Buying a house in France. Dossier de Diagnostic Technique

Having identified the property that you wish to buy, it is highly recommended that you appoint a Chartered Surveyor prior to you entering into the first stage of the buying contract, known as the ‘compromis de vente’. Specific legal advice should be sought as this is a legally binding contract that usually requires the payment of a 10% deposit. This that may be forfeited in the event of you withdrawing from the purchase.

In France, the vendor is required to provide diagnostic reports, collectively know as the Dossier de Diagnostic Technique. These include very specific assessment of the following items where appropriate: Asbestos, Lead, Termites, Energy Efficiency, Natural or Industrial Risks, Gas Installations, Electrical Wiring and Septic Tank.

However, the Dossier de Diagnostic Technique does not in any way report on the structural integrity, defects, required repairs and overall condition of the property.

The advantage of appointing a Chartered Surveyor to undertake a Survey prior to you entering into the binding acquisition contract is clear. The Survey Report provides you with a clearly written, jargon free report, that details and ranks any defects according to their level of importance or potential cost / level of disruption for their rectification. This allows for a logical, fact based evaluation to be made of building matters.

The Survey Report also identifies matters that should be addressed with your solicitor. For example, the Report will detail possible boundary issues or rights of way that may be apparent from the inspection.

Armed with the Survey Report, you are then best placed to make a full evaluation and understand exactly what you are buying. This will facilitate your negotiation with the vendor. You may wish to proceed, fully informed as to what you are buying, with peace of mind. Alternatively, you may wish to utilise the survey information in your negotiation to take account of necessary repairs etc. Either way, with the benefit of a survey, you will be able to make informed decisions based on facts. In addition the Survey Report will help guide for future planned maintenance to reduce costs.

Property Surveys France undertakes Surveys in accordance with training and guidelines of its governing body, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors . The RICS is the leading professional organisation of the surveying industry, headquartered in London with global reach and with its French office located in Paris.