Completing the purchase

The Deed of sale or “Acte de Vente”

When purchasing a property off plan in France your title of ownership is registered in the Acte de Vente document (Deed of sale).

Approximately 4 to 6 months after signing the Reservation contract and in order to complete the purchase, the French Notaire will send a draft of the Deed or “Projet d’Acte” by recorded delivery to your home address.

Completion/signature of the Deed of sale should take place within one month following the receipt of these recorded delivery documents. This is important to remember as developers are in a legal position to impose a penalty charge for late signing of the Deed.

Prior to receiving the Deed of sale documents from the Notaire, we would advise you to seek independent professional French inheritance and tax advice in order to complete your new build purchase as best suits your personal and family circumstances. (more on French inheritance Law)

What is included in the off plan Deed of Sale

There is a well regulated system for buying off plan in France which provides complete security for the buyer within the framework of French law.

New residential developments have to be financially bonded and building guarantees must be provided by the developers. French Law requires that details of the financial bond and building insurance policy in place are noted in the Deed of sale, together with planning details and ownership of the land on which the new project is to be built. The building guarantees come into force once the key handover has taken place. (more on New build guarantees)

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