Quick Guide to buying a property in France

Here’s an overview of how the French property purchase process works in France

6 Jul 2021

Begin by finding out how much you are eligible to borrow. To do this, complete our Eligibility Checker and Quote form and submit your details to one of our specialist French Consultants. They will provide you with a quotation illustrating the most suitable products available as well as confirming the documentation you will be required to submit when making a formal application.
Once you have chosen a mortgage product, you can instruct us to obtain an Agreement in Principle on your behalf. At this stage, you will be appointed a dedicated Consultant, fluent in French and with the expertise to guide you through the process.
Next, you will need to complete the lender’s mortgage application form, which we will have sent you, and return it to us along with the documentation required to support your application. On receipt of this we will underwrite your file and submit it to the lender for a special fast-track service.
Once we have obtained an approval, if you haven’t already you can go to France to find a suitable property that meets your budget.
When you find a suitable property, you may sign a sales agreement (Compromis de Vente) and transfer the deposit to secure the property. We will need to submit a signed copy of the sales agreement to the lender.
The lender will then instruct a valuation if necessary.
You will need to open a French bank account, and arrange buildings and life assurance. We are able to assist if required. You must also decide whether you plan to attend completion at the Notaire’s office or arrange a Power of Attorney.
The lender will issue a mortgage offer, sending a copy to you and your Notaire.
Your mortgage offer cannot be returned to the lender until a ‘cooling off’ period of eleven days has elapsed.
Once you have returned your signed offer to the lender, the Notaire can request the mortgage funds.
You will need to ensure you have transferred the balance to the Notaire.
Completion can now take place, and you can take ownership of your French property.