lilly

Thank you Judie.    We will make sure we don't sign the compromis first.  That has clarified things for me.  I am presuming that once we have all signed there is no question of the buyer trying to reduce the price for treatment needed for example, for termites that might be discovered by the test? 

I would like to ask Judie for advice.    We are in the process of selling our house, and the tests are being done in two days time.  Shortly after this we will have to sign the compromis.   The buyer will have one month before he finally agrees to the sale  (as he is putting in a clause allowing him to pull out if he does not get planning permission).    Will he have to agree to the orignal sale price once the compromis is signed or can he still try to negotiate the price, if he is not satisfied with the results of the tests?    I would very much appreciate some advice.  

Thank you for your comments  Pickles,   they have given us food for thought.

I mean an Agent who works alone, for themselves, and is not tied to a particular company.   We did sign a madate saying the fees are payable by the buyer (who happens to be a friend of hers).   We realize we are very lucky to sell the property at a price that suits us at the present time.    We are not past the compromis stage yet.  I think the agent is trying to keep everyone happy, but we were not expecting this!

We are in the process of selling our French house with an Independant Estate Agent.  Her fees were included in the asking price, but she is now saying that the buyers would like us to contribute to some of her fees (about one third). The Estate Agent says this is quite 'normal' for an Independant Agent.  It is obviously a way of reducing the asking price.   I would like to know if anyone else has come across this practise and would be grateful for any advise.

Would it be classed as our principal residence if we were living in it at time of sale, and had lived in the house for 2 consecutive years between us, but not at the same time?    Are we assessed together or as  individuals?   Gets complicated !!

Can anyone tell me if Capital Gains Tax applies to selling all property in France?   I joint own a house in France with my son and we would like to sell it.  Neither of us own any other property in France or England.     In England, C.G.Tax is only paid on a second home.    Can anyone advise me please?