Some French homeowners offer holiday homes for sale directly, without the intervention of an estate agent. This is called ‘particulier à particulier’. Since no estate agent has to be paid, this can mean a lower asking price. Don’t be fooled: sometimes the houses are overpriced or have hidden defects.

Those selling a house in France usually use a French estate agent. They often work with several estate agents. The asking price for a French property is the result of consultation between estate agent and owner. The owner puts the value on the table that he himself has appraised. To this, the estate agent adds his commission and thus creates the asking price. Because of the differences in estate agent rates, one house can be for sale through several estate agents, sometimes at a different price.

Individual to individual

Do you want to buy a holiday home without an estate agent involved? Check whether the house is also offered directly. You might find it for a lower price. There are some risks involved here. Sometimes these are properties that the estate agents have turned down, for instance because they think the owner’s appraised value is too high. Another risk is that the house is old and has defects, which could cause problems in the future. Most estate agents refuse to sell these properties. In such cases, the owner relies on private sales.

A house sold privately is not always cheaper than through an estate agent. The owner can effectively charge a lower asking price because he does not have to pay a real estate agent. But this is not always the case. Sometimes the price is higher than with an estate agent. Be on your guard!

Found a house through a private individual? Be sure to get advice from a specialist in the field. They will make sure the purchase is safe, at the right price and on the best terms. So you can be sure you are making a good purchase and will not be disappointed.

Buying a holiday home with a real estate agent

If you work with a real estate agent, you can visit the house you have your eye on with him. The estate agent usually knows what kind of house you are looking for and can give you better advice. He can also help you find other properties that meet your requirements.

Moreover, with an estate agent, you can bundle a number of viewings in one day. If you do everything yourself, this is not always easy. So it is indeed a good idea to call on an estate agent to find the holiday home of your dreams.

Looking for the holiday home of your dreams in France? Come to one of our expos in Belgium or the Netherlands or contact us.