Dream Properties Dordogne

Your French house purchase – the procedure

The whole procedure takes about three months from offer to final signature, but can be longer if planning permission is required and if a mortgage is involved. The following is an outline of the procedure, there may be differences in your case:

1. The buyer makes an offer after viewing the property, through the agent.
2. The vendor gives written acceptance of the offer to the agent. The agent informs the buyer and should give an outline of the procedure and payments due.
3. The buyer should arrange the currency transfers through a currency dealer.
4. The reports for lead, asbestos and termites are ordered – these usually take several days to prepare.
5. The Compromis is drawn up and sent to the Vendor for signature, then to the buyer.
6. The buyer signs the Compromis and annexed documents and returns these to the agent.
7. The agent then sends a copy of the signed compromis to the buyer who has seven days of reflection during which he may withdraw from the purchase without penalty.
8. The buyer pays the deposit on the seventh day into Notaire’s account, normally 10% of the asking price. NB there is a time limit which must be adhered to.
9. The signed Compromis, Expertises and Recepisse are sent to the notaire who starts his searches – normally takes 2 months.
10. Request for planning permission or notification of property’s status lodged with Mairie – normally takes from one to two months.
11. The buyer applies for his mortgage, and notifies the agent  when agreement  is obtained.  NB. Time limit for obtaining mortgage must be adhered to.
12. The agent obtains planning decision and tells notaire, vendor and buyer.
13. Buyer's legal advisor will liaise with agent and notaire and instruct about any inheritance requirements.
14. Notaire informs agent and buyer of remaining amount to be paid.
15. Buyer pays the balance due and agent informs you when told by notaire of its receipt.
16. Final signing date for the Acte de Vente  is agreed.  NB. Usually this is by the date set in compromis.
17. Power of attorney has to be arranged for any signatory who will be absent.
18. Signing takes place in the notaire’s office.  Our agent will be present to help translate and explain. You will be given the keys and become the owner.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive, but can be used as a guide.