Buying and selling French real estate – some frequently asked questions

esrea france

Are you thinking of moving to France or moving to another part of France or are you leaving France?
You may have questions that are important to ask before you depart on your next French real estate adventure. Below are some recent questions we heard.

Is the French real estate buying and selling process simple?

Some people say yes, we would say this would depend on your current experience of real estate. People who come from the USA or Canada find that the lack of information available for values in France is really annoying and can lead to a big selling or buying pricing mistake.

In addition with many properties for sale directly with French property owners, how can you figure our the value of the property or even now how long it has been on the market when it is for sale privately?

The complex nature of valuing a French property is one of the many reasons that it can be very valuable to have an experienced French real estate agent helping you. Remember don’t just choose your real estate agent because they can speak English make sure they have long term experience in the industry as well and they are able to speak French to deal with all the homeowners and agents and notaries who do not speak English.

When should I speak first to a French notary?

Make sure you have a conversation with an English speaking French notary before you start searching for property so you understand the process, when you will need to supply funds etc.

What is the most common error that first time French property buyer’s make?
From what people tell us, it is underestimateing costs. Everything from the cost of the notaries fees, moving fees, real estate agent fees, renovation fees and fees for upgrades the home needs once you move in.

What is the second most common error?
Many people do not get their home inspected for condition in France, this is not just foreigners, this also applies to locals and when you do not have a professional inspect the home you may have a problem such as with the roof that you could have asked the prior owner to fix prior to purchase.

Note: If you are planning on getting an home inspector and you want one who speaks English make sure you have found one to assist you before you find your dream home since many have to be booked weeks in advance and if you call an inspector on Monday when you have to sign the documents asap that week, you may not have the opportunity to have an inspector.

Learn more about buying real estate in France in our French real estate buyer’s guide that offer you 110 tips on various tops related to French real estate buying. Details here. 

Before you request the free ebook below read what people are saying about ESREA France – some examples:

Cynthia Sadler wrote ” I am so grateful to you for your help, and I have already spoken to friends who are planning to retire in France after their children graduate from college in 5 or 6 years, letting them know about the wonderful support that ESREA France will be able to provide when they start looking for a house to buy. You can be sure that I’ll be referring other friends who are thinking about relocation possibilities to you as I learn of that interest!I”  

Tanya Coletz wrote “I can’t recommend David enough, such a refreshing experience after months of trying to find suitable professionals myself he managed to find English speaking, qualified and responsive recommendations immediately. He also responded to my emails on a French holiday and followed through on every promise at a very reasonable price. I’m very grateful for his help and highly recommend his professional service”

Below you can get your free introduction ebook about French real estate mistakes to avoid

Get your FREE copy today

Request below via the sign up form. Just scroll down, add your email and click Subscribe

This request also entitles you to our biweekly ezine and you can unsubscribe anytime.

Free eGuide 10 Mistakes to Avoid when Buying French property

* indicates required



Note: Details on our 110 Tip electronic French real estate buyer’s guide plus checklists is here.