Tips for for stress-free property viewing trips in France

You’ve done some homework online, you’ve found an agent that understands your wishlist and it’s time to make that shortlist of properties to see.

Here are our tried and tested tips for stress-free viewings:

• Some properties are better in the flesh than on the page so find an agent you like in an area you love and be prepared to be guided. Anyone worth their salt will take the time to listen to you and help you weed out the properties that match your criteria but will also throw in the odd wild card to set you thinking.
  
  

• When creating your schedule let your agent work out what is feasible in a day and the route that you are going to take – it’s their patch and they will save you time by planning the most efficient route to avoid back-tracking.
  
  

• One key difference you’ll notice when viewing properties in France is that, almost without exception, you will be accompanied by the agent. The distance between properties, the out-of-the-way addresses, the potential language barrier and the fact that a proportion of the properties will be unoccupied make this essential.
  
  

• Video tours and livestream visits could help you rule out some properties and leave you with a shortlist of likely prospects. Ask if these are available on properties that take your eye.
  
  

• You may be asked to sign a ‘bon de visite’ for each property that you view. Unlike in the UK, sole agency is not the norm in France and, by signing the slip, you are confirming that you haven’t (and won’t) view the property with another agent. Even without a Bon de visite, if an agency shows you details for a property you have already seen you should tell them straight away. Houses can look quite different in different photos so, if you turn up for a viewing and realise you have already seen the property, you should tell the agent to avoid later confusion.
  
  

•  It is usually quite acceptable to take your own photos during a viewing but it is essential to ask permission first.
  
  

• French children tend to be well-behaved and respectful and the same is expected of visitors.
  
  

• Don’t waste time (yours, the agent’s or the owner’s) by being polite about a property you do not like.  There is no need to be brutal, but honesty is valued above flannel.
  
  

• Pets don’t generally enjoy viewing trips - especially in hot weather and not all vendors like dogs.  If you can, leave them at home.
  
  

• If you have to cancel or are running late, please consider that the agent/owner may have travelled 2 hours to meet you. They will appreciate a call.
  
  
• Make notes!  Once you have seen 4 properties they tend to blend.
  
  

• Above all, relax, enjoy the properties and the surroundings, pick the brains of your agent and you’ll soon be on your way to a corner of France to call your own.