Service France

In France the same notary can act for both buyer and seller which, we consider, raises a fundamental conflict of interest. The local French seller chooses his local notaire and he will be under pressure to ensure the transaction completes quickly. You as a foreigner may not have all aspects fully explained to you. You will probably not be told about the valuable tax saving routes open to you.

It is also far easier to implement tax planning with a notary who understands, is receptive and has often been through the steps before, than to have to explain matters from scratch to a notary who is only interested in going through the motions. This also makes it easier in the long term as the same notary who approves the tax planning on the purchase can deal with taxes and inheritance issues. This will make it easier to have the sale proceeds released by the notary and sent to the UK without excessive delays and formalities.