3. Talking of Bargains…
Property prices vary from region to region, department to department, town to town. Even expensive areas may offer zones where properties are more affordable. If you have an area in mind, ask local estate agents in the area where to look for cheaper properties.
4. Do your homework
Research the area fully before you commit. If you can, spend some time in the area to get a real feel for a place. Make sure the facilities you want are available, pop into the local town hall and introduce yourself as prospective residents, ask if there are any major plans for the area such as new roads, office blocks etc. One way to really get to grips with a place at little cost is to house sit rather than rent, the chances are that you’ll get treated more like a local that way too!
5. Make an offer
In France it’s the buyer who pays the estate agent’s fee, not the seller. Estate agent fees range from 2% to 12% and maybe even more than that. Check that the price of an advertised property includes the agent fee. When you make an offer you may need to negotiate with the agent as well as the seller. Factor in the notaire’s fee for the legal work plus the property buyer’s tax that’s due to the Government.
Bon Courage!
Town or country?
Facilities or not?
Transport links?