Back to basics

With signs of the French property market returning to a new normal, how can potential househunters plan ahead? Matthew Cameron reports

- Matthew Cameron

Early summer in 2020 sees us hopefully moving towards a relaxation of the lockdown rules that have so substantially changed all of our lives. The French property market has taken a huge knock, with agents having been unable to market properties and transactions underway having been put on hold.

While we slowly start acclimatising ourselves to new ways, and learn to interact within the health confines of social distancing, we are now seeing the market reignite.

So if your plans for finding that dream home in France were put on hold, you may soon be looking to begin your search once again.

RESEARCH FIRST

So what will you need to consider when starting out on the search? Property agents will, of course, be able to offer you a great deal of insight, not only into the homes they are selling but also into the regions in which they work. Similarly, the various French property magazines and websites will offer you invaluable background information.

All such sources will be of great help, whether in advance of or alongside extended visits to the area of your choice. Yet that is all self-evident; it is once you have found the property, and agreed a price, that a good deal of the unknown may start. Who drafts the contract, when is it signed, when do we have to pay, do we have to attend a completion meeting...

While these questions and others besides are often covered in magazine articles, it is worthwhile occasionally reviewing the basic points to ensure you will be well prepared for this French property journey, which will probably be very new to you, even if you have bought and sold houses in the UK before.

LEGAL DETAILS