Checklist for purchasing a property in France - what to watch out for
James Mansfield, Friday, 13 December 2019
Where do you want to live?
By the sea, in a small village, a city, or somewhere remote in the countryside? Near a highway, airport, or port? On the coast or inland? Do you want to be able to shop nearby? Should the shops be within walking distance, or do you mind driving a bit? Do you need a fast internet connection? Do you want to live near the border with Italy or Spain?
Budget, renovation, and maintenance costs
What is your budget? If the property needs renovation, include this in your budget. Also, make an overview of the maintenance costs.
What climate are you looking for?
On the Atlantic coast, you’ll find a temperate climate with mild, wet winters and cool summers, and of course, lots of wind. In the east and central parts of France, there is a continental climate with warm summers, cold winters with rain and snow. The Mediterranean coast, the Méditerranée, has hot, dry summers and mild winters with rainfall. In mountainous areas, it can get very cold in winter. See this article on winterizing your holiday home .
On you can find lots of information about the climate by region: maximum and minimum temperatures, average temperature compared to normal, rainfall, and hours of sunshine.
What kind of house are you looking for?
A house to live in permanently in France or a second home for vacations? Perhaps you only want to buy a property as an investment to generate income, or you’re considering renting out your holiday home to tourists.
Condition of the property?
Do you mind rolling up your sleeves and doing some renovation work yourself, or do you want to move in immediately?
Visit several regions
Try out several regions. For example, rent a house for a while to get a feel for the area. Gather as much information as possible. Each region has its own characteristics, and in some regions, property prices are very low.
Once you've found a property, list all the pros and cons of the property. What are the “must-haves” and which things are less important to you?
Ask questions about the area, the property, and its history. A good real estate agent should be able to answer all these questions.
Always view the property yourself. Never buy a property based on photos on the internet.
How will you finance the purchase of the property? Do you need a mortgage? Request several mortgage quotes and compare them carefully.
Take your time. Don’t rush. Look at the property with a clear and objective mind before making a decision.
At the moment, the French real estate market is a buyer’s market. You can make an offer well below the asking price. If the property also needs renovation, you can go even lower. The money you save can be put toward the renovation.
Once you’ve found an estate agent, make it clear what type of property you are looking for so you don’t waste time viewing the wrong ones. Provide the agent with a list of all the features your future property should have. And when you find a property, visit it several times.
Seek independent advice.
It’s also a good idea to have the property inspected by an expert.
Where do you want to live?
By the sea, in a small village, a city, or somewhere remote in the countryside? Near a highway, airport, or port? On the coast or inland? Do you want to be able to shop nearby? Should the shops be within walking distance, or do you mind driving a bit? Do you need a fast internet connection? Do you want to live near the border with Italy or Spain?
Budget, renovation, and maintenance costs
What is your budget? If the property needs renovation, include this in your budget. Also, make an overview of the maintenance costs.
What climate are you looking for?
On the Atlantic coast, you’ll find a temperate climate with mild, wet winters and cool summers, and of course, lots of wind. In the east and central parts of France, there is a continental climate with warm summers, cold winters with rain and snow. The Mediterranean coast, the Méditerranée, has hot, dry summers and mild winters with rainfall. In mountainous areas, it can get very cold in winter. See this article on winterizing your holiday home .
On you can find lots of information about the climate by region: maximum and minimum temperatures, average temperature compared to normal, rainfall, and hours of sunshine.
What kind of house are you looking for?
A house to live in permanently in France or a second home for vacations? Perhaps you only want to buy a property as an investment to generate income, or you’re considering renting out your holiday home to tourists.
Condition of the property?
Do you mind rolling up your sleeves and doing some renovation work yourself, or do you want to move in immediately?
Visit several regions
Try out several regions. For example, rent a house for a while to get a feel for the area. Gather as much information as possible. Each region has its own characteristics, and in some regions, property prices are very low.
Once you've found a property, list all the pros and cons of the property. What are the “must-haves” and which things are less important to you?
Ask questions about the area, the property, and its history. A good real estate agent should be able to answer all these questions.
Always view the property yourself. Never buy a property based on photos on the internet.
How will you finance the purchase of the property? Do you need a mortgage? Request several mortgage quotes and compare them carefully.
Take your time. Don’t rush. Look at the property with a clear and objective mind before making a decision.
At the moment, the French real estate market is a buyer’s market. You can make an offer well below the asking price. If the property also needs renovation, you can go even lower. The money you save can be put toward the renovation.
Once you’ve found an estate agent, make it clear what type of property you are looking for so you don’t waste time viewing the wrong ones. Provide the agent with a list of all the features your future property should have. And when you find a property, visit it several times.
Seek independent advice.
It’s also a good idea to have the property inspected by an expert.
Looking for a holiday home in France? Advertisements from private individuals and real estate agents throughout France. Farmhouses and cottages in Burgundy, Aquitaine, Auvergne, and Lower Normandy.
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