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What first-time buyers need to know about French property law
May 21 @ 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm BST
Missed this one? The full recording is available to watch on YouTube – or read on for the key takeaways.
French-qualified avocat Hervé Blatry from Tees Law joined us to break down the French property purchase process for first-time buyers. Here’s what we covered.
The role of the notaire
One of the biggest surprises for UK buyers is how central the notaire is to a French property transaction. Unlike a solicitor, a notaire is a state-appointed public official – they don’t represent either party, but act impartially to ensure the transaction is legally sound.
Their responsibilities cover everything from drafting and authenticating the sale contract to conducting title checks, verifying planning permissions and registering the transaction with the French Land Registry. The good news: you can appoint your own notaire at no extra cost, as the fees are shared between them.
The key stages of buying in France
The process follows a clear legal pathway, and knowing what to expect at each stage makes it far less daunting.
It begins with a formal written offer (offre d’achat). Once accepted, both parties sign the compromis de vente – a preliminary contract that sets out the agreed price, conditions and completion timeline. Buyers then have a 10-day cooling-off period during which they can withdraw without penalty.
From there, the notaire carries out legal due diligence before both parties sign the final deed of sale (acte de vente). Ownership is then officially registered and the keys change hands. The whole process typically takes eight to 12 weeks, though delays do happen – early preparation helps significantly.
The compromis de vente: why it matters
The compromis de vente carries real legal weight, so it’s worth understanding exactly what you’re signing. It confirms the agreed price, sets out the conditions that must be met before completion and legally binds both parties – subject to those conditions, which can include securing a mortgage.
It’s also accompanied by mandatory property diagnostic reports covering everything from asbestos and lead to energy performance. A bilingual legal expert who understands both French law and your home jurisdiction is worth their weight here.
What due diligence actually covers
The notaire carries out extensive checks on the property, but buyers shouldn’t rely on that alone. Legal due diligence in France covers ownership and title verification, existing mortgages or charges, planning permissions and zoning, boundaries and rights of way, and the full suite of property diagnostics.
It’s also worth thinking beyond the transaction itself. How the property fits into your longer-term estate planning – particularly given France’s forced heirship rules – is something to consider before you reach completion, not after.
Common pitfalls to avoid
The experts at Tees flagged a handful of issues that catch first-time buyers out:
- Underestimating the additional costs involved. Budget for around 7-8% on top of the purchase price for resale properties, covering notaire fees, taxes and other charges
- Missing mortgage approval deadlines within the compromis
- Overlooking inheritance implications under French forced heirship rules
- Failing to plan for currency fluctuation between offer and completion. Getting legal advice before signing anything – and planning your currency transfers early – goes a long way to avoiding these.
What should I do next?
If you’re considering buying in France, Tees Law specialises in supporting international buyers through every stage of the process, from contract review and due diligence to cross-border tax and inheritance planning. Their team includes French-qualified avocat Hervé Blatry.
Tees is a legal and financial advisory firm that has been helping clients buy and sell French property for over 20 years. Led by French-qualified avocat Hervé Blatry, their dedicated French legal team guides buyers through every stage of the purchase process – from contracts and legal checks to wills and inheritance planning.
