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, because you may have a legal requirement to maintain them.
Local Amenities - Ask the same basic and simple questions you would ask if you were back home:
Getting There - 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, amenities and supermarkets are there? Is there a taxi or Uber cab service?
Drainage - Is the property connected to the sewage system? Does it have a clean water 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, ask for a DPE report and inquire about how the house is heated; some holiday homes have only electric heating or a fireplace. If you need fast broadband, ask whether the owner has a good internet provider and if there's optical fibre, which is becoming increasingly common across France.
Property Taxes - There are two types: the taxe d’habitation, which is means-tested, and the "taxe fonciere" (land tax). They are paid annually at the beginning of the year and settled pro rata upon completion.
Sun - Most buyers move to France for the warmer climate, so make sure the property gets plenty of sunshine. Find out which way the house faces, and in southern areas, check whether the property has quality shutters and air-conditioning.
Top Buyers' Tip
DISCUSS YOUR OFFER with our agent, who may have spoken to the owner about their circumstances.
