Estate agents (agents immobiliers) are usually local to an area and therefore will only have properties for sale within that area. The agent earns commission from the sale of the property and will try to obtain the best possible price for the property, but will know what price the vendor will accept. They should also be able to give you an estimation of all the other fees and the property charges you will be responsible for when you are the owner. Most estate agents are members of FNAIM, the Fédération Nationale des Agents Immobiliers

Property finders, many are English speaking, provide an excellent service searching for a property for you that is within your price bracket and matches your requirements. Many offer a personal service, taking you to view the properties they have short-listed for you. Some will charge a fee, whilst others will take a percentage commission from the immobilier instead.

The Notaire

The Notaire is the most qualified professional of the French legal system as it takes seven years to qualify. His qualifications allow him to advise on specific areas of law, such as Property Law, Family Law and Corporate Law. He is a Public Official and can advise his clients wherever they may be in France without any restrictions. The state confers powers on the notaire to legalise property purchase transactions which cannot be enforced by any other means. The notaire is deemed to a Public Official and provides security to the contracts he supervises and is liable for his professional acts. The notaire also has indemnity assurance, which provides a financial guarantee to the client. As modern day transactions are becoming more complex he is increasingly counselling clients. An essential service for everyone, but even more so for foreigners wishing to purchase a property in France.
The purchaser is free to choose their own notaire, but can use the same notaire as the vendor. As notaire fees are fixed, using two notaires will not increase the total fees; the fees are split between the two notaires.
For a list of notaires throughout France and a search facility for those who speak English see www.notaires.fr

Mortgage Brokers

A mortgage broker (mortgagefrance.com is a broker) will have agencies with various French banks and mortgage providers, will understand how they react to certain cases and circumstances, and will act as your intermediary with the lender.
Newly introduced legislation in 2005 has meant that mortgage brokers, or mortgage advisers, must have their own professional indemnity insurance and be registered with each bank and mortgage provider they represent.
Mortgage brokers receive their commission direct from the bank or lender they introduce business to. Most of those who are registered in France will not charge you fees for their services, but you are advised to check for yourself.

mortgagefrance.com does not charge fees.

Architects and Surveyors

An architect or surveyor should be considered if you are thinking of purchasing and older property or one that you want to renovate. They will have experience with planning and obtaining necessary permissions and certificates, and be able to give an estimation of the cost. They should also know of reputable builders who are registered as such and who have their own insurances to cover their work which is essential if you are using mortgage funds for renovation or improvement works.

Tax Avocats and Financial Advisers

Professional financial advice is essential if you are considering moving completely to France. The tax system is very different, and what may be tax efficient in your home country might well be as useful as a chocolate fireguard in France. Even though your mind might be on the actual move to France, it is sensible to take advice from a professional who fully understands the complexties of bringing assets into France.

mortgagefrance.com can recommend an English speaking Avocat and an international group of financial advisers who advise the expatriate community on tax efficient solutions.

General Insurance Advisers / Brokers

You will need buildings and property insurance if you are applying for a mortgage. You may want to insure a car, a pet, or even a 'top-up' health policy.

mortgagefrance.com can introduce you to insurance brokers who speak English and are registered with French insurance companies.

Currency Exchanges

Transferring money from one country to another can be costly if the exchange rates are not in your favour. Whether you want to transfer a lump sum payment or make regular payments, mortgagefrance.com can put you in touch with a currency exchange company based in England.

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