When you buy a French property the French government require that a number of “diagnostiques” are carried out as part of the French property transaction. All French property sellers are required to organise (and pay for) the appropriate tests before a Compromis de Vente can be signed, and as a buyer of property in France you are entitled to know what is in these home condition reports. This is very simillar to the UK Home Information Pack (HIP) including local searches and the house’s “fridge rating”, which will be compulsory for anyone selling a property in England and Wales after June this year.
Asbestos (Amiante)
Diagnostic amiante parties privatives
Beginning in 2002, every transaction on every French property for which building permission was granted before July 1997 must have an asbestos inspection certificate.
If no asbestos is present the certificate is valid INDEFINITELY.
Asbestos (amiante) was commonly used in French construction from 1950 to 1980, for its sound and heat insulation and fire protection qualities. Now it is prohibited, due to its carcinogenic nature.
The most likely places to find asbestos are wall insulation, chimney linings, false ceilings, and roofs, (including corrugated roofs).
Lead (Plomb)
Constat du Risque d'exposition au Plomb
Sometimes described as “lutte contre la saturnisme” the test is compulsory on all sales of French houses constructed or renovated before 1949.
Certificate valid ONE YEAR.
The most likely places to find lead (plomb) are in doors and window frames. In rural areas it was also common to paint walls up to one metre. Paint containing lead was normal up to 1950. The inspector will pass a radio-active wand over any damaged paint looking for lead up to 1 mg/cm2.
Presently, only painted surfaces are affected; water pipes are not tested for lead.
Parasites (Termites)
Constat d'Etat Parasitaire – Termites
This test must be carried out for all property sales within the defined termite risk zones.
The certificate is valid for THREE MONTHS, so most sellers will not organise a test until they receive an offer to buy.
Three types of damage to wood are looked for: termites, woodworm and dry rot. If damage is found, the owner is responsible for treatment.
Energy Performance Certificate (DPE) (Diagnostic de Performance Energétique)
Compulsory for all sales of French property since November 2006. The UK has similar information for home purchases in England and Wales as part of the Home Information Pack which started in August 2007.
The certificate is valid for TEN YEARS.
As in the UK, the examination rates energy use per square metre of floor area, and environmental impact based on CO2 emissions. It’s the same chart you see on fridges and freezers, with B-C-D as good ratings and G-H as weak ratings (A is virtually unachievable).
The certificate is valid for TEN YEARS.
As in the UK, the examination rates energy use per square metre of floor area, and environmental impact based on CO2 emissions. It’s the same chart you see on fridges and freezers, with B-C-D as good ratings and G-H as weak ratings (A is virtually unachievable).
Gas Safety Certificate (Diagnostic Gaz)
France’s latest property certificate. Since November 2007, obligatory for all properties offered for sale with natural (mains) gas services installed more than 15 years ago.
Gas installations (pipes, boiler, water heater and radiators) will be graded as absence of danger, minor risk or grave and immediate danger.
If the surveyor finds the gas installation is dangerous, Gaz de France must be informed immediately.
Certificate valid THREE YEARS.
Bottled gas is not subject to this test.
Earthquake and other natural risks ( Etat des Risques Naturels et Technologiques)
Obligatory since June 2006.
Valid for SIX MONTHS
The report identifies the likelihood of earthquake or other natural hazards (such as flooding or subsidence) and includes a list of previous occurrences.
The necessary documents are available from the Mairie, the Préfecture and the DDE.
Confirmation of surface area (Loi "Carrez") (Mesurage de la superficie privative)
Required since 1997.
Confirmation of surface area is required for all dwellings within a co-propriété, such as an apartment block or a Résidence. Since 1997 the seller of such a French property has been responsible for supplying the declaration and the buyer is entitled to a reduction in the price proportional to the difference if the surface area is proved to be 5% less than declared.
The surface “Carrez” is not simply the floor surface area, because of the treatment of entrances, landings, balconies and sloping ceilings so most sellers commission an official report. If you are buying a French property such as a flat or studio you should ask to see the Loi Carrez report. If you are selling a French property, your Estate Agent can advise you whether the law applies.
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