Clé France

Having some good contacts always helps in life, so let us help you by sharing our trusted partners.

If it is to do with France: going to, moving to, setting up a business in France... whatever it is we have a contact that can help you.

*NEW PARTNER INTRODUCTION*

Looking for a little extra budget then take a look at our latest Cle France Partner - Tim Durkin of STAG Mortgages and Insurance services may have the borrowing solution for you.

If you are reading this then you are part of Club Cle France and have access to the best in the business, simply visit our partner pages on the site for more information and if you don't find what you need then just ask us to point you in the right direction.

and we will be adding more trusted partners soon. 

Blog submitted by: Alex at Cle France.

Client's Question: Do the French mind having British neighbours?

This is a question which occurs to many people when they start to consider the prospect of a move to France, either to a second home or to a permanent residence. Especially given that in certain areas of France there are a good number of ex-pats, and a few years ago there were stories circulating in the press about them not being particularly welcome.

I lived in France for more than half of my life and for 12 years solid until 2012, and drawing from my personal experience and that of the enormous number of ex-pats I have met, I can say that I have only ever been made to feel welcome amongst my French neighbours. People in rural areas have a real sense of community, and are genuinely interested in the fact that you have chosen their corner of France to make your new home, in fact they take it as a compliment that you have chosen to do so.

Always make an effort to introduce yourself on arrival, and extend an invitation for ‘aperos’ so that you can get to know them. Don’t let your language skills (or lack of!) hold you back. Arm yourself with a dictionary, they will really appreciate your efforts to converse with them in their own language, and the hospitality you have offered. In no time at all you will be exchanging eggs and vegetables and fruit from the garden!

Always attend village events where possible. In each commune there are those who work tirelessly throughout the year to put on fêtes and soirées for the benefit of those living there. These are a great occasion to experience local life as well as an opportunity to meet others living nearby. You will be warmly received.

Blog submitted by: David 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.

Client's Question:    Although I understand that certain aspects of a property’s condition will be covered in the ‘diagnostique’ reports, such as the presence of lead and asbestos, will they also provide information on the structural condition of a property? 

Answer: The "diagnostiques" cover the following:

Lead

Asbestos

Gas and electrical installations

Termites

Energy efficiency

Natural Risks

Drainage System 

They will not therefore cover the structural condition of a property. Surveys are not carried out in France in the same way they are in the U.K, and the role does not exist in the buying process. If there is concern over a particular aspect of a house, say the roof or the external walls then the potential buyer consults a local artisan who is a specialist in the given area, so in the above case a roofer and a stone mason. They will then give their opinions as to any possible work that may be required and the cost of carrying that work out.

That said, there are a number of British surveyors operating in France, and you are of course free to appoint one should you wish to do so.

Blog submitted by: Alex at Cle France.