Buy and sell safely

The vast majority of sellers and buyers are honest. But a few simple habits are enough to beat almost every scam.

• gavelEverything goes through the notaireIn France, money for a property purchase is only ever paid to the notaire (the official who handles the sale), at the preliminary contract and then at completion. Nobody should ask you for a deposit, ‘admin fees’ or a reservation fee before that.
• visibilityAlways visitNever commit on the strength of photos. A seller ‘abroad’ who can’t arrange a viewing is a warning sign.
• badgeCheck the seller’s identityAsk for the title deeds or the notaire’s certificate, and check that the name matches the seller’s.
• energy_savings_leafInsist on the surveysEnergy rating (DPE), asbestos, lead, electrics, drainage: these reports are compulsory in France and reveal the real work needed.

The most common scams

• The fake owner living abroad who asks for a deposit to ‘hold’ the house.
• A ‘reservation’ or ‘viewing fee’ to pay up front.
• The fake notaire who sends bank details.

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Use the ‘Report this ad’ button on its page, or contact us. We will never ask you for a payment by message or for a confirmation code. If you’re the victim of a scam, report it to the police and on THESEE, the French government’s official platform, or call 0 805 805 817 (Info Escroqueries, free from French phones).