the document in full and the implications of signing the document. 

If you do use a French Estate Agent be sure to obtain all charges and additional costs in writing. 

Obtain a report from a qualified surveyor. (Amazing how many people don't bother). 

Be sure to check out the local taxes and find out just how much they are currently for any property you intend to purchase. Also do the same with the heating and lighting costs as these can be significant. 

If you find an area you are particularly drawn to it is always a good idea to call into the local Marie and ask about the area. If you are buying to let, speak to other owners in the area about the rental markets. If you are buying an existing French rental business, make sure you see at least two years certified books. 

Obtain estimates from properly registered French builders and artisans for any building work before you sign anything. Never be tempted to employ anyone who is not fully registered with the French authorities. their quotes may be much cheaper but you will have no come back if things go wrong and you could even find yourself in trouble with the authorities if you employ people 'on the black'. 

Obtain an up-to-date registered plan or plan cadastral of the property, showing the extent and boundaries of the property. Check whether planning permission (permis de construire) or some other consent was required and obtained for any construction or change to the outside of the property and the installation of swimming pools and septic tanks. In some cases, planning permission is also required for internal works. 

The property may be a historic monument or in a classified area. If so, it may be an offence to make any alterations or improvements without first obtaining the correct permissions. Don't do anything that you would not do at home. You are buying in a foreign country, with different laws.