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Gas Safety First: Understanding Gas Inspection Reports in France

When buying a home in France that has a fixed gas installation, a gas inspection report provides essential information about safety. Let’s demystify this important document:

Why Gas Inspections Matter

Some anomalies can be dangerous, leading to leaks, fires, or even explosions. Gas inspections are designed to identify potential hazards and help protect you from these risks.

When is a Gas Inspection Required?

Mandatory: Property with a fixed gas installation more than 15 years old requires a gas inspection report (less than 6 months old) before the sale can be finalised.

What a Gas Inspection Checks

An independent certified professional will examine:

Gas Pipes: Looking for anomalies such as signs of damage, the wrong type of pipe or an out of date pipe.
Appliances: Checking safety mechanisms.
Ventilation: Checking adequate venilation to prevent dangerous gas build-up.

The Gas Inspection Report: What to Look For

Anomalies: The report will list any issues found, categorised by their level of severity.
Corrective Measures: Recommendations for necessary repairs or improvements.
Overall Risk Assessment: Whether the gas installation is deemed safe or poses potential dangers.

How the Report Impacts Your Purchase

Clean Report: Good news! However, always make sure it’s recent. Remember that any ‘non fixed’ installations may not have been inspected.
Minor Issues: These might be easily fixable with minor repairs. Always ask a qualified professional to carry out the repairs.
Major Problems: Significant issues could require extensive and costly repairs, and may be a point of negotiation or a reason to reconsider the purchase. Always ask a qualified professional to carry out the repairs.

Beyond the Report

Responsibility for Repairs: Sometime negotiated between the buyer and seller, otherwise factor the cost of repairs into your budget.
Maintenance: Regular gas installation checks by a professional are important even after you move in.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors: While not mandatory, these can provide an extra layer of safety.

Don’t Compromise on Gas Safety

Gas inspection reports are a crucial piece of the puzzle when purchasing a property in France. They help inform you about potentially dangerous problems. Understanding the report empowers you to make informed decisions.

When it comes to buying property in France, trust the experienced estate agents at Town & Country Property France to deliver exceptional service and results. Contact us today to discuss your real estate goals and let us assist you in making your French property dreams a reality!

With our extensive knowledge of the French property market, we are well-equipped to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information about the buying or selling process. From understanding local regulations to identifying the best neighbourhoods and property types, our team has the expertise to guide you every step of the way.

Whether you’re in search of a charming country house, a luxurious chateau, or a holiday home with a pool, we have an extensive portfolio of properties to suit a variety of preferences and budgets. Our English-speaking estate agents work closely with you to understand your specific requirements and match you with properties that align with your needs and desires.

At our agency, we understand that each client is unique. That’s why we pride ourselves on providing personalised service tailored to your individual goals and preferences. Our English speaking estate agents take the time to listen to your requirements, answer your questions, and provide guidance based on your specific needs, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Language should never be a barrier when it comes to buying or selling property in France. Our agents are proficient in both English and French. We understand the importance of effective communication, and our multilingual capabilities enable us to cater to clients from diverse backgrounds and ensure clear and transparent transactions.

Navigating the intricacies of the real estate market in France can be daunting, especially in a foreign country. However, our agents are skilled negotiators who will work tirelessly to secure the best possible deal for you. Whether you’re a buyer looking to get the best price or a seller aiming to maximise your profits, we have your best interests at heart.

Don’t let language or unfamiliarity with the French real estate market hold you back. Contact our agency today and let our experienced estate agents in France guide you towards a successful property purcahse.

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THE FIGHT AGAINST MONEY LAUNDERING AND TERRORISM

What is TRACFIN?

TRACFIN stands for "Traitement du Renseignement et Action Contre les circuits Financiers clandestins. It is contolled by the French Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) that fights against money laundering and terrorist financing.

What does TRACFIN investigate?

TRACFIN’s primary objectives is to analyzes suspicious transaction reports submitted by various professionals and to detect, analyze, and investigate money laundering and terrorist financing.

How does TRACFIN operate?

There are three steps: Collection of Data ; Analysis and (if required) Dissemenation and Action

Professionals in the real estate sector must comply with obligations of vigilance as set out within the framework of the regulations of the French financial intelligence service (TRACFIN).

We must take measures to ensure that our clients are properly identified, and to ensure that transactions are carried out in compliance with anti-money laundering rules.

We must collect all information relating to the purpose and nature of the operation to be carried out and all elements will allow us to have an extensive knowledge of the client.

As such, and before signing any contractual documents, you will be asked to provide certain information as well as the documents below:

For our buyer clients :

Proof of identity
Recent proof of address
Information regarding your income, wealth and source of funds
If the buyer is a company : a recent registration document and articles of association

For our vendors :

Proof of identity
Recent proof of address
Proof of ownership
Latest ‘avis de taxe foncière’
If the vendor is a company : a recent registration document and articles of association

We thank you for your cooperation.

https://www.economie.gouv.fr/tracfin

Natural or technological risks in France

Georisques is a term used in France to describe natural or technological risks that can occur in certain regions or areas. These risks can include earthquakes, landslides, floods, forest fires, volcanic eruptions, and industrial accidents. The French government has developed a comprehensive system to assess, manage and mitigate these risks, which is called the Georisques system.

The Georisques system is based on a national database that identifies areas of risk across the country. The database is regularly updated to ensure that it reflects the latest scientific research and understanding of the risks. The system is managed by the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development, in collaboration with other government agencies and local authorities.

The Georisques system provides information on the level of risk in a particular area, and the measures that should be taken to mitigate the risk. This information is made available to the public through various channels, including the internet, mobile applications, and public information campaigns.

One of the key features of the Georisques system is its focus on prevention and preparedness. The system encourages individuals and communities to take steps to reduce their risk exposure, such as by taking out insurance, preparing emergency kits, and developing evacuation plans.

The Georisques system has been instrumental in reducing the impact of natural and technological risks in France. It has helped to improve the safety of individuals and communities, and has contributed to the country’s overall resilience to disasters.

In conclusion, the Georisques system in France is a comprehensive and innovative approach to managing natural and technological risks. It provides valuable information to individuals and communities, and encourages them to take proactive steps to reduce their risk exposure. The Georisques system is a testament to France’s commitment to safety and sustainability, and serves as a model for other countries around the world.

‘Diagnostics’ or obligatory inspection reports.

The obligatory inspection reports, paid for by the vendors, will be annexed to the contract.

Not all the reports mentioned below will apply to the property you purchase. It depends on the age, type and location of the property.

Energy Efficiency (diagnostic de performance énergétique, or DPE)

This report was introduced a few years ago and was intended to highlight differences in heating costs between properties. The DPE results have to appear on all advertising. The report is valid for 10 years (unless it was issued before 30th June 2021).

A DPE must be carried out in all dwellings, unless the accommodation is intended to be occupied less than 4 months per year. It is not required for properties where the only form of heating is open fires, or where there is none at all.

From April 2023, where the property to be sold is classed F or G, the vendor will need to have an energy audit undertaken in order to inform the buyer of the nature of the works required to improve the score. It will apply to class E from January 2025 and D from January 2034.

Furthermore from 1 January 2025, G-rated properties will no longer be allowed to be rented out. From 1 January 2028, F-rated properties will no longer be allowed to be rented out. From 1 January 2034, E-rated properties will no longer be allowed to be rented out.

Find out more about Energy Efficiency (diagnostic de performance énergétique, or DPE) diagnostic report

Electricity

The electrical safety report is not obligatory for properties built, newly-wired or completely re-wired within the last 15 years. The report is valid for 3 years.

Find out more about the Electricity diagnostic report

Gas

The report is necessary when fixed gas pipes have been installed in a property for at least 15 years. The report is valid for 3 years.

Find out more about the Gas diagnostic report

Asbestos

An asbestos report is not required for properties built after July 1997.

If asbestos is present, the report outlines the condition of the material concerned, and indicates whether any action is required.

The report is valid indefinitely where no asbestos is present, or for 3 years if asbestos is present.

Find out more about the Asbestos diagnostic report

Lead

A lead report is not required for houses built after 1st January 1949.

Where traces are found, this is often in undercoats of paint but still detectable by the machine used by the inspector.

The report is valid indefinitely where no lead is present, or for 1 year if lead is present..

Find out more about the Lead diagnostic report

Termites

A termite report is not required for properties outside of designated risk zones.

The report must be less than 6 months old at the time of final completion.

Find out more about the Termites diagnostic report

Natural Risks

Some areas of the country are subject to specific risks such as earthquake, flooding, land-slip, radon, industrial accidents, accidents due to mining, etc. The purpose of the report is to inform buyers of the level of risk, if any, in the commune concerned. The risk report concerns the whole of the commune, not specifically the property itself.

There is also a requirement for the vendors to declare whether or not they have made, or have knowledge of, any insurance claims following damage to the property due to certain recognised ‘catastrophic’ events in the past..

The report must be less than 6 months old at the time of final completion.

Find out more about the Natural Risks or Géorisques diagnostic report

Loi carrez

A precise measurement of surface area must be supplied for properties within a copropriété (usually an apartment or part of a gite complex)

It remains permanently valid unless work has been carried out which changes the surface area.

Find out more about the Loi carrez

Drainage

Any essential remedial work highlighted by the report is obligatory and the buyer will usually have one year after purchase to carry it out.

The report must be less than three years old at the time of completion of your purchase.

In some areas, properties connected to mains drainage are exempt from this legislation.

Find out more about the Drainage diagnostic report

Gas Safety First: Understanding Gas Inspection Reports in France

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THE FIGHT AGAINST MONEY LAUNDERING AND TERRORISM

ADVICE FOR FRENCH PROPERTY BUYERS

Location:

Budget:

Type of property:

Maintenance:

Legal requirements:

Natural or technological risks in France

‘Diagnostics’ or obligatory inspection reports.

Energy Efficiency (diagnostic de performance énergétique, or DPE)

Electricity

Gas

Asbestos

Lead

Termites

Natural Risks

Loi carrez

Drainage

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