House-hunting in
Languedoc
Buying
property in France is no more hazardous an affair than in
the UK or other european countries. In fact, it's slightly
safer in the sense that all conveyancing is handled by State-registered
Notaires who work for fixed fees and are bound by the law
to act impartially.
What
is really different in France, though, is the fact that estate
agents tend to charge much more in terms of commission than
their UK counterparts. Up to 7% of the purchase price lines
their pockets once the deal is signed - and often it's for
precious little work.
So
our advice is to work only with serious English-speaking
agents who are charging reasonable commissions: these should
be no more than 4%. How do you find out? Just ask the agent!
If they can't or won't answer the question then have nothing
to do with them. It's a good way of weeding out the shysters.
One
of the best ways to find the property of your dreams is
to just
drive
around
until
you
find a region
you really like. Start exploring the villages and byways,
taking pictures of the houses you like. You'll soon start
seeing 'FOR SALE' notices. Then check with the local
Notaire's office. Notaires often advertise property on their
books
... and it's commission free. Even Mairies in each tiny
village
will be happy to let you know of property for sale in
the commune.
There's
one website we like that lists these sorts of property: found
at the side of the road, on supermarket noticeboards or in
freebee newspapers:
CHEAP
FRENCH PROPERTY
and
one agent
GITES
FOR SALE FRANCE who deal exclusively with the sale of gites,
gite complexes and Bed and Breakfasts. |
