Working with Estate Agents in France

If your loved one owned property in France, one of the first practical steps is usually to find a local estate agent.

Whether you intend to sell the property or simply need valuations for the succession, an experienced estate agent can become an invaluable local contact throughout the process.

In France, estate agents are commonly known as agents immobiliers or agences immobilières.

Why You’ll Need an Estate Agent

During many French successions, the notaire will require a realistic valuation of the deceased’s property for the succession documents and inheritance tax declaration.

In practice, it is common for two independent property valuations to be obtained.

These help demonstrate that a fair market value has been used when preparing the succession paperwork.

Your Notaire May Provide One Valuation

Many French notaire offices also undertake property sales.

As a result, your notaire may be able to provide one of the required property valuations themselves.

This can simplify the process as they are already familiar with the property and the succession.

You should ask your notaire whether they are able to carry out a valuation or whether they would prefer one to be obtained independently.

Finding the Second Estate Agent

You’ll normally need a second, independent valuation.

If you intend to place the property on the market, many estate agents will provide a valuation free of charge in the hope of securing your business.

However, if you have no intention of selling the property, it is reasonable to expect that an estate agent may charge for carrying out the valuation.

It’s worth discussing this before arranging the visit so that everyone understands whether a fee will be payable.

Why an English-Speaking Estate Agent Can Be Valuable

If you live in the UK, an English-speaking estate agent can make managing the property significantly easier.

They can often help by:

• Holding a set of keys.
• Meeting surveyors or tradespeople.
• Allowing access for valuations.
• Conducting viewings.
• Checking on the property if it remains empty.
• Providing updates while you’re back in the UK.
• Liaising with potential buyers.

Leaving a trusted set of keys with your estate agent means you won’t necessarily need to remain in France throughout the sale or succession process.

This can save considerable time, travel and expense.

How to Find an Estate Agent

Google is usually the quickest way to find local estate agents.

Searching for:

• Agence Immobilière + your town
• Estate Agent + your town

will often produce several local businesses.

If possible, look for agencies that advertise English-speaking staff or experience working with international clients.

Local recommendations are equally valuable.

Consider asking:

• Your funeral director.
• Your notaire.
• Friends or neighbours in the area.
• Family members familiar with the locality.
• Anyone who helped purchase the property originally.

Personal recommendations often lead to agents with a strong local reputation and knowledge of the market.

Questions to Ask

Before choosing an estate agent, consider asking:

• Do you speak English?
• Can you provide a written valuation?
• Is there a charge if the property is not being sold?
• Can you securely hold keys?
• Can you arrange viewings while I’m in the UK?
• Do you have experience working with overseas clients?
• Can you recommend reliable local tradespeople if repairs are needed?

An experienced local agent is often well connected and may also recommend handymen, cleaners, gardeners, locksmiths and other professionals you’ll need during the succession.

Selling the Property

If you later decide to sell, having already established a relationship with an estate agent can make the process much smoother.

They’ll already be familiar with the property, may already hold the keys and can begin marketing the property without unnecessary delays.

Even if you don’t intend to sell immediately, it’s often worthwhile finding a trusted local estate agent early in the succession process.

Final Thoughts

An estate agent is much more than someone who sells houses.

During a French succession they can provide property valuations, act as a trusted local contact, hold keys, facilitate access to the property and help coordinate viewings and repairs while you’re managing the estate from the UK.

Finding the right estate agent early can make the entire succession process significantly easier, particularly if you’re unable to remain in France for extended periods.