If you intend to buy real estate in France be warned it is a complicated process and this process is made even more complicated if you don’t speak or read the French language.
Fortunately, if you are English speaking we are here to help you buy French real estate with as little stress as possible.
Pre-French Real Estate Shopping Steps
Now before you seek out your dream apartment or villa in France it is a smart idea to take a few very important steps:
One
Confirm Your Budget
Make sure you know how much you wish to buy that is affordable to you because your budget will often help decide the locations you can afford. A key point is to make sure you can purchase this dream property without the need to rent it out to sustain the financing since you may not be able to rent your property in France. NOTE: You may be surprised how affordable places like Cannes in the South of France are so don’t give up before you start.
Two
Confirm how you will finance the property: Cash or Credit
If you are able to buy with all cash you will avoid the challenges of obtaining finance to purchase a property in France. You will still need a French bank account to pay for utilities.
If you will need financing that is credit it is best to find a English speaking French mortage broker to help you find out if you can get financing to buy in France before you start looking because you may be able to get financing in your home country but not in France.
Three
Be aware of the Minimum Deposit
The deposit you will need to have available when you make an offer in France is typically 10 percent of the purchase price. Remember as well you will have Notary Fees to pay that are not a small amount.
Four
Consider Monthly and Annual Charges
What you spend each month on your French real estate can vary with the monthly charges and the annual fees related to having a property in France.
As a starting point start learn more by getting the below eGuide.
Check out our 110 Tips French real estate buyer’s guide for more guidance
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”