Our Services - Obtaining a survey

Although many lenders do not require a survey of the property for the mortgage, we always recommend that a full survey be carried out before you purchase your property.

The survey can be carried out by a range of different companies, all resulting in different levels of information in the report. The survey can be carried out by your estate agent although this is not usually the best source for an independent survey.

Another solution is to contact an Expert Immobilier. This profession is very different to the more familiar Agent Immobilier. The Expert Immobilier tends to specialise in different segments of the property field, for instance private housing, commercial property etc. Statements seen in the foreign press purporting to suggest that the French do not have professional valuers and surveyors are untrue.. The Expert Immobilier will have private clients, institutions and banks, loss adjustors and members of the legal profession, Notaires or Advocats.

He is often called upon to produce valuation and survey reports for submission to the Courts where perhaps there is a divorce settlement to resolve, or by the tax authorities in settlement of an Estate. He is bound by the Civil Code to use prudence and due attention and will have Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Another alternative is an architect or surveyor and these should be considered if you are thinking of purchasing an older property, or one that you want to renovate. An architect or surveyor will have experience with planning and obtaining permissions, and be able to give an estimation of the cost. They should also know of reputable builders.

If you wish to discuss this further please feel free to contact one of our advisors free-phone on 0800 298 5136.