Author: Craig McGinty

IF you buy a property at auction in France not only can the sale process be completed in under a fortnight, but you may pick up a bargain.

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THE completion of the sale of a property in France is undertaken by the notaire using an Acte de Vente, or deed of sale.

The signing of this important document will take place in the notaire’s office, but first you should make sure of a few things.

First be happy that all the clauses/conditions suspensives have been satisfied from your Compromis de Vente.

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UNDERSTANDING some of the legal aspects of life in France can be a challenge to many people.

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IF you have found a property that fits the bill the next few steps are vitally important.

Agreeing a purchase price will be your first move and don’t go down the path of dodging tax by under-declaring the figure.

Although the French love nothing more than a bit of tax evasion if the authorities find out you face a hefty fine and even a prison term.

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IF you have decided on an area of France, and are keen to buy, obviously finding the right property is going to be your biggest challenge.

You will know what you are looking for, but snapping up the first thing you see that closely matches, might well be the wrong move.

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SIGNING the final deed, or Acte de Vente, takes place in the notaire’s office and often both the buyer and seller are present.

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IF you buy an old property and are keen to keep it in its original style, or return it to its former glory, then your building work is likely to be slightly different from the norm.

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APPLYING for a mortgage in France is not too difficult as long as you follow some simple advice, and have your paperwork prepared.

Mortgages or home loans (hypothèque) are available from all major French banks with Crédit Agricole the largest lender.

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MANY people head off to search for their dream home in France with little more than a sheet of paper from the estate agent.

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THE notaire is an important figure in French society, they see 15 million people every year and draft more than 4 million legal documents.

Their involvement in the processing of the paperwork involved in purchasing a property is authorized by the Ministry of Justice and strictly regulated.

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