Now is a great time to buy property in France, with the real-estate market opening up and cheap air-fare being available. Before looking out for a property you should decide for what purpose you are purchasing the property. If you plan on renting the property out, then you should buy property in a prime tourist location like the southern Rivera along the Corte D’Azur and Provence regions. These regions are more expensive in terms of real-estate costs but are always in demand among tourists and will return good dividends as investments. Once you have reached an agreement with the seller you will be required to sign a sales contract (Compromis de vente). You should retain a good lawyer before proceeding with the sale or signing any documents. Your lawyer can have the property checked out by a notarie and make sure that there are no outstanding debts on the property. If you are taking out a mortgage on the property, you should ensure that there is a clause in the agreement which specifies the same. You will also have to provide suitable proof of the sanctioning of the mortgage. The agreement is not final and you are given 7 days to change your mind after which the sale will be finalised.

You will have to pay 10% of the total amount on the day of signing the agreement. If you take a mortgage, you are required by law to take out an insurance policy too. In addition to this you must provide adequate proof of assets so that you can make the mortgage repayments. You will have to supply the lender all account information, last 3 pay slips and details of your credit rating. Here too there is a 10-day period after your loan is sanctioned during which you can change your mind. The bank will send an agent to value your property, the cost of this will have to be spent by you before the agent arrives. The entire process of buying your dream home in France does not take more than a few months, after which you are free to do what you please with it.