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Searches and Home Information Pack |
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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 most recently the energetic performance diagnosis, which came into effect on 1st November 2006. A gas safety certificate is now compulsory for houses from November 2007 and an electricity certificate will become compulsory from January 2009.
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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.
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 |
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