When buying a home in France many start their research online. There are literally thousands of websites, advertising homes for sale in France, most of them, with an English language format. You will soon discover that prices vary greatly, from area to area.
Most of the websites are french estate agents (Immobilier) and they can charge you up to 10% of the purchase price of the home. You can also find lots of websites offering properties for sale “privately”, by their owners thus eliminating the estate agents fees.
When you have selected a property to to purchase, you then go to a local notaire (solicitor of sorts), pay a 10% deposit and sign a contract stating you wish to purchase the property, however, you and the seller (vendor) have up to seven days to change your mind, for no particular reason, and withdraw from the contract. After seven days the wheels start turning and in about two months, you pay the remainder of the money. The notaire will charge you 3 to 10% (of the purchase price) this will depend on price, age and type of property, that’s it, no big deal.
When buying, if it’s a holiday home you’re after, bear in mind when you’ll be using it. If it’s only for the summer months then all parts of France will suffice, as the summers are at least warm, if not hot, everywhere.
If you expect family, or friends, to visit your home in France, you may not have enough room to put them up, so a b
About the author of this article:
john keating is an international real estate and travel writer. he is also a consultant with leading real estate and travel websites. find out more about france, and the the top worldwide places to live in, or travel to, visit: http://www.propertysearchnow.com
