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Buying a property in France can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to do your research and take the necessary precautions to ensure that you’re making a sound investment. One of the most important things you can do in this regard is seek professional advice from English speaking surveyors in France.
This is especially important for British buyers, as French building regulations are less stringent than they are in the UK. This means that there’s a greater chance of encountering problems with a property in France.
Do Building Surveyors Exist in France?
It may seem like an odd question, but the fact is the building surveyor profession doesn’t really exist in France – at least, not in the same way as it does in the UK.
This is because full structural surveys are not compulsory in the country. As such, the French don’t tend to bother with them. This is a risky strategy, however, as there can be any number of problems with a property – from damp and mould to subsidence – that may be invisible to the untrained eye, and that only a professional survey will uncover.
What Is the DDT and How Does It Differ from a Building Survey?
The Dossier de Diagnostic Technique (DDT) is a set of reports that sellers are required by law to commission before selling a property in France. The DDT covers a number of potential hazards, such as asbestos, termites, and industrial and natural risks. However, it is not a comprehensive building survey and does not encompass all potential problems with a property.
A property survey is a more detailed inspection of a property that is carried out by a qualified building surveyor. It will identify any structural issues with the property, as well as any other problems such as damp, electrical faults, and plumbing problems. A good building surveyor will also provide an unbiased valuation of the property, as well as an estimate of the cost of any necessary repairs.
Read more: What Property Survey Should I Have Done in the South of France?
Why Is It Important to Use an English-Speaking Surveyor?
While the DDT is valuable document, it’s simply no substitute for a proper building survey. As such, it is important to have a fully qualified English-speaking surveyor inspect the property to identify any hidden defects and help you through the process of buying property in a foreign country.
Here are the main reasons why it’s important to use an English-speaking building surveyor when buying a property in France:
- Language barrier: If you don’t speak French fluently, it can be difficult to communicate with a French surveyor and to understand their report. An English-speaking surveyor will be able to explain everything to you in plain English and answer any questions you have.
- Knowledge of French building techniques: English-speaking surveyors who specialise in surveying properties in France will have a good understanding of French building techniques and the common problems that can occur, and how to solve them.
- Cultural understanding: English-speaking surveyors in France will also have a good understanding of French culture and business practices. This can be helpful when negotiating with the seller or dealing with other professionals involved in the purchase process, such as estate agents and notaires.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that a qualified surveyor has inspected the property and given it their seal of approval can give you peace of mind and help you avoid any costly surprises down the road.
- Increased bargaining power: If the survey reveals any problems with the property, you can use this information to negotiate a lower price with the seller.
- Protection of your investment: A property survey can help to protect your investment by identifying any potential problems with the property before you buy it. This can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.
Charles Mackintosh – South of France Property Surveyor
If you’re looking for an English-speaking surveyor in France to help you purchase your dream home in France, your search is over.
Charles Mackintosh is a RICS Chartered Surveyor working in the South of France. With over 30 years’ experience living and operating in the South of France, Charles specialises in providing English language property surveys and advice to overseas buyers. Get in touch today for more information.