Property surveys & diagnostic reports in France
Property surveys and diagnostic reports in France are usually prepared before the pre-contract is signed. They must imperatively be carried out before the completion date. The reports are sent to the Notary (notaire) who deals with the sale and will annexe them to the purchase agreement.
Compulsory Diagnostic Reports
The compulsory reports include the Energy Performance (DPE), asbestos (diagnostic amiante), lead (crep), gas (if older than 15 years) and electricity (if older than 15 years). The termite diagnosis provides information on the presence/absence of xylophage insects (termites in particular) in a property. This document must be produced when the property is situated in a risk area as declared by prefectural decree.
Diagnostic Immobilier, Naturel Risks
The future buyer (or tenant) must be informed of potential natural risk(s) to the property (natural, mining, technological, seismic, radon…). To achieve this, the owner must submit a risk statement.
The owner can be held liable if he does not voluntarily transmit this report or mentions false information to mislead a future tenant or buyer. The DGCCRF may impose a fine of up to €300,000 and a 2-year prison sentence.
What is a DPE energy report?
DPE stands for Diagnostic de Performance Energétique (Energy Performance Diagnosis, commonly called DPE in France). The DPE is mandatory document used to estimate the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission rates.
The DPE must be included in the technical diagnosis file and given to the future purchaser (or tenant) of the property. There’s no fixed price for a DPE, and prices can vary. The average cost is around 120-150 €uros.
Property Surveys in France
Pre-purchase surveys aren’t as commonly used in France as they are in the UK. Future buyers may ask for an experienced friend or a builder to take a look, especially for a project. For overseas buyers, this can be particularly useful if buying an older property and don’t speak fluent French.
There are English-speaking surveyors who will travel to your house and provide a comprehensive report. However, if you’re working on a project or a new build, an architect may be preferable, especially for the submission of the permits required.
