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Buying a property in France can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to do your research and take the necessary precautions to ensure that you’re making a sound investment. One of the most important things you can do in this regard is seek professional advice from English speaking surveyors in France.

 
This is especially important for British buyers, as French building regulations are less stringent than they are in the UK. This means that there’s a greater chance of encountering problems with a property in France.
 

Do Building Surveyors Exist in France?

It may seem like an odd question, but the fact is the building surveyor profession doesn’t really exist in France – at least, not in the same way as it does in the UK.
 

This is because full structural surveys are not compulsory in the country. As such, the French don’t tend to bother with them. This is a risky strategy, however, as there can be any number of problems with a property – from damp and mould to subsidence – that may be invisible to the untrained eye, and that only a professional survey will uncover.

What Is the DDT and How Does It Differ from a Building Survey?

The Dossier de Diagnostic Technique (DDT) is a set of reports that sellers are required by law to commission before selling a property in France. The DDT covers a number of potential hazards, such as asbestos, termites, and industrial and natural risks. However, it is not a comprehensive building survey and does not encompass all potential problems with a property.
 

A property survey is a more detailed inspection of a property that is carried out by a qualified building surveyor. It will identify any structural issues with the property, as well as any other problems such as damp, electrical faults, and plumbing problems. A good building surveyor will also provide an unbiased valuation of the property, as well as an estimate of the cost of any necessary repairs.
 

Read more: What Property Survey Should I Have Done in the South of France?

Why Is It Important to Use an English-Speaking Surveyor?

While the DDT is valuable document, it’s simply no substitute for a proper building survey. As such, it is important to have a fully qualified English-speaking surveyor inspect the property to identify any hidden defects and help you through the process of buying property in a foreign country.
 

Here are the main reasons why it’s important to use an English-speaking building surveyor when buying a property in France:

• Language barrier: If you don’t speak French fluently, it can be difficult to communicate with a French surveyor and to understand their report. An English-speaking surveyor will be able to explain everything to you in plain English and answer any questions you have.
• Knowledge of French building techniques: English-speaking surveyors who specialise in surveying properties in France will have a good understanding of French building techniques and the common problems that can occur, and how to solve them.
• Cultural understanding: English-speaking surveyors in France will also have a good understanding of French culture and business practices. This can be helpful when negotiating with the seller or dealing with other professionals involved in the purchase process, such as estate agents and notaires.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that a qualified surveyor has inspected the property and given it their seal of approval can give you peace of mind and help you avoid any costly surprises down the road.
• Increased bargaining power: If the survey reveals any problems with the property, you can use this information to negotiate a lower price with the seller.
• Protection of your investment: A property survey can help to protect your investment by identifying any potential problems with the property before you buy it. This can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.

Charles Mackintosh – South of France Property Surveyor

If you’re looking for an English-speaking surveyor in France to help you purchase your dream home in France, your search is over.
 

Charles Mackintosh is a RICS Chartered Surveyor working in the South of France. With over 30 years’ experience living and operating in the South of France, Charles specialises in providing English language property surveys and advice to overseas buyers. Get in touch today for more information.

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If you’re considering buying a house in France, you’re no doubt preparing to embark on a journey filled with endless charm, beautiful landscapes, and a taste of the good life. Yet, like any major decision, purchasing property in France comes with its unique set of challenges. For UK buyers, navigating the French residential property market might seem daunting at first. However, with the right knowledge and guidance, you can overcome any hurdles you may encounter.

In this post, we’re going to delve into the challenges you might face and discover how to tackle them head-on.

Challenge 1: Navigating Additional Costs Beyond the Property Price

While the cost of the property itself is a significant expense, it’s essential to factor in additional costs that come when buying property in France. Beyond the purchase price, buyers must consider surveyor fees and notaire’s fees, which encompass taxes as well as other charges.

Estate agent fees are another consideration, and usually range from 5% to 10% of the sale price, and these may or may not be included in the property’s listing price.

Solution: Conduct thorough research to understand the local market and ensure your budget accounts for these extra expenses.

Read more: What Are the Hidden Costs of Buying a House in France?

Challenge 2: Exchange Rates

Exchange rate fluctuations can pose a financial risk, potentially costing you more than necessary. That’s why when purchasing a home in France, it’s crucial to consult with a foreign exchange specialist to secure a favourable rate. Currency contracts can help you lock in an exchange rate, shielding you from potential currency fluctuations between offer and completion.

Solution: By taking proactive measures to lock in favourable exchange rates, you can mitigate the uncertainty of market fluctuations.

Challenge 3: Obtaining a Property Survey

Unlike in the UK, property surveys aren’t a legal requirement in France. In fact, the property surveying profession doesn’t actually exist in the country – which can make finding a qualified property surveyor a challenge.

Nonetheless, having a full structural survey conducted before committing to the final contract is highly advisable – especially if you plan to renovate the property after purchase. A professional property surveyor can uncover hidden defects, from structural issues to faulty wiring. This ensures you’re well-informed about the property’s condition, and what your options are in terms of renovations and obtaining planning permission for any extensions or improvements to the existing property you have in mind. Additionally, you will be in a better position to negotiate property prices with the seller when you know precisely what you need to know about the property.

Solution: Engage an experienced, English-speaking property surveyor who understands the local market. Such a professional will provide invaluable insights and protect your interests along the whole house hunting and purchasing journey.

Read more: How to Find and Engage a Reputable Property Surveyor in France

Challenge 4: Legal and Regulatory Differences

French property laws and regulations differ from the UK. Understanding these differences, including zoning restrictions, environmental regulations, and planning permission, is vital to ensure a smooth and legally compliant purchase.

Solution: Work with an expert who is well-versed in French property law to navigate the complexities and protect your interests.

Charles Mackintosh – South of France Property Surveyor

There are many challenges to overcome when buying property France – from local taxes to land tax, land registry, French mortgages, and estate agency fees. In every case, it’s essential to seek the guidance of a trusted expert who will help you take the steps necessary to confidently navigate the property market in France and turn your dream of homeownership in France into a reality.

For a smooth property purchase in the South of France, Charles Mackintosh, a RICS Chartered Surveyor with over 30 years of experience in the region, is here to provide expert English language advice and property surveys tailored to the needs of overseas. Get in touch today for more information on how Charles can help you with your South of France property purchase.

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Buying a property in the South of France is a dream for many people, but it’s important to do your research before making any commitments. One of the most important things to do is to commission a survey by a qualified surveyor. This will help you to identify any potential problems with the property and to get an estimate of the cost of any necessary repairs.

The Surveying Industry in France

The surveying industry in France is very different from the industry in the UK. There is no such thing as a chartered surveyor in France, and most French buyers do not use a surveyor to inspect a property before purchase. This is because there is no legal requirement for a survey to be carried out, and French buyers are generally more comfortable with the idea of buying a property as seen. As such, Southern France surveys are an irregular occurrence – at least for the French.

However, it’s important to note that French building regulations are less stringent than UK building regulations. This means that you may be more likely to encounter problems with a property that you buy in France. This is why it’s so important to commission a survey by a qualified surveyor, especially if you’re not familiar with the French property market.

Why Is It Important to Commission A Surveyor?

There are a number of reasons why it’s important to commission a surveyor to inspect a property before you buy it in the Southern France. These include:

• To identify any potential problems with the property: A surveyor will be able to identify any structural problems with the property, as well as any other problems such as damp, asbestos, or termite infestation.
• To get an estimate of the cost of any necessary repairs: If the surveyor finds any problems with the property, they will be able to give you an estimate of the cost of repairing them. This can be very helpful when negotiating the price of the property with the seller.
• To give you peace of mind: Buying a property in a foreign country can be a daunting experience, but having a survey carried out by a qualified surveyor can give you peace of mind knowing that you’re buying a sound property.

How to Choose a Building Surveyor

When choosing a surveyor to inspect a property in the Southern France, it’s important to make sure that they are qualified and experienced. You should also check that they are members of a professional body such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

You can find a list of RICS chartered surveyors who work in Southern France on the RICS website. You can also ask your estate agent for recommendations.

What To Expect from A Survey

A survey will typically involve the surveyor inspecting the property both inside and out. They will also check the condition of the roof, the drainage system, and the electrical and gas installations.

The surveyor will then write a report that details their findings and any recommendations for repairs. The report will also include an estimate of the cost of any repairs.

Types of Surveys

There are three main types of survey that you can commission when buying a property in the Southern France:
 

Level 1 Condition Report

This is the most basic type of survey and is suitable for new build or modern houses with no visible signs of disrepair. The surveyor will inspect the property both inside and out, looking for visible signs of defects, such as damp and other damage. They will then write a Condition Report using a traffic light system to grade the different aspects of the property on the basis of whether or not they need attention, and how urgent that attention needs to be.
 

Level 2 Homebuyer Report

This is a more detailed survey than the Level 1 Condition Report and is best suited to homes over 5 years old that appear to be in a reasonable condition. There are two types of Homebuyer Report: survey-only and survey + valuation. The survey-only report includes the inspection, the written-up report, and any advice you may need that arises from the report. The survey + valuation report includes everything in the survey-only report, plus a valuation of the property.
 
The Homebuyer Report provides more detail than the Condition Report and includes a check for signs of potential subsidence issues. It also includes the most common property problems like damp and rot, but the surveyor will not look behind large pieces of furniture or go under floorboards.
 

Level 3 Full Building Survey

This is the most detailed type of survey available and is best suited to old properties, rural properties, and properties that are in visible need of repair. Also known as a Full Structural Survey, the Full Building Survey comprises of a fully comprehensive inspection of the property from top to bottom, including roofs, attics, cellars, outbuildings, behind furniture and under floorboards.
 
The surveyor will look for issues that may compromise the structural integrity of the building and the written-up report will not only list all defects uncovered, but provide recommendations for repair works and estimates for what these repairs are likely to cost.
 

Which Survey Should You Choose?

The type of survey you choose will depend on the age and condition of the property, as well as your budget. If you are buying a new build or modern house with no visible signs of disrepair, then a Level 1 Condition Report may be sufficient. However, if you are buying an older property, a rural property, or a property that is in visible need of repair, then you should consider commissioning a Level 2 Homebuyer Report or a Level 3 Full Building Survey.
 
It is important to note that while a survey is not compulsory in France, it is highly recommended. A survey can help you to identify any potential problems with the property and to get an estimate of the cost of any necessary repairs. This information can be very valuable when negotiating the price of the property with the seller.
 

Charles Mackintosh – RICS Chartered South of France Surveyor

If you’re thinking of buying a property in the Southern France, it’s important to enlist the services a qualified surveyor. This will help you to identify any potential problems with the property and to get an estimate of the cost of any necessary repairs.
 
Charles Mackintosh is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyor with over 30 years’ experience living and operating in the South of France, specialising in providing English-language property surveys and advice to overseas buyers. Get in touch today for more information.

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Whether it’s a charming countryside cottage, a chic urban apartment, or a luxurious Riviera villa, when it comes to investing in French property, understanding and mitigating the various risks you may be faced with is paramount. French property surveys and the professionals who conduct them play a crucial role in this process.

In this article, we’ll explore the role of the French property surveyor in mastering project risks and ensuring your property investment is sound.

The Importance of Building Surveys

It may surprise you to learn that full structural surveys are not a common practice in France like they are elsewhere in the world, and French buyers don’t tend to bother with them.

However, just because they aren’t a legal requirement, doesn’t mean it’s not in your best interest to have one conducted. Indeed, building surveys are nothing short of crucial for anyone looking to purchase property in France. A building survey is your key to uncovering potential problems with the property, ensuring structural integrity, and avoiding the headache of costly defects that might lurk beneath the paint and plasterwork of what you think is your dream home in Southern France.

Read more: What Type of House Survey Do You Need in the South of France?

Understanding the Risks of Purchasing French Property

When embarking on the exciting journey of purchasing property in France, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks involved.

Risks of Not Getting a Property Survey Done

You Might Not Get a True Valuation

Opting to forgo a property survey can be a costly mistake. Without commissioning a comprehensive building survey report from a chartered building surveyor, you might not receive an accurate valuation of the property. This can lead to overpaying for a property or missing out on a potentially great deal.
 

You Won’t Have Peace of Mind

Property surveys provide peace of mind. They reveal the true condition of the property, highlighting any potential problems or costly defects. Without this knowledge, you might be in for unpleasant surprises down the road.
 

You Might Not Be Able to Make the Improvements You Want

If you plan to make improvements or renovations to your newly acquired property, a building survey is invaluable. It identifies structural integrity issues, ensuring that your dream home is safe for your desired upgrades. Skipping this step could hinder your ability to make the improvements you envision.
 

You Might Get Stung by Hidden Costs

Buying property in the South of France will often mean parting with more cash than outlined in the list price. Numerous hidden costs can impact your budget. Here are some of the additional expenses to consider.
 

Notaire Fees

Notaire fees encompass taxes and the notary’s fee itself, bundled together for payment as one sum – which is typically around 1% of the sale price. In addition to the notary fee, you’ll need to add TVA (VAT) at 20%. In addition, you will need to pay the droits d’enregistrement (stamp duty) and land registry costs. A qualified surveyor will be able to help you understand exactly how much these additional fees will amount to.
 

Estate Agent Fees

Real estate agent fees, typically ranging from 5% to 10% of the sale price, are another expense to account for. It’s important to note that not all estate agents include their commission in the listed price, and sometimes the buyer is responsible for paying these fees. Again, a building surveyor will help you understand everything you need to know.
 

Legal Fees

While not mandatory, having legal representation can provide peace of mind, especially if you’re not fluent in French. A lawyer who speaks the language can explain all documents and contracts clearly, ensuring you fully understand the legal aspects of your purchase.
 

Currency Exchange Fees

Converting your money for the property purchase and associated fees can also incur costs. Exchange rates fluctuate, so it’s wise to consider a currency exchange company that allows you to lock in your rate ahead of time, providing clarity on your expenses.
 

Charles Mackintosh – South of France Property Surveyor

Understanding these risks and hidden costs is essential for making informed decisions when buying property in the South of France. For professional advice and property surveys, don’t hesitate to contact Charles Mackintosh, a Chartered Surveyor with over 30 years’ experience serving overseas buyers in the region.