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Despite the fact that Brits are big buyers of property in France, they have a terrible reputation in France whilst buying a property. Why?

a) The big reason - Brits book appointments to view and then do not turn up.
b) The Brits expect to view during lunchtime (noon to 2pm). Mon dieu!
c) Wasting time!
d) Culture differences

Appointments

No doubt this is the biggest issue! Appointments are often made, and broken without any communication with the Immobilier. Potential buyers should be aware that the Immobilier has set aside a time frame to show you a property (and in many cases will have turned down other potential clients at the same time); he has organised a viewing time with the vendor - so the vendor can have set aside time to receive you! Many Immobilier will ask for a mobile number whilst you are viewing in France to ring you and confirm a viewing. Often Immobilier complain that mobiles are turned off or the British clients have not arranged international roaming and so they do not work in France!

Brits when asked about the lack of communication will often get aggressive and cannot see how inconsiderate and rude they have been! A classic excuse: “I was stuck on the motorway”. When asked “Which French Autoroute?”. Reply: “We are still on the M1 in England”. Yes - not even in France. “Not our fault we did not ring you!”. Then, of course, the good fallback - “It was too expensive to ring you on our mobile. International mobile calls are so expensive you know!”. Just how much was that property you were going to buy?

Lunchtime Viewings

Brits just do not appreciate how important le “Lunchtime” is. It is a sacrosanct 2 hours that the French enjoy - it is a passion to eat well and savour the ambience of food, wine and talk. How often do you hear “Don’t they want to sell me a property? Why won’t they arrange a viewing so that it will fit in with my viewing schedule?” Don’t forget one of the reasons you buying a property in France is too enjoy the French life style and culture.

Wasting time

Another classic - “I’m holiday in the area, can I have a butcher’s at a few houses while I am here?”. Often asked during July and August - when most French go on holiday - so Immobilier will be on skeleton staff (if not closed), and the Vendor could be on holiday too. Consequently viewings can be extremely difficult to arrange.

In many cases, the most frustrating time-waster “I have a property to sell in the UK!” Remember once you have made an offer which is accepted, you will have to sign the “Compromis de Vente”. This document commits you to buying - normally the process takes about 3 months with the Notaire. You HAVE to be in a position to buy - do not make offers if you cannot complete with 3 months (approximate time frame).

Culture Differences

We have already mentioned the Lunchtime issue! Brits have to realise that the pace of life in France is different. Everything is more laid-back. You are going to have to get used to it! This is France and what you are buying into. Yes, at times it can be frustrating. You are in France so do not expect to dictate your terms of reference on the French.

Are we really that bad?

Of course, most of the Brits are NOT representative of the above. They are all too ready to adapt to the French style of life, and enjoy their experience in France. Many Brits even become friends with their Immobilier! 

Tags

Advice, Anecdotes, Feature, France, French Property, You cannot be serious!

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