ENGLISH SPEAKING NOTARIES ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA

WHY DO YOU NEED A NOTARY?

If you’re considering buying property in the French Riviera, a good notary is vital. When it comes to French real estate, the notary plays an important role all the way through the sale/purchase process. As a public official, the notary will hold the title of Maitre in the French legal system. They will be able to advise you about not only property law but also family and succession law for later down the line. Below is a quick breakdown of their role during the purchase process.

Before purchase

The notary will be able to inform you about the area where your future home is located. And they’ll also be able advise you if there are any major building works planned by the commune. Thanks to them, you won’t find yourself living near a brand new motorway or railway line a couple of years after you move in!

During the purchase

The notary will confirm that the current owner has the right to sell the property so as to avoid any last minute problems. They will also check that there is no existing mortgage on the property and if they find any outstanding contracts, they will ensure they are repaid once the sale is complete. They will then prepare the all-important final sale deed for your new French home.

On completion day

On the day you officially purchase your French Riviera property, the notary will read the entire title deed to both you and the seller. If everyone’s happy they will then hand you the keys to your new home before transferring the money to the seller.

After the purchase

The notary will have your brand new title deed registered at the Land Registry. They’ll then keep the original deed and send you a copy for your records. This usually takes a couple of months to be finalised.

ENGLISH SPEAKING NOTARIES

Stéphane Serratrice
5 Place de Gaulle, BP 659, 06632 Antibes
Tel: 04 92 90 62 62
Fax: 04 93 34 35 40
Email: stephane.serratrice@notaires.fr

Cabinet Brahin Avocats- Real Estate & Construction Law
1 Rue Louis Gassin- 06000 Nice
Tel: +33 04 93 83 08 76
Fax: +33 04 93 18 14 37
Email: info@brahin-avocats.com
Website: www.brahin-avocats.com

Marie Ozenda Avocat- Real Estate & Construction Law
9 Avenue Mirabeau- 06600 Antibes
Tel: 09 81 61 89 40
Fax : 09 81 61 07 40
Email: contact@avocats-antibes.fr
Website: www.avocats-antibes.fr

Fairfield Patrimoine & Entreprise- Real Estate & Construction Law
150 avenue du Golf- 06250 Mougins
Tel : +33 614 757 466
Email: contact@fairfield-avocat.fr
Website: www.fairfield-avocat.fr

Christelle Hallot
5 Quai Rauba Capeu- 06300 Nice
Tel : +33 (0)4 93 84 15 03
Fax : +33 (0)4 93 27 28 03
Email: hallot.avocat@gmail.com
Website: www.hallot-avocat-nice.com

Arpège Law Firm-Real Estate & Construction Law
37 rue d’Antibes- 06400 Cannes
Tel: + 33 (0)4 93 99 64 41
Email: info@arpege-avocats.fr
Website: www.arpege-avocats.fr

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A NOTARY

As previously stated, a good notary is vital when it comes to purchasing a property in France. So what do you need to look for when choosing your notary in the French Riviera.

1. Specialisation

Check that your chosen notary has the right qualifications to represent you during your property purchase. Some notaries have several speciality fields, but real estate and construction law is key here.

2. Location

Finding a notary who is based close to your new property will make it easier when you have to go to the office to sign documents or ask for information.

3. Communication

Being able to communicate with your chosen notary is very important. Ideally, you want to choose someone who is easily reachable by phone or email. Open communication will ensure your property purchase runs smoothly. These are just a few tips to help you choose your English-speaking notary on the French Riviera.

USEFUL FRENCH PHRASES FOR BUYING PROPERTY IN FRANCE

With an English speaking notary to guide you through the purchase process, buying your French Riviera property should be relatively simple. But it’s always good to have as much information as possible. So we’ve put together some French phrases and terms which might come in handy during the acquisition of your new home.