Yes. The procedure of buying property in France is very different to buying property in the UK. The process of buying in France is contractually binding much earlier and it is necessary to have your finances in place before committing to any purchase. For example, if you have a house to sell in the UK before being able to buy your new home in France no allowance will be made if at the time of the final contract you are not in a position to sign because your house has not sold.

House hunting is similar to the UK in as much as you can look at properties on the web sites; arrange visits with several agents, although I would always suggest only using bona fide French Immobiliers, and discussing your offer price. The agent will always accompany you on visits and you will be asked to sign a visiting form beforehand.

Once you have found the property you wish to buy and agreed on a price with the seller, the agent will prepare the initial contract, the compromis de vente. At this stage you must be in a position to say whether you are paying cash for the property or require finance. If you declare that you require a mortgage, a period of one month will be accorded to you to obtain the loan. If you are unable to obtain financing your deposit will be reimbursed to you and the contract will be cancelled. The compromis de vente describes the property and details the selling conditions. This contract is a guarantee for both the seller and the buyer about the state and precise description of the sold property and the complete financial circumstances of the sale.

At this point you will have to pay a 10% deposit, which will remain blocked on a special account with either the notaire or the Immobilier and will serve as a guarantee for the seller that you will really buy the property, and as one for you that he will not sell to anyone else. This deposit will only be reimbursed if you change your mind within seven days of signing the Compromis de vente, the loan you have organised for buying the property is not granted by the bank, or the seller changes his mind. In this case not only will he have to pay the deposit back, but also to pay you an equivalent compensation. After the Compromis de vente has been signed searches are carried out, as in the UK, which takes around eight weeks. Then the final contract is signed and the property becomes the buyer’s.I am often asked about having a survey carried out on property in France. It is not mandatory and indeed it may be impossible to engage the services of a surveyor here but it is advisable to have a local artisan check a particular problem area, for example the roof or walls, and give their opinion. The agent too will be able to give his opinion as to the condition of the property and you should always ask his advise as he acts for both seller and buyer.