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 try and avoid the agents as, as we have
said, there's the Notaire to oversee fair play and to weed
out cheats. 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 its 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 |
