Deed of Sale

Completion is when the final deed of sale (Acte de Vente) is signed at the notaire's office and legal ownership is transferred to the buyer. It is also the point when the payment of the balance of the purchase price plus any other payments, such as the notaire's fees, taxes and duties are due. If a mortgage has been arranged then the bank will pay the mortgage monies direct to the notaire.

It is normal for both parties to be present when the deed of sale is read, signed and witnessed by the notaire. Each page has to be initialled by both the seller and the buyer and both must sign the last page after writing in French "bon pour accord" which means they have understood and accept the terms.

There are no title deeds as such in France and proof of ownership is provided and guaranteed by registration of the property at the French Land registry (Bureau des Hypothéques). The relevant sections of the deed of sale are sent for registration at the Land Registry and after about 2-3 months you will receive your title of ownership (Titre de propriété).

If you do not wish to or are unable to attend completion in person you can appoint an attorney to execute the Acte de Vente on your behalf using a Power of Attorney or Procuration. This document must be drawn in French, signed before a Notary Public and forwarded to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office where a certificate (l'Apostille) is annexed to give legal effect in France.

After signing the Acte de Vente the purchaser is responsible for the insurance of the buildings which must include 3rd party liability and for paying local rates (taxes d'habitation & taxes fonciere), paid annually in arrears.