Here we go! You are two steps away from being a French landlord/lady.
The completion of the contract will take approximately 2 to 3 months, according to the type of preliminary contract that you have signed and the agreed date of completion. This is the "Acte de Vente", for the final deeds. Once all documents have been returned to the solicitor, they will inform the buyer and request the full payment of the property price, minus the deposit and, if applicable the sum of the loan or mortgage. You will then have to pay the solicitor fees.
You must ensure the transfer of funds into the solicitors? account before the completion date to prove the availability of funds. Failing to meet the completion date or the payment will mean that you could lose the house and the deposit!
The completion process is an important formal procedure in France, held in the solicitors? office, with all parties present. Within French culture the meaning of property is very important, therefore such matters are taken seriously.
Once again, as a British citizen, it might make the process easier if you give your solicitor the power of attorney for the signing of the completion, as you can avoid having to be present at the signing, meaning you won?t have to pay for the trip, just to spend 2 hours in a solicitors office, when you should be sure of what you are buying at this stage in the proceedings anyway.
" Bon pour Accord " signed! Now you just have to pack up your belongings and come to enjoy your place under the sun!
