Boundaries - Check the boundaries, buildings, walls, land, and inquire about public rights-of-way.
It’s also worth asking whether any conditions apply to outside areas, such as woodland, as there may be a legal requirement to maintain them.
Local Amenities - Ask the same questions you would ask back home:
How far is the nearest airport, ferry terminal, or train station? With the TGV fast train? What public transportation is there, and how often does it run? What local shops and amenities are there? Is there a taxi or Uber cab service?
Drainage - Is the property connected to the sewage system? Does it have a clean supply and an up-to-date septic tank?
Gas, Electricity and Internet - What services are linked to the property? This will impact your running costs. For example, you should ask for a DPE report and inquire about how the house is heated; some holiday homes only have electric heating or a fireplace. If you require fast internet, ask if the property has broadband or, better yet, optical fibre, which is becoming increasingly common in France.
Property Taxes - There are two types, the tax d’habitation, which is means-tested, and the "taxe fonciere" (land tax). They are paid annually at the beginning of the year and settled on a pro-rata basis upon completion. Learn more about taxes.
Sun - Most buyers move to France in the hope of escaping the climate, so ensure the property benefits from plenty of sunshine. Find out what way the house is facing, and in hilly areas, check that you’re not in a dip or a shady slope that misses the best of the sun.
Top Buyers' Tip
DISCUSS YOUR OFFER with our agent, who may have spoken to the owner about their circumstances.
