Client's Question:   I’ve seen a number of properties advertised for sale privately by the vendor, what would the drawbacks be for me buying direct without the support of an agent? 

Buying privately is more common in France than in the U.K, and there are a number of portals nowadays advertising private sales both in the U.K and in France. Much will depend on your language skills, and your familiarity with all aspects of the buying process, there will undoubtedly be some who are more confident than others in these areas.

However, I would say that the majority of British buyers benefit hugely from the involvement of the agent. They able to offer a wide variety of advice, from where to buy the best quality bedding plants to putting you in touch with a reliable installer for your septic tank! A good agent will be happy to extend his support beyond final signing day, and will be a good local contact for you.

I would also say that if you are looking to buy privately you take care to do your homework as far as local property values are concerned. Occasionally a private vendor decides to sell privately because they don’t like the valuation given by the local estate agent, and it is estimated that private sales in France are usually around 20% more expensive that those with agents. So, even taking into account the agency commission, the agency route is likely to be better value.

Our partner agents value properties for the local, French property market, not for an over inflated ex-pat one.

Blog submitted by: David at Cle France.