When you are buying a French property there are certain diagnostic reports attached to the contract of purchase and sale. In general as of this date these reports are as follows:
One
The measurement of surface of the French property according to the French legal measuring system for properties
Important note: at this time this is only required by law for French certain types of co-properties to be measured for their Loi Carrez. The loi carrez applies to apartments, commercial space and French houses in a residence (often called a domaine). If a house is in a housing development (lotissment) outside a domain the owner does not have to have the house legally measured. So buyers need to beware that a French house may not be the size its owners thinks it is. 
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Two
The test for the presence of asbestos in the French house or apartment you are buying. This test is obligatory for French buildings built before the first of July 1997.
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Three
The test for the presence of termites in the French house or apartment you are buying.
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Four
The test for lead (plomb) in the French house or apartment. Lead may be present for example in beautiful old window frames in a French home.
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Five
The test for the energy efficiency of a French apartment or home plus the presence of the emissions of gases. This is very valuable so you can estimate the cost of energy the French property will use each year.
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Six
The test for the presence of natural risks in the area the French property is located. Risk of flooding, earthquakes etc.
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Seven
The test for the gas system and its functionality and safety.
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Eight
The test of the condition of the Electrical system in the French apartment or house you are buying. Particularly, how it is related to current norms and standards and its level of safety.
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Nine
The test for the presence of Mérule which is referring to dry rot caused by a parasite that grows in a moist environment.
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Ten
If appropriate, you will need to get a report on the condition of the septic tank associated with your French property.
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Make sure you are current with all the details relating to diagnostics required during the sale of a French property. Contact your French Notary.
Date of Article June 2013 make sure you check with your English speaking French notary if there are additional reports you must get at the time you read this article since there are planned updates to the diagnostic reports.
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