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Buying a property in the South of France is a dream for many people, but it’s important to do your research before making any commitments. One of the most important things to do is to commission a survey by a qualified surveyor. This will help you to identify any potential problems with the property and to get an estimate of the cost of any necessary repairs.
The Surveying Industry in France
The surveying industry in France is very different from the industry in the UK. There is no such thing as a chartered surveyor in France, and most French buyers do not use a surveyor to inspect a property before purchase. This is because there is no legal requirement for a survey to be carried out, and French buyers are generally more comfortable with the idea of buying a property as seen. As such, Southern France surveys are an irregular occurrence – at least for the French.
However, it’s important to note that French building regulations are less stringent than UK building regulations. This means that you may be more likely to encounter problems with a property that you buy in France. This is why it’s so important to commission a survey by a qualified surveyor, especially if you’re not familiar with the French property market.
Why Is It Important to Commission A Surveyor?
There are a number of reasons why it’s important to commission a surveyor to inspect a property before you buy it in the Southern France. These include:
- To identify any potential problems with the property: A surveyor will be able to identify any structural problems with the property, as well as any other problems such as damp, asbestos, or termite infestation.
- To get an estimate of the cost of any necessary repairs: If the surveyor finds any problems with the property, they will be able to give you an estimate of the cost of repairing them. This can be very helpful when negotiating the price of the property with the seller.
- To give you peace of mind: Buying a property in a foreign country can be a daunting experience, but having a survey carried out by a qualified surveyor can give you peace of mind knowing that you’re buying a sound property.
How to Choose a Building Surveyor
When choosing a surveyor to inspect a property in the Southern France, it’s important to make sure that they are qualified and experienced. You should also check that they are members of a professional body such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
You can find a list of RICS chartered surveyors who work in Southern France on the RICS website. You can also ask your estate agent for recommendations.
What To Expect from A Survey
A survey will typically involve the surveyor inspecting the property both inside and out. They will also check the condition of the roof, the drainage system, and the electrical and gas installations.
The surveyor will then write a report that details their findings and any recommendations for repairs. The report will also include an estimate of the cost of any repairs.
Types of Surveys
There are three main types of survey that you can commission when buying a property in the Southern France:
Level 1 Condition Report
This is the most basic type of survey and is suitable for new build or modern houses with no visible signs of disrepair. The surveyor will inspect the property both inside and out, looking for visible signs of defects, such as damp and other damage. They will then write a Condition Report using a traffic light system to grade the different aspects of the property on the basis of whether or not they need attention, and how urgent that attention needs to be.
Level 2 Homebuyer Report
This is a more detailed survey than the Level 1 Condition Report and is best suited to homes over 5 years old that appear to be in a reasonable condition. There are two types of Homebuyer Report: survey-only and survey + valuation. The survey-only report includes the inspection, the written-up report, and any advice you may need that arises from the report. The survey + valuation report includes everything in the survey-only report, plus a valuation of the property.
The Homebuyer Report provides more detail than the Condition Report and includes a check for signs of potential subsidence issues. It also includes the most common property problems like damp and rot, but the surveyor will not look behind large pieces of furniture or go under floorboards.
Level 3 Full Building Survey
This is the most detailed type of survey available and is best suited to old properties, rural properties, and properties that are in visible need of repair. Also known as a Full Structural Survey, the Full Building Survey comprises of a fully comprehensive inspection of the property from top to bottom, including roofs, attics, cellars, outbuildings, behind furniture and under floorboards.
The surveyor will look for issues that may compromise the structural integrity of the building and the written-up report will not only list all defects uncovered, but provide recommendations for repair works and estimates for what these repairs are likely to cost.
Which Survey Should You Choose?
The type of survey you choose will depend on the age and condition of the property, as well as your budget. If you are buying a new build or modern house with no visible signs of disrepair, then a Level 1 Condition Report may be sufficient. However, if you are buying an older property, a rural property, or a property that is in visible need of repair, then you should consider commissioning a Level 2 Homebuyer Report or a Level 3 Full Building Survey.
It is important to note that while a survey is not compulsory in France, it is highly recommended. A survey can help you to identify any potential problems with the property and to get an estimate of the cost of any necessary repairs. This information can be very valuable when negotiating the price of the property with the seller.
Charles Mackintosh – RICS Chartered South of France Surveyor
If you’re thinking of buying a property in the Southern France, it’s important to enlist the services a qualified surveyor. This will help you to identify any potential problems with the property and to get an estimate of the cost of any necessary repairs.
Charles Mackintosh is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyor with over 30 years’ experience living and operating in the South of France, specialising in providing English-language property surveys and advice to overseas buyers. Get in touch today for more information.