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When it comes to buying property in France, trust the experienced estate agents at Town & Country Property France to deliver exceptional service and results. Contact us today to discuss your real estate goals and let us assist you in making your French property dreams a reality!

With our extensive knowledge of the French property market, we are well-equipped to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information about the buying or selling process. From understanding local regulations to identifying the best neighbourhoods and property types, our team has the expertise to guide you every step of the way.

Whether you’re in search of a charming country house, a luxurious chateau, or a holiday home with a pool, we have an extensive portfolio of properties to suit a variety of preferences and budgets. Our English-speaking estate agents work closely with you to understand your specific requirements and match you with properties that align with your needs and desires.

At our agency, we understand that each client is unique. That’s why we pride ourselves on providing personalised service tailored to your individual goals and preferences. Our English speaking estate agents take the time to listen to your requirements, answer your questions, and provide guidance based on your specific needs, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Language should never be a barrier when it comes to buying or selling property in France. Our agents are proficient in both English and French. We understand the importance of effective communication, and our multilingual capabilities enable us to cater to clients from diverse backgrounds and ensure clear and transparent transactions.

Navigating the intricacies of the real estate market in France can be daunting, especially in a foreign country. However, our agents are skilled negotiators who will work tirelessly to secure the best possible deal for you. Whether you’re a buyer looking to get the best price or a seller aiming to maximise your profits, we have your best interests at heart.

Don’t let language or unfamiliarity with the French real estate market hold you back. Contact our agency today and let our experienced estate agents in France guide you towards a successful property purcahse.

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Price change

Mill

€329,000 HAI

Blanzaguet-Saint-Cybard, Charente

Character propertyDetachedLarge grounds (1Ha+)No close neighboursOld stoneOutbuildingsPoolRiver frontage

5 2 256m² 29898m²

Ref: 705882

more details

New

House

€265,000 HAI

Fontaine-Chalendray, Charente-Maritime

Gite(s)Old stoneOutbuildingsPossible income

4 3 250m² 4282m²

Ref: 705876

more details

New

House

€201,400 HAI

Berneuil, Charente

Character propertyDetachedOld stoneSingle storey

5 2 201m² 1585m²

Ref: 705875

more details

Price change

Country House

€190,800 HAI

Chalais, Charente

Views

3 2 187m² 1430m²

Ref: 705874

more details

New

Country House

€192,000 HAI

Saint-Priest-les-Fougères, Dordogne

Character propertyDetachedNo close neighboursOld stoneOutbuildingsPoolViews

3 1 92m² 5918m²

Ref: 705873

more details

Price change

Country House

€227,900 HAI

Marthon, Charente

Character propertyDetachedGite(s)Old stoneOutbuildingsPossible incomeViews

4 3 171m² 1968m²

Ref: 705872

more details

New

House

€425,000

Roullens, Aude

DetachedPoolViews

4 3 152m² 1210m²

Ref: 705869

more details

Price change

Mill

€307,400 HAI

Saint-Claud, Charente

Character propertyDetachedNo close neighboursOld stoneOutbuildingsRiver frontageViews

2 1 136m² 3031m²

Ref: 705871

more details

Price change

Country House

€265,000 HAI

Roumazieres-loubert, Charente

Character propertyDetachedOld stoneOutbuildingsViews

3 3 170m² 4497m²

Ref: 705868

more details

New

Maison de Maitre

€318,000 HAI

Champagne-Mouton, Charente

Character propertyDetachedOutbuildingsPossible income

7 4 303m² 2670m²

Ref: 705867

more details

House

€80,000 HAI

Chef-Boutonne, Deux-Sèvres

No close neighbours

3 1 104m² 8669m²

Ref: 705866

more details

Exclusive

Country House

€275,600 HAI

Pressac, Vienne

Character propertyDetachedGite(s)Large grounds (1Ha+)No close neighboursOutbuildingsPoolPossible incomeRiver frontageViews

5 2 156m² 10974m²

Ref: 705865

more details

THE FIGHT AGAINST MONEY LAUNDERING AND TERRORISM

What is TRACFIN?

TRACFIN stands for "Traitement du Renseignement et Action Contre les circuits Financiers clandestins. It is contolled by the French Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) that fights against money laundering and terrorist financing.

What does TRACFIN investigate?

TRACFIN’s primary objectives is to analyzes suspicious transaction reports submitted by various professionals and to detect, analyze, and investigate money laundering and terrorist financing.

How does TRACFIN operate?

There are three steps: Collection of Data ; Analysis and (if required) Dissemenation and Action

Professionals in the real estate sector must comply with obligations of vigilance as set out within the framework of the regulations of the French financial intelligence service (TRACFIN).

We must take measures to ensure that our clients are properly identified, and to ensure that transactions are carried out in compliance with anti-money laundering rules.

We must collect all information relating to the purpose and nature of the operation to be carried out and all elements will allow us to have an extensive knowledge of the client.

As such, and before signing any contractual documents, you will be asked to provide certain information as well as the documents below:

For our buyer clients :

Proof of identity
Recent proof of address
Information regarding your income, wealth and source of funds
If the buyer is a company : a recent registration document and articles of association

For our vendors :

Proof of identity
Recent proof of address
Proof of ownership
Latest ‘avis de taxe foncière’
If the vendor is a company : a recent registration document and articles of association

We thank you for your cooperation.

https://www.economie.gouv.fr/tracfin

Natural or technological risks in France

Georisques is a term used in France to describe natural or technological risks that can occur in certain regions or areas. These risks can include earthquakes, landslides, floods, forest fires, volcanic eruptions, and industrial accidents. The French government has developed a comprehensive system to assess, manage and mitigate these risks, which is called the Georisques system.

The Georisques system is based on a national database that identifies areas of risk across the country. The database is regularly updated to ensure that it reflects the latest scientific research and understanding of the risks. The system is managed by the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development, in collaboration with other government agencies and local authorities.

The Georisques system provides information on the level of risk in a particular area, and the measures that should be taken to mitigate the risk. This information is made available to the public through various channels, including the internet, mobile applications, and public information campaigns.

One of the key features of the Georisques system is its focus on prevention and preparedness. The system encourages individuals and communities to take steps to reduce their risk exposure, such as by taking out insurance, preparing emergency kits, and developing evacuation plans.

The Georisques system has been instrumental in reducing the impact of natural and technological risks in France. It has helped to improve the safety of individuals and communities, and has contributed to the country’s overall resilience to disasters.

In conclusion, the Georisques system in France is a comprehensive and innovative approach to managing natural and technological risks. It provides valuable information to individuals and communities, and encourages them to take proactive steps to reduce their risk exposure. The Georisques system is a testament to France’s commitment to safety and sustainability, and serves as a model for other countries around the world.

‘Diagnostics’ or obligatory inspection reports.

The obligatory inspection reports, paid for by the vendors, will be annexed to the contract.

Not all the reports mentioned below will apply to the property you purchase. It depends on the age, type and location of the property.

Energy Efficiency (diagnostic de performance énergétique, or DPE)

This report was introduced a few years ago and was intended to highlight differences in heating costs between properties. The DPE results have to appear on all advertising. The report is valid for 10 years (unless it was issued before 30th June 2021).

A DPE must be carried out in all dwellings, unless the accommodation is intended to be occupied less than 4 months per year. It is not required for properties where the only form of heating is open fires, or where there is none at all.

From April 2023, where the property to be sold is classed F or G, the vendor will need to have an energy audit undertaken in order to inform the buyer of the nature of the works required to improve the score. It will apply to class E from January 2025 and D from January 2034.

Furthermore from 1 January 2025, G-rated properties will no longer be allowed to be rented out. From 1 January 2028, F-rated properties will no longer be allowed to be rented out. From 1 January 2034, E-rated properties will no longer be allowed to be rented out.

Find out more about Energy Efficiency (diagnostic de performance énergétique, or DPE) diagnostic report

Electricity

The electrical safety report is not obligatory for properties built, newly-wired or completely re-wired within the last 15 years. The report is valid for 3 years.

Find out more about the Electricity diagnostic report

Gas

The report is necessary when fixed gas pipes have been installed in a property for at least 15 years. The report is valid for 3 years.

Find out more about the Gas diagnostic report

Asbestos

An asbestos report is not required for properties built after July 1997.

If asbestos is present, the report outlines the condition of the material concerned, and indicates whether any action is required.

The report is valid indefinitely where no asbestos is present, or for 3 years if asbestos is present.

Find out more about the Asbestos diagnostic report

Lead

A lead report is not required for houses built after 1st January 1949.

Where traces are found, this is often in undercoats of paint but still detectable by the machine used by the inspector.

The report is valid indefinitely where no lead is present, or for 1 year if lead is present..

Find out more about the Lead diagnostic report

Termites

A termite report is not required for properties outside of designated risk zones.

The report must be less than 6 months old at the time of final completion.

Find out more about the Termites diagnostic report

Natural Risks

Some areas of the country are subject to specific risks such as earthquake, flooding, land-slip, radon, industrial accidents, accidents due to mining, etc. The purpose of the report is to inform buyers of the level of risk, if any, in the commune concerned. The risk report concerns the whole of the commune, not specifically the property itself.

There is also a requirement for the vendors to declare whether or not they have made, or have knowledge of, any insurance claims following damage to the property due to certain recognised ‘catastrophic’ events in the past..

The report must be less than 6 months old at the time of final completion.

Find out more about the Natural Risks or Géorisques diagnostic report

Loi carrez

A precise measurement of surface area must be supplied for properties within a copropriété (usually an apartment or part of a gite complex)

It remains permanently valid unless work has been carried out which changes the surface area.

Find out more about the Loi carrez

Drainage

Any essential remedial work highlighted by the report is obligatory and the buyer will usually have one year after purchase to carry it out.

The report must be less than three years old at the time of completion of your purchase.

In some areas, properties connected to mains drainage are exempt from this legislation.

Find out more about the Drainage diagnostic report

role of a notaire

The role of a Notaire – a public official

A Notaire is a public officer who operates in every area of law including family, property, inheritance, asset management, company law, countryside law, local authorities, etc.They act on behalf of the State and are appointed by the Minister of Justice, and the fact that a contract is drawn up by a Notaire is a guarantee of its legality and authenticity.

The Notaire – a self-employed professional

Although they have public authority, the Notaire operates on a self-employed basis and is responsible for their own office. They are self-employed professionals who are paid by their clients (and not the taxpayers) on the basis of a rate fixed by the State for the services they provide. The term "notaire fees" when associated with property sales usually includes not only the Notaire’s own remuneration and expenses, but also the sales tax and stamp duty that they collect on behalf of the state.

French Property sales – the Notaire’s involvement

One or more Notaires will be appointed to oversee every property sale in France. A Notaire will work in close collaboration with your estate agent throughout the property sales procedure. They will ensure that all legal requirements are met, and that all parties are aware of their rights and obligations. They carry out various searches, establish title, advise the parties on inheritance and financial issues, draw up the deeds, and register the sale at the land registry. Each party can, freely choose their own Notaire, and it is the buyer who is responsible for paying all the notaire fees and stamp duty on a purchase. Notaires sharing the workload share the fees, which are determined by the State on a sliding scale according to the purchase price. Thus it does not cost any more to use two Notaires.

Final completion – signature at the Notaire’s office

Final completion is a formal affair, where the Notaire receives the parties in their office and reads out to them the terms of the official deed of sale and all its annexes, before witnessing everyone’s signatures. After completion, the Notaire will register the sale, give all parties a written certificate of the transaction, and will in due course (after a few months) supply the buyer with a stamped authenticated copy of the final sales deed, which is in effect the ‘title deed’ for the property.

If the parties cannot be present at the Notaire’s office for the signing of the sales pre-contract or final deed, it can usually be possible to sign by power of attorney. If you choose this option, your Notaire will prepare the power of attorney and send it to you to sign, but be aware that a person of authority in your home country such as a solicitor or French consul may be required to witness your signature, and as proof of your identity the witness must counter-sign and stamp the document.

More information can be found on the official Notaires’ website: click here.

Why use a French estate agent?

French property search

THE FIGHT AGAINST MONEY LAUNDERING AND TERRORISM

ADVICE FOR FRENCH PROPERTY BUYERS

Location:

Budget:

Type of property:

Maintenance:

Legal requirements:

Natural or technological risks in France

‘Diagnostics’ or obligatory inspection reports.

Energy Efficiency (diagnostic de performance énergétique, or DPE)

Electricity

Gas

Asbestos

Lead

Termites

Natural Risks

Loi carrez

Drainage

The role of a Notaire – a public official

The Notaire – a self-employed professional

French Property sales – the Notaire’s involvement

Final completion – signature at the Notaire’s office

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