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Trawled the websites
The internet contains a vast selection of excellent websites for those interested in purchasing property in France. By the end of my own quest to find my property I think I had checked out most and feel that I can comment on the good and bad as I see them.
By doing my research I found that many operate in different ways. It is good to be aware of how they operate in relation to sales as this may be a factor in the overall price and smooth transition from enquiry to sale. I would also advise an understanding of the way in which the French buy and sell property
For information (in brief) on the French Buying and Selling French process look here:
The Selling Process
The Buying Process
Examples of French Property websites
Example 1 - Properties provided by French Property Owners / No commission taken by website operator from owner but fee taken for advertising usually annually. My favourite as the prices are generally cheaper.
Why – The Owners usually does their own property marketing i.e. use such a website and pay an annual or one off fee until sold. By doing so they can save up to 10% of the property value which means no Property Agent or commission paid to the marketing website. Websites operating under this policy usually has lower prices as a consequence. Their was I found less red tape as you deal direct with the notaire who in France generally acts for both parties. Good example GtpFP
Here’s a selection of my favourites:
Gateway to French Property - Selection of property for Sale and Rent across the whole of France. Property Virtual Tours, search by region.
French Property News - Check out their Property pages. Good selection of Property for Sale.
Example 2 - Properties provided by French Property Agents / commission taken by website on referral and subsequent sale only.
Although these sites have a larger selection of French Property their prices are generally higher. Why – because the website will have an agreement with the Property Agent to split a fee (can be up to 10%) on completion of Sale. The 10% is on top of the mandatory fee also charged by the notaire which can also be up to 10%. Do your maths and see how much this pushes up the prices…. I.e. Property is for sale at £200,000. A huge amount (up to £20,000) could be taken by Agent, Website and Notaire fees.
VEF - Good all inclusive selection but expensive
Internet French Property - Good all inclusive selection
Example 3 - Properties provided by French Property Agents / commission taken by website on referral and subsequent sale only. Fee also charged to you the purchaser on completion of sale.
This is very similar to example 2 but the site also has the cheek to ask for an additional fee on completion of the sale.
JB French Houses - Good selection of Property for Sale. Not all regions covered but good site.
But
Ultimately regardless of the way in which the purchase fee is split between the owner, agent and website you as the purchaser choose the property and agree the final price. The fee and the split will not matter if you get what you want at a price you are prepared to pay.
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