Survival guide for buying property in rural France
La Belle France, one of the most popular destinations for buying property abroad, is still something of an enigma to the Brits. We eye with curiosity its Gallic indifference, penchant for striking and same-sex kissing whilst can’t help but to admire the idyllic countryside, café society and many a premier cru. But beware, the enigma percolates through to the property market. You’d be wise to heed Burgundy-based Arena Park France’s tips to guide you through the murky waters of buying a home in rural France. 1 Clash of the Cultures. A rural French estate agent can be an awkward individual. Spontaneity is out – they need at least two days notice before they can take you on a viewing – and then are most-likely to take you to a selection of homes that bear little or no resemblance to your brief. Smile and be patient.
2 Mystery Tour. Estate agents will never tell you the exact location of a property until they have walked you over the threshold and introduced you personally. They’re all deeply paranoid that the purchaser will contact the owner direct and by cutting out the middle man save a princely 5 to 8% commission.
3 Lost in Translation. The gap is wider than the English Channel when it comes to the difference between French and British interpretations of certain words. What the English-speaking world deems to be ‘renovated’ and what French agents claim to be ‘renovated’ are two quite different matters.
4 Flaw Plans. French have an interesting way of constructing their homes. Walking through a bedroom to reach one or two others is not unusual. As is one decades-old bathroom considered to be perfectly adequate per three or four bedrooms. (How ironic that ‘en suite’ is a French term).
5 Vanishing Kitchens. Bizarrely the French are known to take their kitchen cupboards, appliances and worktops with them when they move house leaving a gaping hole behind. Don’t even expect a fitted kitchen in a new property – unless you pay extra. In fact a ‘kitchen’ is legally allowed to be termed a ‘kitchen’ merely by the presence of a sink and some taps.
6 Idyllic becomes Isolated. Inexpensive rural retreats still exist across the French countryside however you’d be wise to be close to some kind of life or security, particularly if the home is left vacant for lengthy periods of time, could become an issue. Similarly, unless you’re fans of ‘The Good Life’ self-sufficiency, access to shops, a fresh produce market and services are a must.
7 Cool-off. The French have got this part of the buying process spot on. Once you have found the perfect home and agreed the price, buyer and seller sign a ‘compromis de vente’ - an initial contract that takes the house off the market. Follows an officially-sanctioned seven day cooling-off period during which either the buyer or vendor may pull out of the sale without penalty. How very rational and civilised.
8 Legal Eyes. As in Spain, the French notary is there as an extra pair of eyes to see that the agent and lawyer have done their jobs correctly. He acts equally for both parties and ensures both sides are fairly treated according to the law. Fees are set and controlled by the government but payable by the buyer.
9 TVA (aka VAT). France has two levels of TVA - 19.6% and 5.5%. If you’re renovating an existing house that is more than two years old the work is perceived to be relatively minor so the 5.5% tariff can be applied. This lower rate only applies if you have work done that is supplied and installed. On the other hand if you buy a kitchen and plan to install it yourself, you will be charged at 19.6% to buy the materials. Likewise if you are for example converting a barn into a house, then the work is deemed to be more major and the builders will have to charge you the higher rate.
10 Utility Futility. When you move in, you will need to make sure you have all utilities connected and signed over into your name. This process can be more frustrating than any other as the utilities companies are famously slow to react. Expect to wait anything up to a month or longer for your details to be changed, and for a phone or internet line to be installed well, your guess is as good as ours.
Headed up by experienced husband and wife team Su and David Bishop, Arena Park France has been at the forefront of high-quality conversions since in Burgundy’s sophisticated wine villages since setting up in 2003.
On the market in Burgundy:
Cottage in Cissey
Original stone cottage dating back to 1820 sitting on the outskirts of the picturesque Burgundy farming village of Cissey. Being 5km south of Beaune, this property represents excellent value for money. Uninhabited for 50 years, this complete refurbishment will create a two bedroom home with an abundance of original character. With tranquil views over the surrounding fields the property has an open-plan living/dining area with authentic fireplace opening onto a south-facing walled garden complete with well. Both bedrooms have lofty oak-beamed ceilings and are en-suite, the master with a sunny roof terrace, whilst off-street parking for two cars completes the property.
Price 360,000 euros (excl. kitchen)
For more information, visit arena-park.com
