Blog Archives

Some Do’s and Don’ts of Viewing Properties in France

Bonjour and welcome to the wonderful world of French property! Whether you’re seeking a charming gîte in the Dordogne or a chateau in the south of France, finding your dream home requires a bit of know-how, especially for our English-speaking friends. Here at Town & Country Property France, we specialise in guiding international buyers through the exciting (and sometimes bewildering) process of buying properties in France.

Here are some pre-viewing tips:

Plan Ahead: Appointments are essential in France. Don’t expect open houses! Contact an English-speaking agent well in advance, especially if your visit is time-limited.
Do Your Research: Know your budget, preferred region, and must-have features. France offers a diverse property landscape, from historic chateaux to modern apartments.
Be Prepared: France is a big country so plan you itinerary in advance. Over ambitious schedules can ruin a trip and waste your time.
Be Personally Ready: Dressing appropriately, meal and comfort breaks all need to be planned into your day.

Do:

Be Punctual: Politeness goes a long way. Arrive on time for your viewing, and notify your agent immediately if you’re running late.
Embrace the Checklist: Compile a list of questions about the property, local amenities, and potential renovation needs.
Ask Questions: There are no silly questions! A good agent will be happy to address any concerns you have.
Take Notes and Photos: Memories can fade, so jot down details and snap pictures to help you compare properties later.
Consider the Long Term: Think beyond today. Factor in potential renovation costs, ongoing maintenance, and property taxes.

Don’t:

Wing It: Spontaneous viewings are unlikely to work in France. Be prepared and organised.
Focus Solely on Looks: While charm is important, don’t be blinded by it! Check for structural integrity, roof condition, and for other issues.
Forget the Details: Pay attention to things like heating systems, insulation, and the overall layout.
Be Afraid to Negotiate: House prices in France aren’t always set in stone. However, be respectful and base your offer on a realistic valuation of the property.
Rush the Process: Finding the right property takes time. Don’t feel pressured to make an immediate decision.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What documents do I need to buy property in France? bring with you your passport, proof of domicile as well as proof of funds.
Can I haggle on the price? Negotiation is common, but do so within reason. Check with your agent.
What are the additional costs involved? Expect notary fees, property taxes, and agency fees.
What about renovations? Always consider renovation costs and potential permits needed.

Thinking of making your French property dream a reality? Contact the English-speaking professionals at Town & Country Property France today! We’ll guide you through every step of the viewing process and help you find your perfect French home.

A word from the wise: Embrace the cultural differences! Viewing properties in France can be a delightful adventure. Be prepared, ask questions, and most importantly, enjoy the process of discovering your French haven.

So you want to sell your property in France? This is an exciting journey, but understanding its value is crucial for making informed decisions. Town & Country Property France offers free verbal property estimations only.

Why Town & Country Property France Doesn’t Offer Written Property Valuations

You might be wondering why Town & Country Property France doesn’t provide written property valuations, even for a fee. Here’s a closer look at the reasons behind this policy:

Market Nuances: The French property market, especially for rural properties, can be complex. Factors like limited recent sales data and unique property characteristics make it challenging to provide precise and reliable written valuations. Town & Country Property France prioritises providing accurate and realistic market insights through our expertise and local knowledge.

Focus on Informed Decisions: Instead of relying solely on a single valuation, Town & Country Property France encourages comprehensive market research and open communication. We offer the following valuable resources to help you make informed decisions:

Market expertise: Our experienced team can share valuable insights into local market trends and comparable property sales.
Property inspection by agent: We personally visit your property, allowing us to assess the property’s condition, features, and potential first hand.

By understanding the market complexities and Town & Country Property France’s commitment to informed decision-making, you can appreciate our approach. Our focus lies in providing comprehensive guidance and support through every stage of your French property sale, empowering you to make confident choices based on all available information.

Who can provide written property valuations in France

While Town & Country Property France doesn’t offer written valuations, there are other options in France:

1. Experts Immobiliers (Independent Property Experts): These qualified professionals can offer detailed reports considering various factors influencing the property’s value. They are often used for legal purposes or for people with a property portfolio to manage or refinance. Their services are chargeable.

2. Notaires (Notaries): These legal professionals can provide official valuations, but these are typically used for legal purposes rather than general inquiries and may come at a cost.

3. Estate Agents: Some estate agents might offer written, preliminary valuations based on their experience and knowledge of the local market. These valuations should be used for general guidance only. Town & Country Property France offers free verbal estimations of your property.

It’s important to remember that no single valuation method guarantees absolute accuracy. Combining different approaches, like consulting an expert immobilier and researching comparable properties, can provide a more comprehensive picture of your property’s potential value.

The Charente, in France, offers a captivating blend of history, rolling vineyards, and idyllic countryside living. Nestled in the heart of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the Charente is a haven for those seeking a tranquil French lifestyle.

Types of Charente Property:

Whether you dream of a charming stone cottage nestled in a quaint village, a grand manor house steeped in history, or a contemporary villa overlooking vineyards, Charente property offers an abundance of choices.

Character Properties in Charente boasts a wealth of character properties, including restored country houses, converted mills, and traditional Charentaise longères.
Village and town houses in Charente includes charming hamlets, villages, and towns, perfect for embedding yourself in the French culture and way of life.
Rural Retreats: Those seeking a peaceful escape can find idyllic Charente country property in the surrounded by rolling hills, sunflower fields, and picturesque villages.

Lifestyle in Charente:

Beyond the beauty of Charente properties, the region itself offers a captivating lifestyle.

Rich History: Explore historic towns like Angoulême, Cognac, and Jarnac, each boasting medieaval architecture and fascinating museums.
Gastronomic Delights: Savour the region’s renowned cuisine, featuring fresh local produce, Cognac, and delicious Pineau des Charentes.
Outdoor Activities: Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Charente. Hike or bike through rolling countryside, explore the Charente River by canoe, or discover charming villages on scenic drives.

Town & Country Property France – Your Charente Property Experts:

At Town & Country Property France, we specialise in helping you find your dream Charente property. With our extensive knowledge of the region and its property market, we can guide you through the entire buying process, ensuring a smooth and successful experience.

Start your French property journey today. Contact Town & Country Property France to explore our portfolio of Charente properties.

Ensuring Transparency and Security: Why Photo ID is Required for Property Viewings at Town & Country Property France

At Town & Country Property France, we’re dedicated to providing a smooth and secure experience for both our clients and property owners. As part of this commitment, we require potential buyers to present photo identification before arranging property viewings or receiving detailed location information.

No ID = no viewing!

What to Expect:

When you express interest in viewing a property, a member of our friendly, English speaking team will contact you to discuss your requirements. We’ll ask you to present a valid form of photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s licence. This can be done easily through an online portal such as WhatsApp. Once verified, we’ll be happy to arrange a viewing at your convenience.

Here’s why this policy is in place:

Security for Property Owners: Vendors entrust us with showcasing their valuable assets, and requiring photo ID helps ensure viewings are conducted with genuine interest, and as a safeguard against potential criminal activity

Committed to a Positive Experience

At Town & Country Property France, we believe this verification process fosters a secure and productive environment for everyone involved. It allows us to prioritise the safety of our agents, vendors abd properties, ensure efficient use of your valuable time, and maintain transparency throughout your French property search.

We’re here to help you find your dream property in the beautiful French countryside. Contact us today to get started on your journey!

Loi Carrez: Getting the Right Measure of Your French Home

The Loi Carrez is used to calculate a precise measurement of a property’s habitable surface area, and is principally used in the sales of co-owned buildings (copropriété) such as apartments and condos. A vendor is obliged to supply this information to buyers.

What is Habitable Surface Area?

This specifically refers to the livable floor space within a property. Here’s the catch: not every nook and cranny counts towards your Loi Carrez measurement:

What’s Included: Rooms with ceilings higher than 1.8 metres (about 6 feet), such as living rooms, bedrooms, and finished basements.
What’s Excluded: Balconies, garages, attics (unless converted), stairwells, closets, and areas with very low ceilings.

Why Does Loi Carrez Matter?

Accurate Pricing: Ensures you’re paying a fair price per square metre, not for unusable space.
Comparison Tool: Lets you accurately compare different properties based on their actual liveable area.
Protection: If the listed surface area is significantly off, you have legal recourse to adjust the sale price.

Who Measures under Loi Carrez?

Don’t do it yourself, get the licenced professionals to calculate your surface habitable. These include:

Diagnosticians: Specialists in property assessments.
Surveyors: Offer the most precise measurements.

What Happens During the Measurement

The professional will:

Take Precise Measurements: Of each room with qualifying ceiling height.
Calculate: Total habitable surface area, often using specialised software.
Provide a Certificate: The official document stating the exact measurement.

Loi Carrez in the Buying Process

Mandatory for Copropriété: Sellers must include the Loi Carrez measurement in all property listings for co-owned buildings (like apartments & condos).
Validity: The certificate remains valid indefinitely unless significant structural changes are made.

Key Takeaways for Homebuyers

Demand the Measurement: Don’t just assume it’s available.
Accuracy is Key: Verify the certificate, especially if you have plans to convert unfinished spaces.
Price Impact: Understand how the habitable surface area relates to the asking price.

Don’t Get Shortchanged on Space

The Loi Carrez promotes fairness and transparency in the French real estate market. By understanding this vital measurement, you protect your investment and ensure you’re getting exactly what you pay for.

Let’s dive deeper into Loi Carrez’s detailed rules and how they impact houses and apartments.

Specific Exclusions for Loi Carrez Calculation

Beyond the basics, here’s a more granular look at what does NOT qualify as habitable surface area:

Walls & Partitions: The thickness of walls reduces the actual liveable space.
Stairwells & Doorways: The areas occupied by the stairs themselves and the space taken up by door swings are excluded.
Technical Areas: Space for boilers, water heaters, etc., even if within a room, aren’t counted.
Built-ins: Large, permanent features like fireplaces or non-removable closets eat into the measurement.
Areas under 1.8m Ceiling Height: Awkward nooks with very low ceilings (think sloped attic rooms) don’t count towards the total.

Loi Carrez: Apartments vs. Houses

Mandatory for Apartments: In co-owned buildings, the Loi Carrez measurement must be included in ALL listings and sale contracts to ensure buyers are fully informed.
Not usually needed for Houses: There may, however, be exceptions.

Why the Difference?

Apartments within the same building might have varying layouts and usable space despite having similar overall square footage. Loi Carrez gives a clear-cut metric for comparison, which is vital in dense co-owned properties.

Real-World Example

Imagine two 60 square metre apartments:

Apartment A: Spacious rooms, minimal closets, and built-in elements = 55 sq m of Loi Carrez habitable area.
Apartment B: More walls and built-in storage = Only 48 sq m of Loi Carrez habitable area.

While overall the same size, the livable space is vastly different, affecting their pricing.

Key Takeaways

Demand Precision: Ask for the Loi Carrez measurement.
Convert with Caution: If planning to modify a property, factor in that any additions might fall under Loi Carrez exclusions.
Protect Yourself: If the actual habitable space differs by more than 5% from the listed figure, you may have legal grounds to renegotiate the price, particularly with apartments.

Géorisques and ERP : Understanding Risk Reports in French Home Buying

France enjoys varied landscapes – mountains, coastlines, forests – but this beauty often comes alongside potential natural and technological risks. That’s why risk reports are an obligatory and crucial part of information required as part of the real estate process.

Why Géorisques and ERP Reports Matter

The Géorisques and ERP (état des risques et pollutions) reports provide vital information about a commune’s and a property’s potential risk of exposure to various natural and technological hazards, including:

Flooding: Risk from overflowing rivers, coastal flooding, etc.
Landslides and Ground Movement: Especially prevalent in mountainous or earthquake-prone regions and areas with clay soil.
Wildfires: A significant concern in some forested areas.
Industrial Risks: Proximity to factories or sites storing potentially hazardous materials.
Other Localised Risks: Like abandoned mines or radon gas presence.

When is a Géorisques and ERP Report Required?

The Géorisques report must be shared with buyers at the first viewing. It is freely available to access online. Sellers must provide the buyer with a similar report called the ERP report (it must be less than 6 months old). Your estate agent or notaire will know which reports are necessary.

What’s in the Report?

Maps: Clearly outline zones with different levels of risk.
Hazard History: Details past events in the area.
Preventive Measures: Any local regulations or recommendations. Any risk prevention plans in place for the commune.

Decoding the Report for Homebuyers

No Risk: Great! The property isn’t located in a designated risk zone.
Manageable Risk: The report will provide information on mitigation measures and potential restrictions (ex: specific building requirements).
High Risk: You’ll need to carefully consider whether the risk is acceptable and how it might impact your insurance.

The Report’s Impact

Géorisques reports supply information to help you:

Informed Decisions: be informed about hazard risks.
Insurance: risk levels may influence home insurance premiums.
Preparedness: understand your property’s potential vulnerabilities so you can plan accordingly.

Beyond the Report

Official Website: The government website https://www.georisques.gouv.fr/ provides general risk maps and information.
Localised Information: Don’t hesitate to ask local authorities (like the Mairie) for details about the area.

Don’t Let Risks Take You by Surprise

Géorisques and ERP reports bring transparency to the French home-buying process. Understanding them is vital for assessing a property’s suitability and making choices that help ensure your long-term safety and well-being.

How to make buying property in France easier

Some Do’s and Don’ts of Viewing Properties in France

Here are some pre-viewing tips:

Do:

Don’t:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why Town & Country Property France Doesn’t Offer Written Property Valuations

Who can provide written property valuations in France

Ensuring Transparency and Security: Why Photo ID is Required for Property Viewings at Town & Country Property France

No ID = no viewing!

Top Locations

Top Collections

Contact Us

Town Country Property France TCPF