1. Placing an Option on the Property:
Developers may reserve an apartment for potential buyers, especially if they’re planning a visit. Once you decide on a property, you can “place an option” on it, temporarily removing it from the market. This allows time for financial preparations and for the developer to draft a reservation contract.

2. Reservation Contract:
You sign this contract and pay a deposit, typically 2-5%. Deposits are safeguarded by a notary in Escrow. This notary is a neutral third party ensuring the correct property ownership transfer. We offer an English-speaking notary service free of extra charge.

3. Cooling-Off Period:
After receiving the finalized reservation contract, there’s a 10-day period during which you can retract. If your mortgage application is declined, you retain the right to cancel and reclaim your deposit beyond this period.

4. Notary’s Contract Exchange (VEFA) Signature:
This contract is physically signed in a French notary’s office or through a Power of Attorney. Many buyers assign power of attorney to a notary’s representative to avoid traveling solely for this signature. Upon signing the VEFA, funds are transferred to the notary and the buyer then becomes the official owner of the property.

On many of our new ski developments, we offer the option to claim back the French VAT on the property purchase price and we assist you with that. The condition is that you let your property through a concierge company specially set up for the rental management. 

You can therefore claim 20% of the full property price. This amount is usually paid once a year for non-French residents.

We can assist you with the French mortgage application.

Tax Benefits: If you plan to rent out the property, there are tax advantages associated with having a French mortgage. The interest from the mortgage can be offset against the rental income, offering potential tax savings.

Currency Stability: If you anticipate receiving rental income in Euros, and you have a Euro-denominated mortgage, this can reduce your exposure to currency fluctuations. Your rental income and mortgage payments will both be in the same currency, offering a degree of financial predictability.