Buying A Chateau

Welcome! 

First select your favourite chateau on  www.chateaux-world.com 

You can search for a property that you like by clicking on the 3 main areas of France shown on the map above or by using the search choices on the blue tool bar above. 
 

We arrange your visit
We assist you from day one, discussing with you the merits of the Castle you have selected, arranging and monitoring your visit and using our best endeavours to ensure that you are being looked after. Whilst we help owners to publicise their properties, our job is to look after you. We are on your side and will help and advise you accordingly.

Visiting a Castle needs careful planning.
You let us know the possible dates of your viewing visit and we will arrange an appointment. With expensive properties, the owners may request some information about you, prior to your visit. Visiting a chateau needs careful planning as the visits have to be arranged with the owner or manager and opening the Chateau and outbuildings needs a reasonably lengthy appointment.

Between the hours of 12 pm and 2.00 pm, French people are having lunch and business- however important- is paused!  Arranging Sunday or public holiday viewing visits is nearly impossible since Sunday is treated as a family day.

The buying process.
Once your final offer is accepted by the vendor, a document “intention d'achat “ (intention of purchase) is sent by the purchaser to the vendor. This enables the Notaire to prepare the "compromis de vente" (pre-contract) which he does within two or three weeks and is signed by the purchaser and the vendor together with the payment of up to 10% deposit.

We advise the purchaser to appoint his own Notaire to work with the vendor's Notaire. The 7% transfer tax and fees remains the same. There is a 7 days back out clause and the purchase can be made subject to the availability of finance. If you are not borrowing then you can usually agree a better price from the vendor. The acte of title transfer is signed two or three months later and you are required to pay the balance to the Notaire a few days before. The 3 month's delay is necessary so that the Notaire can make all the searches and checks.
 
A property mortgage is normally 60%. We can discuss tax issues.
We are mortgage brokers and can help you with the loan, which is dependent on your income declaration,  which should be 30% of the loan or less if you have a high worth. It is not available in France for a foreign company purchase, but there are advantages in purchasing through a non French company. 

Taxes: 

Annual wealth tax on a property in France.
Up to 760 000 euros, 0 %  (this ceiling is due to be increased shortly)  
From 760 000 to 1 220 000 euros, 0,55 %           Total : 0 to 2 530 €
From 1 220 000 to 2 420 000 euros, 0,75 %       Total : 2 530 to 11 530 €
From 2 420 000 to 3 800 000 euros, 1,11 %,       Total : 530 to 25 330 €
From 3 800 000 to 7 270 000 euros, 1,30 %,     Total : 25 330 to 70 440 €
From 7 270 000 to 15 810 000 euros, 1,65 %,    Total : 70 440 to 211 350 €
15 810 000 euros+      1,80 %                                        Total : 211 350 €+

You will also need to pay a yearly Taxe Fonciere (rates)  and  a yearly Taxe d'habitation. As a company you pay corporation tax. Wealth tax is not payable on mortgaged assets.

Our services are free unless we act as your broker and property finder.
Our sales commission is included in the sales price. You may however appoint us to search properties for you for a fee.