The anectodal feedback we getting from the lenders in general is to simply ignore thinking of any of the technical features of the Help to Buy scheme, leave that to them they say, the perspective buyers simply need to concentrate on getting the minimum 5% deposit together and leave the rest to the lenders.

 As the government are underwriting the first of any potential losses they have put a few tighter lending rules in place. It all then gets a bit complicated! so best advice is to speak to our expert Tim Durkin at Stag Mortgages.

Blog submitted by: David at Cle France.

David Cameron: "I'm not going to stand back while people's aspirations to get on the housing ladder... are being trashed"

A controversial scheme allowing people across the UK to take out 95% mortgages will be launched next week - three months earlier than planned.

PM David Cameron made the announcement as the Conservatives gathered in Manchester for their annual conference.

He rejected fears the Help to Buy scheme will fuel a housing bubble.

He told the BBC's Andrew Marr show the market was "recovering from a very low base" and first-time buyers needed help to get on the housing ladder.

"As prime minister I am not going to stand by while people's aspirations to get on the housing ladder are being trashed."

He added: "If we don't do this it will only be people with rich parents to help them who can get on the housing ladder - that is not fair, it is not right."

Blog submitted by: Originally from a BBC news article.

Cle France are proud to work in partnership with STAG Mortgage & Insurance Services. Tim Durkin is your specialist contact in this British owned and managed company. Ask Tim if this news will help you find some extra funding for that property you want.

Whether you have found the perfect French home for sale or still looking at the options for buying French property Cle France and Tim Durkin at Stag Mortgages and Insurance Services can help you to find the best solution to make it happen.

Making an offer is pretty much the 'done thing' in France these days, it did not used to be so and one had to be careful not to offend a French Vendor with a cheeky offer. Current market conditions over the last few years have meant that offers are more readily entertained.

It does depend on the property but our properties are valued by a local agent with the local market in mind so the asking prices are generally pretty accurate in terms of value. We are seeing that offers within 5% to 10% of the asking price (depending on the asking price) are being accepted or the vendors are open for negotiation. Although it is worth pointing out that French vendors do not like the 'start low and edge up' routine that is seen in the UK where you bat back and forth a few thousand here and there, they tend to not like that approach at all.

So how do I decide what to offer? my advice would be to make the offer you genuinely want to pay. If you view a property and you feel that for example, on an asking price of 100k you really wouldn't be comfortable paying more than 85k, then that is the offer you should submit, and if that is refused, you walk away because you don't want to pay any more.

What if I really want it and offer full asking price? If a French estate agent gets a full price offer for a vendor, the vendor is legally obliged to accept it; if they don't the agent can sue them for breach of contract.

The reason this is written into French law is for consumer protection, it stops a vendor trying to get two potential purchasers into a bidding war, which is a good point for buyers to note. Find out more about the Buying Process in France.

Blog submitted by: Sharon at Cle France.

Client's Question: Will the notaire provide a translation of the contract, or conduct the sale in English?

It is not common practice for a notaire to either provide written translations of documentation, or to conduct the sale in English. Given that he is responsible for the legal process of the sale, it is understandable that he would only wish to conduct the transaction in his native language, rather than run the risk of misinterpretation that speaking/writing in English may cause.

It is the buyer’s responsibility to employ a translator, and to ensure that he/she understands all aspects of the purchase. That said most agents will know someone they can call upon to escort you to the notaire’s office for the signing, and who will be able to translate for you. Some agents sometimes provide a translation of the ‘compromis’ (initial contract), but if in doubt it is as well to get your own appointed translator to look at any documentation provided to ensure that the translation is accurate.

For a more detailed or specialist translation need contact Karine by clicking here.

Blog submitted by: David at Cle France.

Client's Question:   I’ve seen a number of properties advertised for sale privately by the vendor, what would the drawbacks be for me buying direct without the support of an agent? 

Buying privately is more common in France than in the U.K, and there are a number of portals nowadays advertising private sales both in the U.K and in France. Much will depend on your language skills, and your familiarity with all aspects of the buying process, there will undoubtedly be some who are more confident than others in these areas.

However, I would say that the majority of British buyers benefit hugely from the involvement of the agent. They able to offer a wide variety of advice, from where to buy the best quality bedding plants to putting you in touch with a reliable installer for your septic tank! A good agent will be happy to extend his support beyond final signing day, and will be a good local contact for you.

I would also say that if you are looking to buy privately you take care to do your homework as far as local property values are concerned. Occasionally a private vendor decides to sell privately because they don’t like the valuation given by the local estate agent, and it is estimated that private sales in France are usually around 20% more expensive that those with agents. So, even taking into account the agency commission, the agency route is likely to be better value.

Our partner agents value properties for the local, French property market, not for an over inflated ex-pat one.

Blog submitted by: David at Cle France.