WHY INSIST ON A SURVEY?
French property is still good value compared with other popular EU destinations...so why survey?
The initial challenge for buyers who are looking for their dream home is to get past the French approach of not having a UK-style pre-purchase survey undertaken.
A popular, well-known television programme once stated: “If you buy a property abroad, have it surveyed. If you don’t - then don’t buy!” Although a survey may be seen at the time of purchase an unnecessary additional expense, it is wise to protect such a large investment or - at least - provide you with peace of mind. It not only gives invaluable advice about the property and the level of any unforseen financial implications, but the PII (professional insurances) transfers liability to the surveyor.
Surveys are not seen as part of the standard French purchasing process. However, do not be dissuaded by the words: “The French don’t have surveys”. It is no good ending up with a part renovated property and not enough money to finish it because professional property advice was not sought at the outset.
Good immobiliers will welcome a surveyor and see it as a stamp on their integrity and good faith towards the purchaser. If there is any sort of resistance to a survey - beware. Experience shows that they have something they wish to keep away from experienced, prying eyes.
There are currently seven Diagnostic - soon to be nine - reports (discrete technical inspections) which are put forward by the selling agents as 'surveys' but are - in fact - produced as informative documents only. Apart from active termite infestation being found they create no legal requirements for remedial work to be undertaken by either the vendor or purchaser, nor do they cover the condition of the building’s main elements (parts) such as the foundations, roof, walls, floors, etc.
From a technical (and financial) perspective, the expert eye of a broadly experienced surveyor is needed. He or she is not only trained to to diagnose technical problems, but also the causes and remedies, resulting in a prognosis of the health of a building.
surveylink france produces an in-depth report providing you with a good understanding of the property and what you are buying in terms of the building’s structural state, its general and specific condition, and an indication of what any defects or planned upgrading works will cost.