You should now have a notion of the purchase process up to the point where the compromis (first contract) is signed; your currency and mortgage must have been arranged and your deposit will be with the notaire. The next stage is dealing with all-important inheritance issues, before the final signing.

Inheritance laws

  • In France, what happens to property on the death of the owners is written in to the final deed of the property, and cannot be determined by the content of a will but by the form of the final contract
  • It is absolutely vital that you have legal assistance at this point. Inheritance advice needs to be specific to your situation and preferences and provided by someone who has an excellent up-to-date knowledge of French inheritance law
  • Clients choosing the Purchase Package will be particularly thankful at this stage. The VEF Language and Law team will assess which contract form is best for you, discuss your preferences and protect your interests

Reconnection of services

  • You will need to make sure that electricity, gas and water services are reconnected when or shortly after you take possession of your property
  • Those choosing the Purchase Package can be assured that the VEF Language and Law team will check up that the agent on the ground has these matters in hand

Insurance

  • By French law, you must have your property insured. You may be able to take over the policy of the previous owner or you may have to organize full cover before you sign the final contract
  • Clients choosing the Purchase Package will benefit from the Language and Law team’s long experience. They can arrange insurance for you with a partner insurer or liaise with the agent in France whichever you prefer

Power of attorney

  • If you cannot attend the signing of the final contract, which completes the purchase – you will need to organize for a power of attorney to be drawn up
  • This will need to be translated, checked by you and witnessed by a public notary when you sign it. Furthermore, if you are buying with a French mortgage then the power of attorney may also need to be legalised
  • For clients who are protected by the Purchase Package, the VEF Language and Law team will arrange the power of attorney to be drawn up, check it and translate it, so you know exactly what you are signing

The final signing

  • Venturus recommends being present at the final signing. It’s a big milestone in your property adventure after all! Also you can check with the vendor how equipment in the house works, ask him or her to introduce you to the neighbours, and find out more about the history of the house
  • You may receive the final contract very shortly before the signing date or often when you get to the notaire’s ofice for the final signing. It will certainly be in French. The notaire may arrange for a translator to be present at the signing, for a charge, but you still need to know what to look out for if you do not have expert assistance
  • Clients who chose the Purchase Package will benefit from the VEF Language and Law team informing them of when the final contract is ready to sign. The VEF Language and Law team will also be on hand during office hours to give any last minute additional advice
  • On the final signing you are now the proud owner of your dream home in France. Congratulations!

To find out more about the Purchase Package fees and à la carte Language and Law services see the Purchase Package section, call Venturus on 020 7517 0585 or email purchase-package@be-venturus.com

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