Private Property Sales
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
In France Private Property Sales account for a large share of the total number of properties sold in France. Why? Well one reason is the fee / commission that Immobilier (Estate Agents / Realtors) add to the property price. This fee can be 5 to 10% of the price! So the vendor thinks his price will be more attractive with a private sale!
So it is a big carrott - for a selection of French Private Sales < < click here.
If you want to go down this path - remember all property transactions in France are performed by Notaires. Do not part with cash to a vendor however tempting the price! The property transfer will not be legal unless the Notary has checked and notarised the sale. The notaire's fee including taxes will be about 7 to 9% of the purchase price. Documentation will be in French and you need to understand what you are signing.
In addition, we would recommend that a surveyor (or at the very least a local builder) has checked the property for problems and estimated the costs of renovation or repairs needed.
The Comfort Factor
If you want a helping hand when buying a French property, then get the comfort factor of using an Immobilier who is experienced in selling to the English. They will often help you through the purchase process, including negotiating a better price with the vendor, arranging mortgages (at better rates), translating documents, arrange the transfer of utilities (gaz, electricity, phone, etc.) into your name, recommend builders, etc. You could also end up saving money by using the services of an Immobilier!
1st for French Propertywere featured in a double page feature in the Property Section of the Mail on Sunday, 11th September 2005. Explains how our advertiser saved £17,200 using 1st for French Property. Howard Farmer at www.1st-for-French-Property.co.uk notes a similar growth in private sales on his site, where more than 300 homes.....click title for details
We cannot miss this opportunity to blow our own trumpet. We know how good our Private Sales service is - but when we get a glowing review we cannot resist the chance to publicise it. Thanks Dazzo - here is his review from the British Expat Discussion Forum "Hiya, we have just.....click title for details









