At Le Moulin de Madame Sarl we're using our own experience in the overseas property market to help clients overcome their concerns with buying property in a foreign country. Our close relationship with Baydonhill PLC allows us to offer buyers both competitive rates of foreign exchange and some of the most competitive mortgage products currently available in the marketplace.

In essence we want to make the purchase and ownership of your property as stress free and easy as possible. Our experience coupled with our contacts and services should help to provide a seamless service from the moment you enquire about a property to the day that you move in. These services and contacts can help you with many of the aspects of buying a property in France that may otherwise seem quite daunting.

We can provide:

• Information on French mortgages financing up to 85% of the purchase price
• Introduction to an independent solicitor specialising in French property
• Information about currency exchange
• Information about home and contents insurance

If you require further information about the services above, please contact us by phone or by using the enquiry form.

How do I buy an 'off plan' property?
Although at first sight the process of buying a property 'off plan' may seem complicated, it is in fact very similar to buying any other property in France. Once you've decided on the property you want to buy, a deposit of 5% is required to secure it. Thereafter payments are due at predetermined building stages until your property is finished (see below by way of example).

If you are financing the purchase with a mortgage, then the bank/mortgage company will be charged with making these payments on your behalf following the payment of your deposit. The details of each individual apartment or house are defined in the sale document and in the management regulations. The development schedule and stage payments will also be set out in the contract of sale which you will receive from the notaire (solicitor) following payment of the 5% deposit.

How much will I have to pay and when?
When you agree to buy, property payments will be made at the following stages:

1. A 5% deposit (dépôt de garantie) on signature
2. A further 10% on signing the Deed of Sale. At this time you will sign the 'acte authentique' and become the owner of the property (after commencement of works)
3. A further 20% when the ground floor damp proof and flooring is installed
4. A further 35% when the roofing working is completed
5. A further 10% when the partitioning commences
6. A further 10% when painting work commences
7. A further 5% on completion of the building works
8. The final 5% is payable on handing over the property to the purchaser

Please note that all payments are due in euros and payable directly to the notaire of Le Moulin De Madame Sarl.

PLEASE NOTE ALL PROPERTIES ARE NOW AT LEAST 75% COMPLETED

Will my property be insured?
The building works are guaranteed by a 10-year insurance policy which covers major construction faults. There is also a 2-year guarantee for faults in equipment installed such as heating and double glazing. We are also able to secure your buildings and contents insurance if you wish.

Are there any extra/hidden costs?
You should probably budget for about 3 - 4% over the purchase price. The cost of the conveyance, payable to the notaire, is likely to be between 2 - 3% plus TVA, in addition to the purchase price. There is also a land tax of 0.615% due on the purchase price.

Will there be an annual service charge on my property?
Each owner will pay a proportion (based on the size of their property as a percentage of the whole) of the annual charges to include the costs of upkeep of the gardens and grounds; heating of the common parts; and cleaning and insurance, estimated at between €750 - €1,500 per property depending on its size.