My name is Caroline Phillipson. I am an English estate agent and having lived and worked in the UK for most of my life in the legal profession, my family and I decided to move to France for a better life a few years ago. I have two children, the youngest at the local primary school and the other at the lycée (college). They are both fluent in French and have totally integrated into the French way of life. My husband is a builder and he has a good client base of both English and French. Let me help you find your perfect house and guide you through the buying process.
Searches and Property Information
Under 50.000 50,000 to 100,000 100,000 to 150,000 150,000
to 200,00 200,00 to 300,000 300,000 to 400,000 over 400,000
© 2011 limousin-property-shop
website by limmedia
One of the characteristics of property transactions in France is that, unlike in the UK where a survey will be carried out on the
property for sale, the purchaser under French law will buy the property as seen (although there are bilingual British surveyors in
the area e.g. www.karenroper.fr who can carry out a survey if required). There are, however, a variety of regulations forcing
the vendor to give the purchaser minimum advice and details in the form of reports and surveys on different aspects of the property.
The
introduction of the Asbestos regulations were formalised in 1996, termites and lead followed in 1999, natural and technological risks came
into effect on 1st June 2006 and more recently the energetic performance diagnosis, which came into effect on 1st November 2006. Agas safety certificate is now compulsory for houses from November 2007 and an electricity certificate has become compulsory from
January 2009.
Lead poisoning: All properties built or renovated before 1st January 1949 will need to provide a report on lead poisoning. The survey
must measure the amount of lead present in the paintwork of any surface of the property such as doors, windows, shutters and balconies.
The inspector will pass a radioactive wand over any damaged paint looking for lead of more than the legal limit of 1mg/cm². Presently,
only painted surfaces are affected; water pipes are not tested for lead. If there is lead present, the report is valid for 1 year.
If there is no lead detected, the report is valid for 30 years.
Asbestos: Asbestos was commonly used in French construction from 1950
to 1980 for its sound and heat insulation, as well as its fire protection qualities. The usual places to find asbestos are wall insulation,
false ceilings, chimney linings and roofs. The legislation applies to any building where planning permission was granted before 1st
July 1997. The vendor is responsible for providing the report, which should be prepared by a professional who will locate the presence
of asbestos in the property and the state of conservation. This report will inform the owner of any potential risk and any treatment
which should be carried out on the property. If asbestos is found, the certificate is valid for 3 years. If no asbestos is found to
be present, the certificate is valid for 30 years..
Termites: are not present in Haute Vienne and the report is only compulsory in
a department identified by the local authorities. If you do purchase a property in a department that is concerned, the report must
be dated less than 6 months before the signing of the final contract. It is also important to understand that the legislation only
refers to termites so the presence of any other woodworm or furniture beetle will exempt the vendor from any responsibility.
Natural
and technological risks: This form identifies the potential risk covered by a natural or technological prevention plan on the property
in the commune. For instance, properties in the Alps are likely to be subject to avalanches or flooding and properties in the south
by forest fires. This certificate is valid for 6 months.
Energetic performance diagnosis: The Diagnostic de Performance Energétique
has been compulsory for all sales of French property since November 2006. Essentially, it rates the property for energy use per square
metre of floor area and environmental impact based on CO2 emissions. This report also tells you where and how energy consumption could
be reduced and the certificate is valid for 10 years if no changes are made to the property.
Gas Since the 1st of November 2007,
owners of properties with mains gas, gas provided by a tank or bottled gas with a tube more than 2 metres long, will need to provide
a gas safety certificate. This certificate is valid for 3 years..
Electricity The new electrical survey will become obligatory on all
domestic property sales with effect from 1st January 2009, except where the system has been renewed within the last 15 years in which
case the property will be exempt. The purpose of the new electrical survey is to assess the safety of the electrical system and
the survey must cover the presence of a satisfactory consumer unit, the condition of the internal wiring and sockets, the presence
and adequacy of circuit breakers, mains earthing, as well as separate earthing for bathrooms. In the event that faults are found,
the seller will not be required to carry out remedial works. We are still awaiting guidelines of the validity of the certificate.
