The lane
Image by RichardBarley via Flickr

Interested in organising a trip to France to buy a property? This is a big decision buying a property in a foreign country – even buying a property in your own country is stressful. So before buying tickets to France, what should I consider to make the trip a success?

1) Know your budget : if you need finance, then investigate whether you will be able to get a Euro French mortgage. Are you looking for a cheap renovation project? Then a mortgage may be very difficult to secure!

2) Know the area that you are interested in – check the weather, travel access (roads, airports, TGV), landscapes, culture, schools (for your children: do you want to be near an international school?).  Do your research on the internet, check forums, check out videos about France.

3) Contact estate agents (Immobilier) before you travel – develop a relationship with the agent: do they speak English, do they understand your budget and property criteria, can they help with builders, organising utility bills, etc.

4) Understand the French buying process – for example, once you sign the compromis de vente you are committed to buying the property!

5) If you are staying in France for some time, and plan to stay until you find something – then take your passport, birth and marriage certificates (and details on any divorces!), access to about 10% of purchase price.

6) Do not try to view too many properties in one day – France is a large country and foreigners often miscalculate travel times. Do you have access to a Sat Nav? Or download route maps/ travel times from say mappy.fr

7) Be aware that the French Estate agents will take their lunch between 12 and 2 – do NOT expect them to be available during lunch. Remember you are buying into this lifestyle! It is one of the attractions of France

8) Take your mobile phone with you; get the telephone numbers of the estate agents before you travel so that you can contact them if you get lost or cannot find them!

9) Try to avoid July and August. France goes on vacation in these months. Some Estate agents close or only have skeleton staff; some vendors go on holiday and access is restricted to their properties. The roads can be very busy, and the weather very hot (especially in the South).

10) Try to chose properties to visit before you depart. Check out good sites like 1st for French Property who can help you arrange viewings and book appointments. Check prices before you go – there are great regional variations – France Price Map

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