For all things French Property – let us assist!
Although often a dream of many non-domiciled individuals, the number that actually move ahead with a purchase each year is often just a select lucky few. At Erna Low Property we understand that the process of dealing with foreign banks, notaires and accountants, not to mention the language barrier – can all become an overwhelming thought.
Rest assured – our team of bilingual experts is on hand throughout the entire purchase to bring you the very best in advice, assistance, and brokerage. As a London based company with over 20 years’ experience of helping thousands of clients with their property acquisitions, we are perfectly positioned to assist you every step of the way.
SO - WHERE DO I START?
Perhaps both the easiest and hardest decision that face our clients is where exactly to begin their property search… ? With Erna Low Property having such a wealth of properties available within our portfolio, being spoilt for choice doesn’t always make for an easy decision.
The good news is, that if you’re reading this, you’re already well on your way to accomplishing the first and most important step of the journey : Where.
Whether you’re looking for a Chalet in Chamonix, a Villa in Vars or an Apartment in Annecy, our team of expert advisors are on hand to assist you every step of the way. Having made sure to personally vet and verify all destinations that we sell in, we are keen to help guide your journey to a specific resort or town, based off your specifications.
INSPECTION & VIEWING
Although not always necessary, many of our buyers find heading to a site or plot is an essential part of the trip to help put you in the mindset of what your new home will look like. Not only can we help with coordinating your inspection trip, but are more than happy to advise on the best spot for a post viewing bite to eat or afternoon coffee.
It’s important to remember this should be a lifestyle investment and being able to enjoy all that the local atmosphere has to offer is part of the reason for purchase.
SO YOU THINK YOU’VE FOUND THE RIGHT PROPERTY – WHAT’S NEXT?
When you’re sure you’ve found what you’re looking for, it’s time to move ahead to the exciting part of the process – reserving the property. To kick-start this process, Erna Low Property will ask you to fill in a basic internal document – something we use to officially take the property off the market in your name. Your personal consultant will then use this document to draft all the relevant documents required for your reservation.
Once completed, we will forward you the reservation contract + all associated documents, which you are advised to go through with a legal representative – a Notaire.
EMPLOYING THE SERVICES OF A NOTAIRE
As part of our service, we are happy to recommend an English-speaking Notaire to all of our clients. By having a Notaire assisting you with the process, in your own language, you can be confident that you are being guided through the purchase in a way that you will fully understand.
As a public officer, the Notaire’s role is to ensure that the purchase of the property is legal and above board, with no affiliation to either the buyer or the seller. The Notaire will assist you with the signature of the reservation contract, will conduct all the relevant checks required and will help with the preparation and signature of the final Deed of Sale (Projet d’Acte).
FINANCE & CURRENCY EXCHANGE
Whether you’re looking to buy cash and therefore require the services of a Currency Exchange specialist or would like to explore the option of taking finance for the purchase, we’re on hand to recommend a specialist for both.
Always English speaking and always with a wealth of knowledge in their specific field – we find that customer service is the most important factor when it comes to assistance in matters of your money. Of course, it always helps to have the most competitive rates – something all of our recommendations pride themselves on.
OK – I’VE SIGNED THE CONTRACT AND RETURNED TO YOUR TEAM, WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
The good news is that all the hard work has now been done, it’s almost time to reach for the bottle of fizz! There’s just a few steps to tick by first :
• The 10 day ‘cooling-off period’
Once you’ve signed and returned your reservation contract, we’ll double-check all is done correctly, and forward it on to the developer for countersignature. You’ll then receive that copy in the post.
From the day you receive your copy of the contract, this starts the 10-day cooling-off period. These 10 days provide time for reflection on the purchase and ensure you are happy to move forward. At the end of this period the purchase will become official and all will be passed to the Notaire for the final Deed of Sale to be drafted. All for added peace of mind.
*A VEFA (Off-Plan) contract is always subject to mortgage approval, so if the buyer is unable to obtain a mortgage, the deposit will be refunded (if you are purchasing the property with a French mortgage of course).
• Signature of the final deeds
Once the 10-day cooling-off period has expired, the Notaire will carry out all the relevant property and land checks and begin the preparation of the final Deed of Sale (Acte de Vente), which will make the buyer the official owner of the property.
Our buyers outside of France will often sign a Power of Attorney document in their country of residence to prevent them from having to travel to France in person. Signature of this Power of Attorney document must be witnessed by a French speaking registered Notaire (there will be more where you live than you think!) and returned to France via the Foreign Office (FCO).
Once the buyer’s Notaire receives the signed Power of Attorney, an appointment will be scheduled to sign the final Deed of Sale with the developer’s Notaire.
Congratulations !
We don’t need to tell you what to do: It’s time to open that bottle!