So why choose us?

Simply put, ORPI are the largest estate agent in France with 1200 offices giving us unparalleled experience, expertise and coverage. On the other hand, every ORPI office is run by its own partner/manager with hand picked staff on hand to give you personal assistance and help help you through the buying process. In France it is the buyer who pays the estate agents fees meaning that we are obliged to act for you, the purchaser, throughout the buying process. All our prices quoted INCLUDE our fees.

There are many agents to choose from but it is necessary to bear in mind that you should choose a properly registered agent with premises in France not just an advert in a British newspaper with a British telephone number!

Initially you will probably want to arrange a trip to the region to visit the various towns, villages that surround us. We can help with suggesting how to get here, car hire, where to stay and possibly even where to eat!!

Once we have a brief of what you are looking for and budget that you can afford we will arrange an itinerary of viewings that will not rush you around to lots of unsuitable properties but equally will not mean that you are waiting around unnecessarily. If you need to arrange a mortgage we can advise you; if you need to arrange quotes for works we can advise you on this; if you need to know about the facilities in a particular area or village we can advise you on this; in short we can advise an all aspects of your potential purchase.

Once you have chosen a property you will be entitled to an "expertise" - this a report paid for by the owner of the house which will detail the presence of termites, asbestos or lead. Full surveys are unusual in France but we can advise on general condition or arrange a visit from a registered builder. We can of course liaise or translate for you if necessary.

You will also at this point be put in contact with your "Notaire". The Notaire is a lawyer who works for the French Government to make sure that all property transactions are carried out correctly. They are registered, qualified and unbiased. You will be asked for a 10% deposit which will be held by the Notaire or the "Tresor Public" (the local treasury). The Notaires fee is payable on completion and includes registry fees etc. It is normally between six and nine percent but you will be quoted an exact figure once the price of the house is agreed.

If you are buying land to build your house you will need to know if the land is "constructible" (building land) and whether it has a "certificat d'urbanisme" (outline permission) or "permis de construire" (full permission). We of course will advise you and obtain relevant copies. We can also introduce you to your local "mairie" (town hall) and recommend an architect if you need one.

The normal time between initial contract and final contract is approximately three months although this can be longer by joint agreement. It is rarely shorter as the time is needed by the Notaire to make the necessary enquiries and produce the final contract.

Beyond this please remember to ask questions - if it concerns you it concerns us.