So you are considering buying a property in France?

So you are considering buying a property in France? you have come to the right place, you will need to be aware of the different steps in the French buying process, which is a little different to the way we buy property in the UK.

Visit the pages located under our "Buying Process" tab on the website and you will find a step by step guide, one of the main differences is that in France your are 'committed' to the purchase a lot earlier on in the process than you may be used to in the UK.

It is also beneficial to get further advice along the way, perhaps on matters such as health cover, home insurance, mortgages and of course making sure your money stretches as far as possible when buying euros with your hard-earned GB Pound; to buy your dream home in France with us.

Ben Amrany at FC Exchange is often asked about the best time to make your currency transfers when buying a property in France, as currency fluctuations can increase the price you pay when you eventually purchase. Because Ben has been working exclusively with Cle France for many years he understands the buying process and can provide guidance on the currency implications throughout.

The best type of service is one that comes highly recommended, that is why you should use the services of Ben Amrany at FC Exchange.

Q: Why should I consider using a currency specialist to transfer the deposit for my French home?

A. An experienced currency trader can discuss your budget and exact requirements with you and help you avoid the risk of currency market fluctuations eating away at your money.

They can arrange a forward contract for you, which essentially locks in the exchange rate at a time that suits you. This means you will know exactly what you will need to pay for your deposit and final property payments, and how many euros you will get for your sterling transfer.

Want a quick summary of the buying process in France?

Signing the 'Bon de Visite' and making an offer:

You will be asked to sign a 'Bon de Visite', this is normal practice in France and simply means that if you decide to proceed with a purchase, you will make the offer through our agent and not through another agent or privately approach the vendor.

Remember that it is not commitment to an actual purchase, you are not signing your life away.

To make an offer to us either at the point of viewing or on your return home [just email or pick up the phone 01440 820 358] it is just as you would in the UK and our agent will put that forward to the seller, if accepted or after a little negotiation the contract 'Compromis de Vente' is drawn up and both parties sign up.

The Compromis de Vente:

This is the first contract, like the 'Exchange of Contracts' in the UK but a lot sooner in the process i.e. at the start, it is signed by both buyer and vendor, which means that both parties are committed to buying and selling the property.

Once signed the vendor is bound to go ahead with the sale, but you are given a ten-day 'cooling off period' and can walk away from the purchase in this time. This is commonly known as the 'seven-day cooling off period' but this year it was extended to 10 days.

After the ten-day period is up, you are also bound to go ahead with the purchase. It is at this stage, after the 10 day calling off period, you pay the 10% deposit [it can vary but normally 10%] of the agreed purchase price, to be kept by the notaire or less frequently the agent. There will be a target date for signature of the 'Acte de Vente' at this stage but this can be changed at any time to suit both parties, decided by the notaire.

Ben Amrany at FC Exchange can advise you on the best time to book a forward contract to protect the price of this deposit, and for the final payment to complete the purchase.

So if you need to buy or sell sterling and would like to be kept up to date with all the latest data releases and exchange rate movements then feel free to contact myself Ben Amrany. If you are buying or selling a house in France we will make sure your monies are in the right place at the right time, we work hand in hand with you and Cle France.

For more information on the currency service I can provide please feel free to contact myself...

Ben Amrany from FC Exchange follow this link or phone and ask for myself and quote "Cle France" on 020 7989 0000.

You may contact me directly using this form (click here) with your requirement and I will explain the options that are available to you in getting the best exchange rate.

Do you want more information ?

For more information on the currency service I can provide please feel free to contact myself...

Ben Amrany from FC Exchange follow this link or phone and ask for myself and quote "Cle France" on 020 7989 0000.

You may contact me directly using this form (click here) with your requirement and I will explain the options that are available to you in getting the best exchange rate.