Pre-Visit Preparations
Before your visit, selecting the right region in France is an important first step. Sextant provides comprehensive area guides to assist you in this decision. It’s also crucial to arrange your finances in advance. This can be done through your bank or a specialist in French mortgages. Having your finances ready ensures that you can act swiftly if you find your ideal property during your visit. Additionally, completing Sextant’s detailed questionnaire allows them to understand your specific requirements and recommend properties tailored to your preferences.
Property Search Methods
There are three main ways to search for properties with Sextant. You can browse their website and highlight properties that interest you. Alternatively, you can submit the completed questionnaire to receive personalized recommendations. Lastly, you can directly contact Sextant’s team by phone or email to discuss your requirements. After identifying properties of interest, Sextant coordinates viewings with their French agents at times that suit you.
Organizing Property Viewings
Once you’ve selected properties you’d like to visit, provide Sextant with the property reference numbers and your availability. You can contact them by calling +44 207 428 4910 or emailing us. To allow sufficient time for arrangements, Sextant requires at least one week’s notice to schedule viewings with their local French agents. Ensure you plan your travel to France accordingly to accommodate these viewings.
If you find a property you like, it’s important to make an offer promptly, as the French property market moves quickly. Offers are typically submitted in writing. Upon acceptance, both parties sign the Compromis de Vente, a preliminary contract that legally binds them. This contract outlines the buyer and seller details, property specifications, and purchase terms. Conditional clauses, known as Clauses Suspensives, can be included to allow withdrawal under specific conditions, such as mortgage refusal. Once signed, the buyer has a 10-day cooling-off period to withdraw without penalty.
Financial Considerations
If financing is required, ensure that a mortgage clause is included in the Compromis de Vente. This clause allows termination of the contract without penalty if the mortgage application is denied. Typically, banks provide mortgage offers within a 6 to 8-week timeframe. Sextant also partners with Moneycorp to offer competitive exchange rates for international money transfers, helping clients save up to 3-4% compared to high street banks. Additional perks include discounts on Apple products and travel services.
Currency Exchange
To simplify currency transfers, Sextant has partnered with Moneycorp. This service offers better rates than traditional banks and can save clients money on international transfers. With this partnership, clients can benefit from significant savings and additional services to support their property purchase.
Finalizing the Purchase
As the purchase nears completion, the Notaire plays a vital role in ensuring all necessary checks are carried out. This includes verifying land boundaries, rights of way, and that the property is free from encumbrances. The Notaire also oversees inspections for termites, lead, asbestos, and other issues, while informing the buyer about any servitude rights or septic system regulations. This process typically takes 2 to 3 months. Before signing the final deed of sale, it’s recommended to inspect the property to confirm it’s in the agreed condition. The process concludes with the signing of the Acte de Vente at the Notaire’s office, after which the buyer receives the keys. If needed, translation services are arranged to ensure complete understanding of the contract.
Conclusion
The buying process generally takes between nine and twelve weeks. Sextant Properties offers its services at no extra cost, as they operate on a shared commission basis with their agents. Properties are priced the same as if purchased directly through local agents. For assistance with your French property search, you can contact Sextant at +44 207 428 4910 or [email protected].
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