PROPERTY PURCHASE IN FRANCE
Buying a house in France is an exciting step. However, the purchase process and regulations can differ from those in other countries. At Résifrance we guide you through every stage of the process, ensuring that your purchase is secure, transparent and well informed.
ABOUT RESIFRANCE
Résifrance is an official French real estate agency owned and managed by two Dutch partners:
Ewoud COPIJN – Ir. Technical Business Administration / Certified SVM Real Estate Agent
Mijke BEEREN – Ir. Architecture / Building Engineering
Our company is registered with the French Chambre de Commerce and holds its own real estate licence (Carte Professionnelle n°700637/T – Haute-Saône). This enables us to operate independently and act as the direct intermediary between buyer and seller.
Résifrance is also a member of the FNAIM, the largest professional association of real estate agents in France. Having lived and worked in France for more than ten years, we combine international experience with in-depth local knowledge.
OUR REGION
Our properties are located in the beautiful north-east of France, approximately 6.5 hours by car from Utrecht and about 1.5 hours south of Nancy, between the historic towns of Langres and Vesoul.
This region is known for its rolling landscapes, traditional stone villages, thermal spas and peaceful countryside — an ideal location for a second home or a permanent residence.
Our offices are located in:
Fayl-Billot (52500)
Bourbonne-les-Bains (52400)
La Roche-Morey (70120)
BUY WITH CONFIDENCE
Buying property abroad can sometimes be complex due to differences in language, culture and legislation. Our role is to make the process clear and secure.
We provide:
• clear legal guidance throughout the purchase
• professional insight into the condition of the property
• assistance with negotiations and pricing
• full explanation of contracts and legal procedures
• communication with the notary and official authorities
• support before, during and after the purchase
In addition, we help you understand local property values, regulations and customs.
OUR SERVICES
Property verification
Before you purchase a property, we verify key information with official authorities, including:
• ownership of the house and land
• agreement of all owners
• possible usufruct rights
• mortgages or debts attached to the property
• tenancy agreements
• connection to the sewage system
• easements or rights of way
• flood risks or environmental restrictions
• possible pre-emption rights
Price advice
With many years of experience in the regional property market, we can help you determine whether the asking price is realistic. Important factors such as construction quality, location, views, land size and renovation potential are carefully considered.
Purchase guidance
We assist you throughout the entire purchase process, including:
• property viewings with detailed explanations
• advice on maintenance and renovation costs
• negotiation with the seller
• assistance with mortgage applications if required
• legal advice tailored to your personal situation
• preparation and explanation of the compromis de vente (preliminary contract)
• explanation of all mandatory property diagnostics
• coordination with the notary
• insurance quotations
• final inspection before completion
• assistance during the signing of the authentic deed
Aftercare
Our assistance does not stop once the purchase is completed. We can also help you settle into your new life in France by assisting with practical matters such as opening a bank account, contacting local authorities and introducing reliable local contractors.
VIEWINGS
In France, property viewings with a real estate agent are always free of charge. Agents are only entitled to a commission once the sale has been successfully completed.
FINANCIAL ASPECTS
When purchasing property in France, buyers should take into account:
• the purchase price of the property
• notary fees
• additional costs if financing through a mortgage
All properties listed on our website include the real estate agency commission.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• A deposit of approximately 10% of the purchase price is required when signing the compromis de vente.
• This deposit is paid into a secure account of the real estate agent (Compte de Séquestre) or the notary.
• Cash payments or unofficial “under-the-table” payments should always be avoided.
THE PURCHASE PROCESS IN FRANCE
Compromis de Vente
The compromis de vente is the preliminary sales agreement and is legally binding for both buyer and seller.
Cooling-off period
Buyers benefit from a 10-day cooling-off period (Délai de rétractation), which begins the day after the signed contract is officially delivered.
Mandatory property diagnostics
The seller must provide several inspection reports concerning asbestos, lead paint, electricity, energy performance (DPE) and environmental risks.
Completion
You officially become the owner when the authentic deed is signed at the notary’s office. The period between signing the preliminary contract and the final transfer is usually around 6 to 8 weeks, depending on financing and administrative procedures.
