Legal services in France who you need to contact when buying property in France
When buying property in France you will incur a number of unavoidable extra expenses. Many of these relate to legal services in France and you must be sure to proceed in accordance with the law at all times. Once you have seen the property in France for you then you must contact a solicitor, either in France or the UK.
It is not a legal requirement to have a solicitor act for you but to avoid falling victim to the pitfalls of buying property in a foreign country it is vital to contract the services of one.
Legal Services in France UK solicitors
There are a number of UK firms of solicitors specialising in providing legal services for buying property in France. It is essential to use a firm with a solicitors office in France and French speaking solicitors in the UK.
One such expert, John Howell & Co, is a UK-based firm specialising in international law. The company has many years experience of legal services in France and can assist you at every step of the process of buying property in France.
Legal services in France - French solicitors
When you first begin the process of buying property in France the first thing you must do is employ the services of a solicitor specialising in French law. They will give advice and guidance at each stage of buying the property in France including:
- Checking the register for any debts registered against the property in France
- Advising you on how to proceed if any encumbrances are discovered
- Deal with the payment of taxes relating to buying property in France
Reputable French solicitors will greatly reduce the stress involved in buying property in France.
Legal services in France agents immobiliers
An agent immobilier (estate agent) possess a carte professional to run their own business. This is granted to those who meet professional standards and have a certain level of experience.
Agents immobiliers function in the same way as British estate agents, advertising available properties and working on behalf of potential buyers. However, they also hold a higher legal standing and can draft some legal papers regarding property in France.
When buying property in France always make sure whether or not the price includes agents commission so as to avoid any nasty surprises.
Legal services in France notaires
A notaire is the only legal professional required to act in property transactions in France. They are highly-trained lawyers who oversee the purchase and register the deeds with the land registry. The notaire ensures that every aspect of the transaction is carried out in accordance with the law.
You should remember that something may not be in your favour but can still be perfectly legal. The notaire is not there to safeguard your interests when buying property in France. That responsibility falls to your solicitor in France.
Legal services in France translators
You should always employ the services of a translator when looking to buy property in France. French estate agents may offer you the services of one but, as with your solicitor in France, you should always pay for an independent service. With large sums of money binding contracts involved it is well worth paying to protect your own interests when employing legal services in France.
