Buyers' guide

*The initial contract (compromis) legally binds you to the purchase, though there is a seven-day cooling-off period.

*Complete structural surveys are not required in France, finding qualified local surveyors is unlikely. If you're buying an older property find a reputable British surveyor. Try www.surveyorsinfrance.com.

n Unless you can negotiate it into the contract, any survey needs to be done before the end of the cooling-off period.

*Prices in France are predicted to start dropping this year, particularly in the low-to-middle sector of the market. Now might be the time to negotiate a good deal.

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