In France you make a verbal offer to the owner through your estate agent. If it’s accepted you then sign the Compromis de Vente (the formal offer) and pay the deposit, normally 10%. The deposit is paid into the Notaire’s account and held until the sale completes. Before the day of completion the balance of the price – including fees – is transferred to the Notaire. The buyer and seller sign the Acte de Vente and the buyer owns the house.

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