The author cannot claim to be an expert on buying property in France but the following information may be useful.
In France estate agents’ charges are higher than in England. Commission may vary between 4% and 10%. Usually the cheaper the property the higher is the commission. With good French, buying from the vendor directly may be possible but beware the farmer whose long-empty property awaits un pigeon, someone with more money than sense.
The choice of house is, of course, an entirely personal affair. ‘If in doubt, don’t buy,’ might be good advice. Article 1642 of the Code Civil protects a vendor against liability for any obvious defects so it is important to check for these and bargain accordingly. Water is metered, so a working well may be more than just a decorative feature.
Once a decision has been made, an agreement, le compromis de vente, must be signed by both parties and a deposit of 10% paid. Once signed, both parties are committed. It is advisable to check all clauses with the notaire, who will act for both parties. This speeds up the process, but his fees are for the buyer to pay.
For any property classed as a ruin, or for substantial alterations to an existing property, a permit de construire is required. Before making drastic alterations, consideration of climate and prevailing winds may be wise. Most very old houses were built that way for a reason. In the South, in particular, before enlarging all the windows, it may be prudent to experience a day when it is 90°F in the shade. At least one cool, dark room may turn out to be a blessing.
Local rates and taxes vary but Les Impots Locales are divided into two parts:
Le Tax d’Habitation, is based on the size and amenities, and a large proportion of it goes to benefit the local community. Automatically included in this is Redevance Audiovisuelle, a television licence. Opting out each year is necessary if you don’t have a television.
Les Taxes Foncieres is a land tax providing funds for La commune, le department, la region et divers organisms!
If the track leading up to an isolated property is part of the chemin rurale de la commune, the owner is entitled to a free load of stones every two years. The mayor will provide a chitty for the local supply. Getting on good terms with your mayor is essential. He, or she, will also provide a permis de residence, which is useful for bringing small items of furniture through customs. Good second-hand furniture is expensive in France.
Finally, if you have no French I would urge you to learn. It is a fascinating language, and imagine how much a French family buying a cottage in rural England would miss if they spoke not a word of English. I suggest that no matter how much they smiled, even the friendliest of locals would eventually tire of being addressed in French, however loudly, or slowly, they spoke.
And if, like me, becoming really bi-lingual looks like taking the rest of your life, what more stimulating way to spend it?
Bonne aventure!