Prior to the sale you sign a pre-contract called a “compromis de vente” which is a preliminary contract determining the details of the property, its price and the terms of the transaction. Signing it commits you as well as the vendor.

When the compromis de vente has been signed, you will be asked to pay a deposit, usually of 10% of the sale amount. This amount will be returned to you by the notary when the final deed of sale is signed.

You have a seven day cooling off period during which you may pull out.. If you sign the sale document straight away, you benefit from a delay of seven days during which you don’t pay anything.

As soon as all the conditions for the sale are met, the contract of sale in the form of a deed of sale drawn up by the notary, is signed by you, the vendor and the notary.