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IMPORTANT

You should be vigilant when selecting financial services firms. Our agency will not accept responsibility if you transfer money to a firm which goes out of business owing you money.

Get the best Euro € rate

The French property buying process includes a contract called the "Compromis de Vente" where the term of the sale are laid as well as the price – which will be in euros. So if you are living in the UK you will need to convert pounds sterling in to euros so you can complete the purchase of your property in France. The same applies if you wish to change dollars to euros or other worldwide currencies.

A Foreign exchange currency broker can offer favourable rates on these transactions and could save you a small sum which go towards a new kitchen, bathroom or swimming pool!

If you are considering buying a French property, it is essential to understand the complexities of currency exchange rates and how they can impact your purchase. A currency broker can provide you with valuable assistance in this process, helping you to secure the best exchange rate and save money on your property purchase.

Here are some of the reasons why you should consider using a currency broker when buying a house in France:

1. Competitive exchange rates:

A currency broker can offer you more competitive exchange rates than banks, which can save you a significant amount of money on your property purchase. They have access to a range of currency markets, which means they can offer you better rates than banks and other financial institutions.

2. Expertise:

Currency brokers are experts in foreign exchange, and they have a deep understanding of how the currency markets work. They can provide you with valuable insights into market trends and help you make informed decisions about when to buy or sell currency.

3. Personalised service:

When you work with a currency broker, you will have access to a dedicated account manager who can provide you with personalised service. They can guide you through the currency exchange process and answer any questions you may have along the way.

4. Flexibility:

Currency brokers offer flexibility in terms of how you can transfer your money. You can choose to transfer your funds in a lump sum or in installments, depending on your needs and preferences.

5. Peace of mind:

When you work with a currency broker, you can have peace of mind knowing that your money is in safe hands. Currency brokers are regulated by financial authorities, which means they are required to adhere to strict standards and regulations.

In conclusion, using a currency broker when buying a house in France can provide you with many benefits, including competitive exchange rates, expert advice, personalised service, flexibility, and peace of mind. With the assistance of a currency broker, you can navigate the currency exchange process with ease and confidence, allowing you to focus on finding your dream home in France.

You should be vigilant when selecting financial services firms. Our agency will not accept responsibility if you transfer money to a firm which goes out of business owing you money.

Additional checks are also recommended.

Complete the form below to be contacted by a handful of selected foreign exchange brokers:

Some Do’s and Don’ts of Viewing Properties in France

Bonjour and welcome to the wonderful world of French property! Whether you’re seeking a charming gîte in the Dordogne or a chateau in the south of France, finding your dream home requires a bit of know-how, especially for our English-speaking friends. Here at Town & Country Property France, we specialise in guiding international buyers through the exciting (and sometimes bewildering) process of buying properties in France.

Here are some pre-viewing tips:

Plan Ahead: Appointments are essential in France. Don’t expect open houses! Contact an English-speaking agent well in advance, especially if your visit is time-limited.
Do Your Research: Know your budget, preferred region, and must-have features. France offers a diverse property landscape, from historic chateaux to modern apartments.
Be Prepared: France is a big country so plan you itinerary in advance. Over ambitious schedules can ruin a trip and waste your time.
Be Personally Ready: Dressing appropriately, meal and comfort breaks all need to be planned into your day.

Do:

Be Punctual: Politeness goes a long way. Arrive on time for your viewing, and notify your agent immediately if you’re running late.
Embrace the Checklist: Compile a list of questions about the property, local amenities, and potential renovation needs.
Ask Questions: There are no silly questions! A good agent will be happy to address any concerns you have.
Take Notes and Photos: Memories can fade, so jot down details and snap pictures to help you compare properties later.
Consider the Long Term: Think beyond today. Factor in potential renovation costs, ongoing maintenance, and property taxes.

Don’t:

Wing It: Spontaneous viewings are unlikely to work in France. Be prepared and organised.
Focus Solely on Looks: While charm is important, don’t be blinded by it! Check for structural integrity, roof condition, and for other issues.
Forget the Details: Pay attention to things like heating systems, insulation, and the overall layout.
Be Afraid to Negotiate: House prices in France aren’t always set in stone. However, be respectful and base your offer on a realistic valuation of the property.
Rush the Process: Finding the right property takes time. Don’t feel pressured to make an immediate decision.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What documents do I need to buy property in France? bring with you your passport, proof of domicile as well as proof of funds.
Can I haggle on the price? Negotiation is common, but do so within reason. Check with your agent.
What are the additional costs involved? Expect notary fees, property taxes, and agency fees.
What about renovations? Always consider renovation costs and potential permits needed.

Thinking of making your French property dream a reality? Contact the English-speaking professionals at Town & Country Property France today! We’ll guide you through every step of the viewing process and help you find your perfect French home.

A word from the wise: Embrace the cultural differences! Viewing properties in France can be a delightful adventure. Be prepared, ask questions, and most importantly, enjoy the process of discovering your French haven.

So you want to sell your property in France? This is an exciting journey, but understanding its value is crucial for making informed decisions. Town & Country Property France offers free verbal property estimations only.

Why Town & Country Property France Doesn’t Offer Written Property Valuations

You might be wondering why Town & Country Property France doesn’t provide written property valuations, even for a fee. Here’s a closer look at the reasons behind this policy:

Market Nuances: The French property market, especially for rural properties, can be complex. Factors like limited recent sales data and unique property characteristics make it challenging to provide precise and reliable written valuations. Town & Country Property France prioritises providing accurate and realistic market insights through our expertise and local knowledge.

Focus on Informed Decisions: Instead of relying solely on a single valuation, Town & Country Property France encourages comprehensive market research and open communication. We offer the following valuable resources to help you make informed decisions:

Market expertise: Our experienced team can share valuable insights into local market trends and comparable property sales.
Property inspection by agent: We personally visit your property, allowing us to assess the property’s condition, features, and potential first hand.

By understanding the market complexities and Town & Country Property France’s commitment to informed decision-making, you can appreciate our approach. Our focus lies in providing comprehensive guidance and support through every stage of your French property sale, empowering you to make confident choices based on all available information.

Who can provide written property valuations in France

While Town & Country Property France doesn’t offer written valuations, there are other options in France:

1. Experts Immobiliers (Independent Property Experts): These qualified professionals can offer detailed reports considering various factors influencing the property’s value. They are often used for legal purposes or for people with a property portfolio to manage or refinance. Their services are chargeable.

2. Notaires (Notaries): These legal professionals can provide official valuations, but these are typically used for legal purposes rather than general inquiries and may come at a cost.

3. Estate Agents: Some estate agents might offer written, preliminary valuations based on their experience and knowledge of the local market. These valuations should be used for general guidance only. Town & Country Property France offers free verbal estimations of your property.

It’s important to remember that no single valuation method guarantees absolute accuracy. Combining different approaches, like consulting an expert immobilier and researching comparable properties, can provide a more comprehensive picture of your property’s potential value.

The Charente, in France, offers a captivating blend of history, rolling vineyards, and idyllic countryside living. Nestled in the heart of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the Charente is a haven for those seeking a tranquil French lifestyle.

Types of Charente Property:

Whether you dream of a charming stone cottage nestled in a quaint village, a grand manor house steeped in history, or a contemporary villa overlooking vineyards, Charente property offers an abundance of choices.

Character Properties in Charente boasts a wealth of character properties, including restored country houses, converted mills, and traditional Charentaise longères.
Village and town houses in Charente includes charming hamlets, villages, and towns, perfect for embedding yourself in the French culture and way of life.
Rural Retreats: Those seeking a peaceful escape can find idyllic Charente country property in the surrounded by rolling hills, sunflower fields, and picturesque villages.

Lifestyle in Charente:

Beyond the beauty of Charente properties, the region itself offers a captivating lifestyle.

Rich History: Explore historic towns like Angoulême, Cognac, and Jarnac, each boasting medieaval architecture and fascinating museums.
Gastronomic Delights: Savour the region’s renowned cuisine, featuring fresh local produce, Cognac, and delicious Pineau des Charentes.
Outdoor Activities: Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Charente. Hike or bike through rolling countryside, explore the Charente River by canoe, or discover charming villages on scenic drives.

Town & Country Property France – Your Charente Property Experts:

At Town & Country Property France, we specialise in helping you find your dream Charente property. With our extensive knowledge of the region and its property market, we can guide you through the entire buying process, ensuring a smooth and successful experience.

Start your French property journey today. Contact Town & Country Property France to explore our portfolio of Charente properties.

Why Photo IDs are Required for Property Viewings

When it comes to buying or renting a property, you may be asked to provide a photo ID before attending a viewing. While this request may seem unusual or even unnecessary, there are several important reasons behind it. Let’s explore why estate agents and property professionals require photo identification for property viewings.

1. Security and Safety

One of the primary reasons for requiring a photo ID is to ensure the safety and security of both the property owners and the estate agents conducting the viewing. By verifying the identity of potential buyers or tenants, estate agents can ensure that only legitimate, serious individuals are entering someone’s home. This helps prevent any potential threats such as burglary or fraud.

Homeowners entrust estate agents with their property, often leaving valuable personal belongings behind during viewings. Knowing who will be visiting provides peace of mind that the agent is doing everything possible to protect their client’s home and possessions.

2. Preventing Fraud

Photo IDs are also an effective measure for preventing fraudulent activity. Unfortunately, property scams are not uncommon, especially when dealing with large sums of money. Scammers may pose as buyers or tenants to gather information or access properties for illegal purposes.

By checking IDs, estate agents can verify that the individual attending the viewing is who they claim to be. This helps to minimise the risk of any fraudulent activity and ensures that only genuine buyers or renters are involved in the process.

3. TRACFIN and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Regulations

In some countries, estate agents are legally required to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. For example, in France, estate agents must adhere to TRACFIN regulations. These laws require estate agents to verify the identity of anyone involved in property transactions to prevent money laundering and financial crimes.

Requiring a photo ID at the viewing stage helps to ensure that the agency is already fulfilling its legal obligations and screening potential buyers early in the process. Compliance with these regulations protects both the estate agency and their clients from being involved in illegal activities, even unknowingly.

4. Ensuring Legitimate Interest

Requesting a photo ID can also act as a filter to ensure that only serious and genuine buyers or renters are viewing a property. Sadly, there are some individuals who may book viewings without any real intention of purchasing or renting. Whether it’s out of curiosity or for other motives, these "time-wasters" can take up valuable time for estate agents and the property owner.

By requiring an ID, estate agents can confirm that individuals are genuinely interested and committed to the process, ensuring that viewings are reserved for serious potential buyers or renters.

5. Data Protection and GDPR Compliance

While estate agents are collecting photo IDs for legitimate reasons, it’s also essential that they handle this data responsibly. Many countries have strict data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU. Estate agents must ensure that any personal information, including photo IDs, is stored securely and not shared unnecessarily.

If you are asked to provide an ID, you can ask the estate agent about their data protection policies to ensure that your personal information will be handled with care and in compliance with local regulations.

Conclusion

While providing a photo ID for a property viewing may seem like an inconvenience, it plays a crucial role in ensuring security, preventing fraud, complying with regulations, and filtering serious buyers. Estate agents have a responsibility to protect both their clients and potential buyers or tenants, and requesting identification is a simple yet effective way to do so. By understanding these reasons, you can feel more confident and secure in your property search process.

Next time you are asked for an ID, remember that it’s a safeguard in place to protect everyone involved.

At Town & Country Property France, we believe that our verification process creates a safe and efficient environment for all parties involved. It enables us to prioritise the security of our agents, vendors, and properties, make the most of your valuable time, and maintain transparency throughout your French property search.

FAQs

1. Why do estate agents ask for photo ID during property viewings?

Estate agents request photo ID primarily for security and fraud prevention. It helps ensure that only legitimate individuals are viewing the property and protects the homeowner, the agent, and any valuables in the home.

2. Is providing a photo ID for a property viewing mandatory?

While it may not be legally required in all cases, many estate agents will insist on it for security, compliance with regulations, and to filter serious buyers. It’s best to check with the estate agent beforehand.

3. How will my photo ID be used?

Your photo ID is typically used to verify your identity and ensure you are who you claim to be. Reputable estate agents will handle your personal information in line with data protection laws, such as GDPR, ensuring it’s stored securely and not shared unnecessarily.

4. Can I refuse to provide my ID for a viewing?

You can refuse, but in doing so, the estate agent may not allow you to view the property. Providing ID is standard practice, and refusal could raise concerns over the legitimacy of your interest.

5. What types of photo ID are usually accepted?

Commonly accepted forms of photo ID include passports, driver’s licences, or national identity cards. It’s advisable to ask the estate agent in advance which type of ID they require.

Loi Carrez: Getting the Right Measure of Your French Home

The Loi Carrez is used to calculate a precise measurement of a property’s habitable surface area, and is principally used in the sales of co-owned buildings (copropriété) such as apartments and condos. A vendor is obliged to supply this information to buyers.

What is Habitable Surface Area?

This specifically refers to the livable floor space within a property. Here’s the catch: not every nook and cranny counts towards your Loi Carrez measurement:

What’s Included: Rooms with ceilings higher than 1.8 metres (about 6 feet), such as living rooms, bedrooms, and finished basements.
What’s Excluded: Balconies, garages, attics (unless converted), stairwells, closets, and areas with very low ceilings.

Why Does Loi Carrez Matter?

Accurate Pricing: Ensures you’re paying a fair price per square metre, not for unusable space.
Comparison Tool: Lets you accurately compare different properties based on their actual liveable area.
Protection: If the listed surface area is significantly off, you have legal recourse to adjust the sale price.

Who Measures under Loi Carrez?

Don’t do it yourself, get the licenced professionals to calculate your surface habitable. These include:

Diagnosticians: Specialists in property assessments.
Surveyors: Offer the most precise measurements.

What Happens During the Measurement

The professional will:

Take Precise Measurements: Of each room with qualifying ceiling height.
Calculate: Total habitable surface area, often using specialised software.
Provide a Certificate: The official document stating the exact measurement.

Loi Carrez in the Buying Process

Mandatory for Copropriété: Sellers must include the Loi Carrez measurement in all property listings for co-owned buildings (like apartments & condos).
Validity: The certificate remains valid indefinitely unless significant structural changes are made.

Key Takeaways for Homebuyers

Demand the Measurement: Don’t just assume it’s available.
Accuracy is Key: Verify the certificate, especially if you have plans to convert unfinished spaces.
Price Impact: Understand how the habitable surface area relates to the asking price.

Don’t Get Shortchanged on Space

The Loi Carrez promotes fairness and transparency in the French real estate market. By understanding this vital measurement, you protect your investment and ensure you’re getting exactly what you pay for.

Let’s dive deeper into Loi Carrez’s detailed rules and how they impact houses and apartments.

Specific Exclusions for Loi Carrez Calculation

Beyond the basics, here’s a more granular look at what does NOT qualify as habitable surface area:

Walls & Partitions: The thickness of walls reduces the actual liveable space.
Stairwells & Doorways: The areas occupied by the stairs themselves and the space taken up by door swings are excluded.
Technical Areas: Space for boilers, water heaters, etc., even if within a room, aren’t counted.
Built-ins: Large, permanent features like fireplaces or non-removable closets eat into the measurement.
Areas under 1.8m Ceiling Height: Awkward nooks with very low ceilings (think sloped attic rooms) don’t count towards the total.

Loi Carrez: Apartments vs. Houses

Mandatory for Apartments: In co-owned buildings, the Loi Carrez measurement must be included in ALL listings and sale contracts to ensure buyers are fully informed.
Not usually needed for Houses: There may, however, be exceptions.

Why the Difference?

Apartments within the same building might have varying layouts and usable space despite having similar overall square footage. Loi Carrez gives a clear-cut metric for comparison, which is vital in dense co-owned properties.

Real-World Example

Imagine two 60 square metre apartments:

Apartment A: Spacious rooms, minimal closets, and built-in elements = 55 sq m of Loi Carrez habitable area.
Apartment B: More walls and built-in storage = Only 48 sq m of Loi Carrez habitable area.

While overall the same size, the livable space is vastly different, affecting their pricing.

Key Takeaways

Demand Precision: Ask for the Loi Carrez measurement.
Convert with Caution: If planning to modify a property, factor in that any additions might fall under Loi Carrez exclusions.
Protect Yourself: If the actual habitable space differs by more than 5% from the listed figure, you may have legal grounds to renegotiate the price, particularly with apartments.

5 reasons why you should use a currency broker