Hi,

I have been browsing french property websites and I have seen a few interesting private sale properties on IFP and FPL. The lack of agency commission has interested me but I am concerned about the difficulty in buying direct from a vendor without agency representation.

My french is ok, so language shouldn't be too much of a problem. Instead I am unsure of the buyer and seller roles in a private purchase. Does anyone have any advice from personal experience or links to good information specific to private sales in France. The only info I have so far found online is the general purchase info found in the IFP Guides section.

All help gratefully received.

Thanks

Steve

Hi, Buying a property privately is perfectly safe as it has to go through a Notaire who is a lawyer working for the French Government and doesnt favour either side he can complete the sale for both seller and buyer, he is strictly controlled and must follow the letter of the law all sales must go through a Notaire to be legal.
I have a 4 bed 2 bath fully renovated property for sale in the South West of France, I urgently need to sell because of a divorce so am willing to discount the property contact: huffsinfrance@wanadoo.fr

Hi Linda,

Thanks for the advice Linda I have been successful in my private sale and in record time, I recommend it to others

Steve

Hi Steve

We operate a site where both agents and private owners can place their own adverts for french properties for sale and over the years I have come to the personal conclusion that private buyers don't drop their prices to below what the market will bear so in reality I don't believe that saving money really comes into it.

My advice (I followed it myself!) is to get yourself a really good french legal agent who operates a french property finder service acting on YOUR behalf and that will save you money as they are much more experienced at getting a good deal than we are. I would recommend someone like Riviera Home Finders in Valbonne for example.

The additional bonus is that, no matter how good your french is, they walk you through all the potential pitfalls and hold your hand throughout so you avoid making mistakes in a country other than your own...

The other important thing is to get a good english speaking notaire (not one of the ones in the UK who just slow the transaction down for no reason) and you can find them at www dot notaires dot fr.

Get it right and this is a fantastic country to live in so good luck!

Fred