What do I Look for when buying a Property in France Or buying a house anywhere - or I suppose buying anything really - this is the ultimate "ball of string" question. From the correspondence I receive, the description of the house most desired in France seems to be a traditional stone farmhouse or cottage, on the outskirts of a classic and charming village, with a little land, perhaps enough for a horse and with a view across the adjacent vineyards and hills, ideally with the sea or a (...) > continue

Group purchase of a property in France requires careful consideration, as the French inheritance laws are designed to ensure that all ownership of real estate is divided amongst family members to stric, fixed rules. Property cannot be left at the owner’s discretion. This makes it hazardous to enter into informal group ownership arrangements, for example with a nominee owner acting for the other members. The usual way to solve this problem is by forming a specific form of French company (...) > continue

Buying property in France is simple and straightforward, but there are important differences in the laws of France and of other countries which you may not be familiar with. These notes are taken from the official website of the Notaires of France. Every property sale must be dealt with by a Notaire who is responsible for ensuring the correct taxes and fees are paid. The Notaire is not acting for either the buyer or seller and it is often advisable to get independent advice. When the (...) > continue

French administrative formalities are bound up in "red tape", and a property transaction is no exception. However, the system is in many ways better and safer than that applying in most other countries, including England, and "gazumping", for example, is extremely rare since, once a sale has been agreed, the parties are tied by a pre-contract. All normal property transactions must pass through a "notaire" (notary) who is the only person who can make the title searches and obtain certain (...) > continue

It is generally not difficult to obtain a mortgage to purchase a property in France and your Coast & Country representative will be able to give you advice. However, there are certain things a potential buyer needs to know. Firstly, when you sign the “compromis de vente” (or the reservation contract for an off plan purchase) you must have already decided whether or not you are going to take out a mortgage because if not, you will be asked to write out a sentence on the contract in (...) > continue

Real estate in France is a tricky business. > continue