Wolverhampton: 01902714555 | Birmingham: 01214441885 | London: 02079371999 | Rugby: 01788541044
| Coventry & Warwick: 02476632501 | Bridgnorth: 01746233119

Recent News


The Language of French Property Buying

Sep 23. 2019

Depending on how good a working knowledge of the French language you have, buying a property in France will most likely throw up a few new terms that you haven’t encountered before.

To help you on your way in purchasing your new domicile, we’ve compiled a few useful terms associated with the buying process:
Acte de vente- the ‘bill of sale’ is signed once the notiare has completed the conveyancing and has the paperwork in order. The papers are sent out approximately six months after the ownership is transferred.

Acquérir – to buy

Agence immobilière – estate agent

Agent immobilier – real estate agent

Attestation de vente– certificate of sale.  When keys and a  (attestation de vente) are handed over; ownership is transferred.

Bon état – good condition

Carte professionnelle – granted to estate agents to carry out business

Clauses suspensives– conditional clauses.  At the outset, the vendor and buyer agree on the price of the property and terms of contract as well as  (clauses suspensives).

Compromis de vente– a preliminary sales contract.  This is drawn up by the agent or notaire.

Crédit immobilier/ prêt immobilier – mortgage

Diagnostic de performance energetique– DPE/ an energy efficiency report is now mandatory in the process.

Etat des risques naturels et technologiques- a natural disaster risk report, that is also mandatory in the buying process.  The report specifies whether the property is within an area where there is a risk of flooding, or other natural or technological disaster or accident.

Les frais d’agence– agent’s fees.  Ordinarily they are included in the price.

Les frais de notaire– the notaire’s fixed fees plus tax are usually in addition to the property price, for the buyer to pay.

If you would like help in moving your household possessions to France, have a chat to our European moving professionals on 01902 714555, via email sales@burkebros.co.uk or complete our online contact form for a call back.

Associations and Accreditations


Quick Links


scrolltop