Case History
Clients came to French Riviera Property Search with no real idea of where they wanted to buy an apartment for their family holidays. They just knew they wanted to have wonderful views of (and to be near to) the mediterranean sea and not in the centre of a busy town. They never wanted to rent it out.
They liked isolated areas of the coast but had young teenage children. Their budget was reasonably high at 600 – 700K euros.
I showed them several personally pre-selected properties which matched their criteria, but then gently pointed out that their children wouldn’t thank their parents for keeping them very isolated and perhaps in the forthcoming years would cease to want a holiday with their parents. I showed them an apartment in an area that suited both the parents and the children, which they all loved.
I gave them the price expressed in cost per square meter and how that compared to other similar properties in that area. I advised them on an offer bid and saw it through with negotiation on their behalf. With their written authority I signed the first legal document, the Compromis de Vente, on their behalf, checking each clause and ensuring that all necessary aspects were properly included, i.e. garage, storage celler, legal size of the habitable area. I ensured all legal searches were properly carried out and supplied – i.e. for termites, lead, asbestos, climate diagnostic, etc.
I advised my clients on many aspects that local French Agents seldom do – how to buy in a way that avoided exposure to annual French wealth tax; which local rates and property taxes would be applicable; what service charges were payable and what they included. I introduced them to an English-speaking bank so that they could open their local account; arranged a low-cost French mortgage for the amount they needed. I then introduced them to a local English-speaking Notary who explained how they should structure their purchase in the most legally-efficient way. It should be carefully noted that if there are any children from a previous relationship then they inherit under the strict French inheritance laws and cannot be removed by a will – there is a simple way to overcome this at the outset but it cannot be changed later if someone has bought wrongly.
I acted on my clients’ behalf in arranging the insurance and attending at the Notary for the final signing. As they could not be present I had arranged that they signed an authority for the Notary to sign the documents on their behalf with me present.
Finally I assisted my clients with many local moving-in requirements – movers, transfer of electricity and telephone, local knowledge of the best bread and coffee in the vicinity! The best local markets. Local cultural events for the parents and amusement activities for the children. They know they can still contact me for advice on any aspect.
The whole family is very happy in their new holiday home and look forward to every visit.