Agents and viewing
In France, estate agents must hold a carte professionelle, which you can ask to see. French agents give out much less information about a property than their UK counterparts – for example, they’re unlikely to give out a property’s address. They will also accompany you on viewings.
Initial contracts
Once an offer on a property has been accepted, both buyer and seller sign a compromis de vente, a legally binding contract stating the names and addresses of buyer and seller, the address of the property for sale, the agreed price and so on. Conditional clauses can also be included – for example, that the sale is dependent on planning permission being granted. It is essential that you understand everything that has been included in the compromis and any other contracts – if necessary, employ the services of a translator. (Other initial contracts include the promesse de vente and promesse d’achat, i.e. promise to sell or buy.)
