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!

A particularly popular option at the moment in France is to buy a plot of land in France and then build a property on the land. Land is relatively cheap compared to the UK. Beware: land is very expensive on the Med coast but rural France, in general, is a bargain!
Of course, this will need outline planning permission (CU) and then, full permission when you submit full plans of your proposed property to the Local Mairie. More details >> Building in France.

Borrowing Money

A mortgage is possible for a property to be constructed providing the builder carries a insurance policy called ‘Assurant Decennale’ which covers the build project, a bit like our NHBC 10yr guarantee. These can be expensive and some smaller builders tend not to apply for it, and rely on buyers not needing a mortgage eg a cash purchase.

Our partners New Mortgage Finder can secure 70% of the land cost and 80% of the build cost. Otherwise the process and mortgage available are the same as with any purchase. Rates from 3.40%. More details >> French Mortgage.

Or phone Steve Morgan on 0870 350 8595 (UK) – please mention 1st for French Property

Fishing is a favorite pastime in France – the many lakes, rivers and fine weather make this a pleasant and relaxing outdoor activity. Overseas fisherman are beginning to holiday in France for long weekends or longer to enjoy their pastime. The easy access via the channel ferries, tunnel and cheap flights are making France very accessible.

It is no surprise that investors are moving into the market – many from the UK! Please send me details of “French carp lakes for sale” or “lakes for development” or “rivers with fishing rights” are the requests! Enquiries are increasing in this market.

We have a selection of lakes for sale at the moment:

Just French lakes for sale << click here