Legal services in France – documents necessary to buy French properties
If you are interested in buying French properties you will hear a myriad of terms relating to French legal services and documents. A few of these documents are listed below alongside a brief description in English. When buying French properties you should learn as much about legal services in France as possible in order to avoid the problems which have befallen some overseas buyers.
A fuller glossary of French property terms may provide a useful starting point when fighting your way through the jungle of French terms.
ACTE AUTHENTIQUE - legal paper drawn up by a public officer
ACTE DE VENTE - a conveyance or transfer of land which must be completed in front of a notaire
ASSURANCE DECES - life insurance certificate
ATTESTATION DE PROPRIETE/VENTE - proof of ownership of French properties. This is available through your notaire
CERTIFICAT D’URBANISME - zoning certificate for French properties. This comes in two forms – the certificat de simple information details whether the existing French property meets building standards and has valid planning permission. The certificat operationelle lays out whether land changes or extensions will be allowed.
CONTRAT DE RESERVATION - type of contract for the purchase of French properties which have not yet been completed. Again the value of contracting legal services in France should not be underestimated. Your solicitor should demand guarantees that an insurer or bank will pay for completion in the event of a developer going bust.
CONTRAT PRELIMINAIRE - preliminary contract to buy homes for sale in France. Your solicitor should make sure conditions suspensives (get-out clauses) are included in certain eventualities.
MANDAT - letter from the vendor authorising the sale of French properties. This should set out who pays estate agents commission and other costs, including those pertaining to other leagal services in France.
TESTAME PERMIS DE CONSTRUIRE - planning permission
TESTAMENT - a will
Buying French properties requires you to sign many documents, carry out conversations in a foreign language and possibly walk around in a state of perpetual bewilderment! This is why it is essential to seek professional legal services in France. John Howell & Co is a UK-based firm of solicitors specialising in international law and offer expert legal services in France.
