For all French properties, the local agents are members of a regulated professional association such as FNAIM, SNPI or UNPI.
The Estate Agent's fees are included in the prices mentionned on our French properties website and also in the offices of our local agents by the letters "FAI".
More or less 1% on your net French property purchase price, often shared with the seller
or "Droits d'Enregistrement" : around 5.10% of your net purchase price
A Preliminary Contract or "Compromis de Vente" is signed at the estate agent's or notary's office. This agreement is subject to "conditions suspensives" for example: the obtaining of a mortgage, planning permission etc. The estate agent will explain in detail the importance and contents of this document.
A deposit must be made on signature of the Preliminary Contract at the estate agent or the notary, usually 10% of the net purchase price.
You have 7 days cooling-off period to cancel the Preliminary Contract without a penalty. After this period the "Compromis de Vente" becomes binding on both parties, you and the vendor.
Deed of sale or "Acte de Vente": this official document prepared by a notary completes your purchase.
The balance of the French property purchase price plus notary fees, Land Registry fees, taxes etc. must be paid on signature of the Deed of sale.
