Legal and notary terms in French real estate
Elevate Your Skills: Real Estate and Housing Vocabulary in French: Legal and notary terms in French real estate
Here is a collection of important legal and notary terms commonly used in French real estate:
- Notaire: The notary, a public officer responsible for preparing and registering sale documents and providing legal security in property transactions. 1, 2, 3
- Acte Authentique / Acte de Vente: The final, legally binding sale contract signed by buyer and seller, prepared by the notaire. 3, 4, 5
- Compromis de Vente: The preliminary binding sale agreement outlining terms before the final Acte Authentique. 3
- Clauses Suspensives: Suspensive conditions in the preliminary contract that must be met for the sale to proceed. 5, 3
- Frais de notaire: Notary fees and associated taxes paid by the buyer on top of the purchase price, typically about 7.5%. 6, 1, 3
- Dossier de Diagnostic Technique (DDT): Mandatory technical diagnostic reports on the property, including energy performance and potential hazards. 5, 3
- Compte séquestre: Escrow account managed by the notary to hold funds until conditions between buyer and seller are fulfilled. 1
- Servitude: Easements giving others rights to use part of the property, such as access rights. 7
- Loi Carrez: A law defining habitable surface area measurement excluding certain parts like low-ceiling areas, critical in real estate listings. 8
- Copropriété: Co-ownership arrangements common in apartments and shared properties. 5
- Apport personnel: Personal cash deposit towards the property price, often needed for mortgage approval. 1
These terms are central to understanding the legal and notarial aspects of buying or selling property in France. If needed, more detailed explanations or additional terms can be provided.