French property sites

My French Property was started in the early 90's with the intention simplifying the search for a property in France . The web is becoming more and more competitive in recent years and the positive side to this is that there is far more choice available to users. We believe that there are also more pitfalls. We have set out here to suggest some links that we hope you find useful if we are not able to help you directly with your search.

There are more and more portals each of which provide access to properties from numerous agents. This can be a good starting point when searching for property in France and most of them put you directly in touch with the agents who are dealing with the properties.

From here check the independent agency sites as they do not often have the time to list all their properties on the portals. Check that you are dealing with fully registered agencies. They should be able to provide you with a SIRET no if it is not displayed on their sites. The French agencies work to strict codes and guidelines and by dealing through them you are covered by the guarantees provided by French law.

There are also numerous referral agencies who provide a convenient point of contact in the UK, but due to obvious constraints most of them don't know the properties themselves and feed the leads through to the agencies in France in return for a share of the commission. The French agencies would obviously rather deal with the clients directly and will sometimes favour clients that have approached them directly.

We are hearing from more and more of the clients that they are being asked to pay for visits up front or a variable fee per hour and sometimes a considerable sum for a package to transfer services and explain the sales contracts. We believe that this practice is in breach of the codes of practice and that most official agencies will happily provide these services for no additional charge. We find that it is often unregistered agents working on the periphery of the industry who are making these demands. Beware!

FRENCH PROPERTY PORTALS
	This is one of the oldest portals for French property and features highly on most search engines. We find the site reliable although somewhat clumsy next to some of the larger international portal sites.
	Well laid out and easy to use. Good selection of agencies and well presented property details.
	The UKs number one property website now covering property across France.
	Another slick portal although search results are often dominated by some of the bigger property chains
	Up market French property magazine with listings of fine domains and Chateaux.
	Popular and informative site.

RECOMMENDED INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
	Covering the SW of France, Gascony, the Bearn , Pau and the Pyrenees. Offices in Maubourguet, Vic en Bigorre and Mielan. Attentive agency specialising in servicing the requirements of an international clientelle.
Agence l'Union	Under the direction of Jane and Charles Smallwood were founded in 1954 and are based in St. Antonin Noble Val ~ a charming 13th Century village.

REFERRING AGENTS
domusfrance	Select properties in South West France Dordogne, Gers, Lot, Lot et Garonne, Gironde, and Haute Garonne
	Euro-Connect French Property working with immobiliers and notaires in France are able to offer you a comprehensive selection of properties through several different regions from Normandy in the North to Languedoc in the south.

GENERAL INFORMATION
	French Property News is the most widely read publication for buyers of property in France, and is the world's leading English language publication for French property.
	A wealth of practical and useful information.

PRIVATE SALES
	a wide selection of french properties advertised for sale by their owners.
RENTALS
	French property rentals and property for sale