Exhibitors from the forthcoming French Property Exhibition in London in January share some advice about buying in France
BUYING IN THE ALPS
Howard Watts, Alpine Property World , Stand 9 Choose multi-season properties to maximise your investment. Clients are increasingly looking for a property for skiing, for summer use near water, such as a lake or the Med, plus spring and autumn periods for a rest from the pressure of business. Quick access is important to be able to use it frequently so I would suggest choosing a location within 90 minutes of Geneva such as the following areas, the Portes du Soleil (Chatel and Morzine valleys), Thollon-les-Mémises and Evian-les-Bains (close to Lake Geneva and skiing), plus the Evasion Mont Blanc (such as St-Gervais and Combloux), all of which could be suitable.
Fabienne Atkin, Ashtons Legal, Stand 43 Be open in negotiations: If you need a mortgage to finance the purchase and/or if you would not consider buying unless you could affect certain works, make this clear to agent and seller, who could pull out if new information is added later on. Understand the documentation: This may sound obvious but don’t rely on standardised translations, and do seek independent advice. The first contract is extremely important. Consider a survey: The pre-contract inspection reports may tell you about the property, but they are limited. An independent structural survey will cost you more, but it may offer more reassurance. Explore inheritance law
Understand the contract before you sign and tax implications: This can be very complex. Ensure you understand it in full. Seek expert cross-border advice.
REMOVALS: SAVE THE DATE!
Gary Burke, Burke Bros, Stand 3 Notify your removal company as far ahead as you possibly can of the date. Avoid cancellations or postponements as much as you can, because this can add to the costs. It’s also important to be aware that a move now takes longer due to custom formalities. The need to deal with more documents and restrictions has increased transit times and the amount of paperwork that as a customer, a removal company will need you to complete, has increased. The bureaucracy in local French town halls can often cause delays, so you’ll need to factor this in too.
BUILDING AND RENOVATION
Rob Dixon, Villas in Languedoc, Stand 29 New-build: Once you’ve decided on the design and layout of your new-build house, stick with it! One of the advantages of new homes in France is that the contract is fixed, so you know how much it will cost and how long it will take to build. Don’t be tempted to move a wall or change the layout; the costs to make these changes can easily spiral out of control. So, take your time and get
