Buying, step by step
French property surveys, in plain English.
In France, the seller pays for the surveys and gives them to you before you sign. Here is what each one tells you.
Contents
The surveys are gathered in a file called the dossier de diagnostic technique. Some are always required, others depend on the age of the building, its location or its equipment. They are carried out by certified professionals.
Always required
- The energy rating (DPE), from A to G: what it means for buyers.
- The risks report (état des risques): flooding, clay soils, earthquakes, radon, industrial risks, noise around airports. You can check an address yourself on Géorisques.
Depending on the age of the building
- Asbestos: when the building permit was issued before 1 July 1997.
- Lead: for homes built before 1949.
- Electrics and gas: when the installation is more than fifteen years old.
Depending on the location and the equipment
- Termites and dry rot, in the areas defined by the prefecture.
- Private drainage: for a house not connected to the sewers, the inspection of the septic system. If it is not compliant, the buyer has a year to do the works.
- The floor area under the Carrez law, for a lot in a copropriété.
- The energy audit, for the sale of a house rated poorly on the DPE.
How to read them
A survey describes, it does not judge. A report mentioning asbestos in a garage roof is not a reason to refuse a house, but it is a reason to ask for a quote. Read the conclusions first, then the photos, then ask what each remark would cost to fix. I go through them with my buyers before the compromis.
How I help
I ask for the surveys as soon as a property comes in, so you can read them before you visit. For an old house, I also tell you what the surveys do not cover, such as the roof or the walls, and when a builder's visit is worth it. I work in English and French every day. I also speak Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi fluently, Persian (Farsi) very well, and good Greek and Arabic.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays for the surveys in France?
The seller, before the sale.
When do I receive the surveys?
They are attached to the compromis, but you can ask for them before making an offer.
Do the surveys cover the roof and the structure?
No. For an old or large building, a builder or a surveyor can inspect the structure before you sign.
What happens if the septic system is not compliant?
The buyer must bring it into compliance within a year of the purchase. It is a point to negotiate.