It normally takes about 2-3 months to complete a French property purchase. Once you have found the chalet or apartment of your dreams and signed a « lettre d’intention d’achat » (letter of intention to purchase), there are the following stages :
Stage 1 :
Signature of a preliminary contract of sale, COMPROMIS DE VENTE.
We draft this for you at the agency and after you sign it we will send it to the seller for signature.
Stage 2 :
Once both parties have signed the document, a copy will be sent to you by registered mail. You will then, according to SRU law, have a cooling-off period of ten days from the date on which you receive the document.
Stage 3 :
After this cooling-off period if you still want to go ahead, we will ask you to send a 5% deposit to the lawyer handling the transaction.
Stage 4 :
You will then need to arrange your financing. If necessary we can help with introductions to the banks or financial institutions we work with, to find the best mortgage and/or currency exchange offers.
Stage 5 :
Once the funds have been released by your bank, the final sale document (ACTE DE VENTE) is signed in the lawyer’s office. If you can’t be there for the meeting, the lawyer will send you a proxy form allowing him to complete the transaction on your behalf.
Once this document is signed, the property is yours to enjoy.
Stage 6 :
A glass of champagne is called for !