Advice issued regarding French property purchases

Posted 05/12/2011

Advice has been issued to those who are thinking of buying a house in France but are not sure how the process may differ to the one in the UK.According to Justin Postlethwaite, editor of information resource FrenchEntree.com, a UK-based solicitor must be contacted by the buyer as soon as they have decided on the property they want to move for.They will then get in touch with the French notaire to complete the purchase of the home.Mr Postlethwaite said: “The notaire will then draft a compromis de vente (sales agreement) – with a seven day cooling off period – and add any necessary clauses suspensives – conditional clauses – that will protect your interests.”He also told those who are in this position not to sign any contracts unless they have been explained in full detail.Niclas Dowlatshahi, managing director at Leapfrog-properties.com, recently recommended people take legal advice before moving forward with any plans to buy a home in France, due to recent changes in legislation.