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Real Estate Documents in France vs North America Explained

Buying property in France involves a different legal structure compared to North America, particularly in terms of contracts, notaire involvement, and mandatory disclosures. This guide provides a clear side-by-side comparison to help international buyers understand the key differences before investing in France.

Category France 🇫🇷 North America 🇨🇦🇺🇸
Offer & Sale Agreements
  • Offre d’achat
  • Compromis de vente
  • Promesse de vente
  • Offer to Purchase / APS
  • Purchase Agreement
  • Conditional Purchase Agreement / Contingent Offer
Agency / Representation Agreements
  • Mandat de vente simple
  • Mandat de vente exclusif
  • Mandat de recherche (acheteur)
  • Mandat semi-exclusif
  • Listing Agreement (Non-Exclusive)
  • Exclusive Listing Agreement
  • Buyer Representation Agreement (BRA)
  • Exclusive Listing with Reserved Buyer
Disclosure & Legal Information
  • Dossier de Diagnostics Techniques (DDT)
  • Diagnostic amiante
  • Diagnostic plomb
  • Diagnostic termites
  • Diagnostic performance énergétique (DPE)
  • État des risques (ERP)
  • Seller Property Information Statement (SPIS)
  • Environmental disclosures
  • Energy Efficiency / Utility Disclosure (if available)
  • Environmental / Flood / Risk Disclosure
Conditions & Clauses
  • Condition suspensive de financement
  • Condition suspensive d’inspection
  • Condition suspensive de vente d’un bien
  • Clause pénale
  • Financing Condition / Mortgage Contingency
  • Home Inspection Contingency
  • Contingency on Sale of Buyer’s Property
  • Liquidated Damages Clause
Deposit & Funds
  • Dépôt de garantie / Séquestre
  • Compte séquestre notaire
  • Deposit / Earnest Money (held in trust)
  • Brokerage / Lawyer Trust Account
Closing & Ownership Transfer
  • Acte authentique de vente
  • Signature chez le notaire
  • Appel de fonds
  • Deed / Transfer of Property
  • Closing with Real Estate Lawyer / Notary
  • Statement of Adjustments / Settlement Statement
Fees & Compensation
  • Honoraires d’agence
  • Frais de notaire
  • Real Estate Commission
  • Land Transfer Tax + Legal Fees
Post-Sale / Property Management
  • Bail d’habitation
  • État des lieux
  • Syndic de copropriété
  • Residential Lease Agreement
  • Move-In / Move-Out Inspection Report
  • Condominium Corporation / Property Manager

Understanding these differences is essential when purchasing property in France as an international buyer. The French system is highly structured, legally protected, and notaire-led, which ensures a secure transaction process when properly understood.

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