Buying a property
The French property market is not as dynamic as in Britain and homes generally change hands less frequently, partly because the French are very attached to their homes and are not easily persuaded to change, and partly because, as will be seen, buying and selling property is an expensive business.
Having located the property you want to buy and agreed the price, you will be asked to sign a preliminary contract (compromis or promesse de vente).
The basic principles for buying an apartment are the same as for buying a house. Apartment buildings are divided vertically and horizontally into units and it is quite normal to buy the freehold of an apartment.
In the full Moving to France helpguide, we explain:
- Buying and renting
- Where to find property ads
- Signing a preliminary contract
- Hiring a notaire
- Putting down a deposit
- The legal costs
- Capital gains tax liability
- Buying a flat in a shared property
Download the guide as a PDF now from this link
…or ask a question about this topic in the comment box below.
I have recently purchased an apartment in France as a second/holiday home. I had no problems with the legal side of things, but could you please say if it is the Notary’s duty to advise the Mairie of the transaction? I have not received any bills (either at my U.K or French address) for the 2012 Local taxes. Should I have registered the change of ownership or does the Notary send a copy of the ‘attestation’ to the authorities?
regards
andrew smith
[Reply]
Moving to France editor Reply:
January 11th, 2012 at 10:36 am
Hello Andrew,
Local taxes for 2012 (based on your home address on January 1) are not sent out until the autumn and are based on the address you provide in your income tax return, which is filed around May – so it is perfectly normal that you have not received a bill for 2012 taxes yet. I’ve forwarded your question about the notaire’s duty to one of our experts and will let you know what they come back with.
[Reply]
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