We have clients from all over the world and have sold to citizens from as far a field as Hong Kong, the USA and Australia. So when you see an advert for your dream home who are you buying from? The French property market and “Agence Immobilière” remained a mystery for many years to the general public and during the 80's contact was made via an intermediate, usually in the country where the prospective purchaser resides. Then followed a letter of introduction or fax and off you went in search of your property.

The problem is that over the past few years agents offering to sell you a French house have appeared on every street corner and often hundreds of tempting properties are shown on the web. You see them, make a reservation, but then find that when you arrive to visit the property of your dreams, it was sold long ago.

You have to get real in the French Property Market and go and see for yourself. An idyllic stone cottage with potted geraniums, shady terrace and within walking distance of your croissant and baguette will rarely have time to be loaded on the web page before it is sold.

So who do you buy from?

This is a professional estate agency and has to have a Carte Professionnelle issued by the Prefecture. In order to obtain the CP the owner, principal or Gerant of the agency must have professional qualifications! It is possible to mix and match, for example, several years experience in an estate agency or other administrative position (normally 10 years) can be combined with qualifications, however, the formal qualifications that are necessary to secure a CP have to be obtained by diploma or professional experience or both. 

For members of the European Union, in general, one has to have proof of a three year university education with a degree and two years of experience. The professional title can also be obtained two years after the baccalaureate with a diploma in law, economics and commerce.

Suitability

• People who have been imprisoned by the French court.
• People who are have undischarged bankrupts.
• Public officials who have been dismissed, or others that have been dismissed by their professional association.
• People who have been convicted guilty by a foreign court under the same conditions as above.

Commercial Agents

They sell, negotiate and usually work under the umbrella of an Agence Immobilière or Notaire. They can have an office but cannot display properties in the window as they are not estate agents.

Notaire

Advertising Agency

Always ensure they send you to an Agence Immobilière or commercial agent. Always ask whether or not their fees are included in the Agency Fees or on top. The long established reputable agencies provide a good service in order to connect you