We just wanted to say a big thank you for all your help over the last year. We have taken the keys to our new place and we are incredibly pleased and excited. It is a great house and in a beautiful part of Brittany. - Mr & Mrs Larkin
 

Building Guarantees

 

When you purchase a new property in France off plan a number of guarantees are provided. These ensure your protection and provide courses of action to take should you discover any faults or defects once you have taken possession of your property.

 

1. Completion of Construction Guarantee

(La garantie de livraison)

 

A French developer or construction company is required by law to take out a completion guarantee policy with a financial institution. This policy ensures that construction of the French property will be completed in the event of the developer or construction company going bankrupt.

 

 

2.  Perfect Completion Guarantee

(La garantie de parfait achèvement)

 

Valid for one year from the key handover, this guarantee covers any faults or defects noted on the snagging list (procès-verbal) drawn up at the time of the key handover with the French developer. It also covers any subsequent faults notified within the first year of taking possession of the property. These must be notified to the developer by recorded delivery letter. A timescale is agreed with the developer for the completion of any snagging.

 

 

3. Two Year Fixtures and Fittings Guarantee

(La garantie de bon fonctionnement)

 

Valid for two years with effect from the key handover, this guarantee covers any defects that become apparent with the fixtures and fittings within the French property, such as radiators, carpets, doors and windows. It does not cover any damage to fixtures and fittings resulting from general wear and tear. To implement this guarantee you need to send the developer a recorded delivery letter.

 

 

4. Ten Year Structural Guarantee

(La garantie décennale)

 

The construction of a property in France is guaranteed for ten years effective from the key handover. The guarantee covers any disorder that compromises the structural solidity of the property, rendering it unfit for its intended purpose, namely habitation.

 

 

Buying off plan guide

 

 

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