Property surveys in France: Do I need one?
When you buy a property in France there are certain checks that need to be carried out to validate the integrity and value of the property you are purchasing. However, there is no legal requirement to have a pre-purchase building survey completed.
There are several compulsory diagnostic surveys that are a legal requirement in France that must be carried out before a property sale. These diagnostic reports are managed by the notaire.
The diagnostic report (Dossier de diagnostic technique)
The required diagnostic surveys are put together in a single report called the Technical Diagnostic File (Dossier de diagnostic technique) or the DDT. As the DDT is quite comprehensive, most French buyers opt-out of hiring an independent property surveyor.
It is compulsory by law in France for sellers to disclose any issues with the property, such as termites, asbestos, lead paint, energy efficiency ratings, electrical and gas installations, plus environmental risks.
However, the DDT doesn’t cover everything, which is why you can also choose to carry out building and land surveys. These surveys can be inserted as ‘clause suspensive’ when signing the compromis de vente, which would protect you should the survey reveal the property isn’t up to scratch.
Getting a property survey in France
The carrying out of property surveys in France is not common practice. Most French buyers will choose to skip this step and rely on the diagnostic report, although they may seek the opinion of a local builder for peace of mind.
There are two situations when the carrying out of a building survey in France can be useful:
- If you plan to renovate, extend or rebuild parts of the property.
- If you have concerns about the property’s structural soundness and/or have noticed problems around the house relating to structure.
Please note, that if you do decide to get an additional property survey, it will be at your own expense as the buyer.
Benefits of a structural survey
The main benefit of appointing a chartered surveyor in France to survey the property is that they could identify matters that should be discussed with your French property lawyer. They will provide you with a clear, jargon-free report that outlines any defects according to their level of importance, potential cost or level of disruption for their rectification.
Should something come to light in the survey that needs rectifying, your surveyor will recommend you speak to your property lawyer as it could be grounds for a clause suspensive.
How to find a surveyor in France
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the leading organisation of chartered surveyors globally and they operate in France too.
It is highly likely that your property lawyer will be able to recommend a local surveyor, but you are well within your right to appoint someone yourself.
The RICS website allows you to find a surveyor by location. Simply search your local town or prefecture to find a qualified RICS chartered surveyor or firm.