THE PROCESS

In Australia, the normal conveyance process takes about 6-weeks, give or take. We understood it might take a bit longer in France, and be a bit different, but had no idea.  After first viewing the house on 25 October 2017, we headed off to Spain to decide whether we really wanted to go through with it. Being there in person was very different than the months of online research. We were aware that we should not make an offer unless we were fully committed to go through with it. After a few sleepless nights, we decided that you only live once and that it would be an amazing experience. The house was being advertised for €87,000 and seemed amazing value for money compared to the other properties we inspected. So from our experience in Australia, we made on offer of €80,000 expecting we would receive a counter offer and finally settle at about €84,000. So much for our 'experience'. Two days before we were to leave Europe, we received an email from Pierre stating:

"I had the reply just now. And it's ok you can have the house for 79.000 Euros included agency fees. It's a really good news!" (2/11/2017)

We couldn't believe it, the owner had asked for less then we had offered. We received the email at a petrol station in Brittany on the way back to Paris. The expression on Karin's face below says it all. 

Over the next few months, further emails trickled in from the agent and the Notaire, who was the lawyer acting for both parties. We kept waiting to be asked for a deposit but it never came. We received the compromis de vente on 24/2/18 and the purchased was finally completed on 9/5/2018. 

The email from Veronique, who was our agent after Pierre had left the agency, read:

"Yes, the sale has been completed. Congratulations to you. You are now owner of this lovely medieval house in the old center of Gourdon" (12/5/18)

The original online advert. 

The email from Pierre. 

The effect the email had on Karin. 

The final confirmation email. 

"This is page 1 of your attestation of purchase of the lovely house in Gourdon. Please keep this document because for the moment it proves that you bought it.You will receive the deeds in a few months, the Notaire will send it to you". (email from Veronique attaching the 'Attestation')