Leapfrog Legal & Language package

Peace of mind when it comes to legal and tax issues is usually the single most important issue that arises for foreigners when buying a property in France. Due to a very thorough & established legal system it is in fact the safest country in the world in which to buy property but quite rightly you still need to know where you stand. Legal advice is crucial when purchasing a property in France if you want to make sure that your financial & personal interests are protected which could save yourself a lot of stress, time and money in the future. With diligent legal advice you will be able to understand fully the French processes, be sure that any contracts you sign are well explained and understood and receive in depth French tax and inheritance advice.

Leapfrog Properties in collaboration with a 400 year established Notaire office in France have designed a legal package which totally protects the buyer’s interests in a way that no other package can. This is because the advice is given by a bilingual qualified French Notaire with its very own English speaking department with many years experience in dealing with English speaking clients which is very rare in France. They are public officers who must adhere to a strict code of practice; they are also liable for their advice and have high levels of professional indemnity cover as required by French law. This package is in addition to the regular Notarial duties carried out that you pay for in the standard Notaire fees indicated in the “compromis de vente”. The additional services provided in the Leapfrog Legal & Language package are the following-

Explanation of the preliminary contract (“compromis de vente”, “promesse de vente”, reservation contract).
You will be provided with a full legal and binding report in English on the contents of all binding documents the Purchaser may have signed or may have to sign as part of the purchase.
Advice on the type of ownership (purchase in your sole name, in joint names, joint ownership “en tontine”, joint ownership under the French regime of the communaute universelle, purchase in joint name with the children, purchase through a “SCI” a French real estate company)
If you are buying with your spouse, you will be advised on under which matrimonial regime the property should be purchased
You will be advised by our partners on French succession law and tax planning matters as part of the purchase. The Notary can help to organise your inheritance and the transfer of your French assets after his or her death.
Drafting of the final Deed of sale (“acte authentique de vente”) wherever the property is situated in France (as the Notary has a national competence). Unless the property is a new build property in which case the Developer’s own Notary (if different) will be in charge of the drafting
If the property purchased is a “leaseback” property, our Notaries will go through the terms and conditions of the commercial lease at no extra charge.
The Purchaser gets a swift follow-up on any legal questions he or she may ask as part of the purchase
You get oral and written consultations in English as part of the purchase.
If legal issues are raised during the buying process these will be followed by our Notaries who are going to liaise with the French estate agents/the developer/the vendor, the banks, the French authorities, etc.

This legal package can be taken regardless of whether or not you purchase a property through Leapfrog Properties and is therefore available to everyone. The cost is just £1000 + VAT (at the prevailing UK rate) and is a fully inclusive fixed rate package so no nasty surprises at the end. Please bear in mind that legal advice can begin before you even find your property so to ensure you are protected why not give us a call and set the foundations for a safe and secure purchase.

If you have not bought your property through Leapfrog Properties you may also wish to take advantage of our consultancy service to guide you through the transaction. Click here for details.