Phil_Landes

I say for guidance and in general this is how historically villages were laid out and in line with the French administrative structure. Also when giving a rendez vous to French people in a place you don't know then the easiest is simply to suggest meeting in front of the church. There are no fixed rules or regulations I'm simply saying what I have learnt over my lifetime.

The French property market is not really a speculative market with the exceptions of certain large cities, at least not in the same way as the UK where 90% of the population are home owners. Also the French homes again in general family homes and lived in sometimes for generations. INSEE the national statistics office keep very accurate figures of all transactions, as do of course the Notaires who report their figures to INSEE, they also have precise figures regarding square metrage and plot size. It is these figures that are used to estimate property values in France. For a particular village they can tell you exactly on the basis of recent sales the exactly per m2 value of a property on that street. It is then that the Estate Agent judges simply the condition and state of repair of the house which can vary the price by 5 to 10% at most. The plot size is also critical in judging the value too. Their exist also certain property or regional tendencies that need to be taken into account. The TGV arriving in Dax in 2017 for example would have a tendency to increase house prices in that region. Web site can give a very accurate idea of base value per m2. Efficity or Seloger or Notaires etc...

What is called "Frais de Notaire" Solictors fee I supose in English is a carefully calculated amount set on a specific method of calculation laid down by the Government and mostly covers stamp duty and land transfer taxes. The method of calculation and when it is due can been found on http://www.calcul-frais-de-notaire.fr/ Normally I believe if you buy through the Notaire and not through an agency he will ask a fee for preparing the Compromis. Generally speaking Agents ask the buyers how much they can afford to put down as a deposit and accept that. If the sale doesn't go through then no matter how much the deposit you still have to sue for damages and prove a prejudice. Which in French courts might be a little difficult for a foreigner buying a second home.

I hope you were able to find the Mairie. For guidance it is always on the central village square and placed next to the church and opposite le cafe. The reason for that of course is that to marry in France you must have a civil wedding at the Mairie and then cross the road to have your church wedding at the church. Once that's done you go to the Cafe for the reception. So basically just head for the Church Steeple and you find all three.

The best place to go for stats is the Notaires as they register all transaction and they can give extremely accurate figures.