DA-Tax
What could possibly go wrong?
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UK buyers should understand that a French seller prefers to sell to a French buyer and is only selling to you because you will pay more. This may be for many reasons. I set out below practical things I have come across as a "buyer beware". Remember that unlike England there are not usually "preliminary enquiries" - everything is simply set out in the contract (compromis) which is why the contracts are quite lengthy with annexures. It is important you go through this and understand it before signing. I recommend you get the compromis drafted by a notaire rather than the estate agent. The transfer deed (acte authentique) largely reiterates what is in the compromis and is prepared by the notaire and is the final definitive document signed on completion.
1. Make sure you are at the completion meeting when the acte authentique is signed. The notaire is obliged to go through it with you and you should do this. Check nothing in the compromis has been changed. If you do not understand do not sign! The notaire as a public official has a duty to ensure you understand the effect of the document. Sometimes they ask you to agree it has been read. Never do this. Take your time and go through everything.
2. When viewing a property ask for a copy of the acte de vente when your seller bought it. Read through this before you visit the property. I have come across properties in which the acte de vente says the property consists of 4 bedrooms but found there are 5 on a visit. Clearly an unauthorised extension to the property. This need not be the end of the purchase just an opportunity to renegotiate the price!
3. Speak to the neighbours. Boundary disputes are common. Sometimes petty but very bitter. You do not want to walk into one of these. Here I think best not to buy as you have to live next door to the problem. It can involve extensions too close to the neighbour or access issues. If the seller does not like the idea of you talking to the neighbours this is a very bad sign.
4. Use Google Earth. If you see a facility nearby which looks unusual ask about it. In the past this has involved a large commercial gas pipe at the bottom of the garden which was potentially risky. If there is a green space close by it may be a future development site.Check any other access points to the property. Could they be blocked or do they pass over private land of a third party.
5. Speak to the Mairie. If the planning officer is unavailable to see you this is a bad sign. He may know about planning problems but be turning a blind eye so the local person can sell and leave you with the problem.
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