If a mortgage is required, one should advise the Notaire before signing the compromis de vente. The main reason being that if the mortgage application is rejected, the 10% deposit can be returned. (One of the accepted reasons).

Once all the legal work has been completed, the final contract the Acte definitif is signed and the purchasing process is complete.

Approximately, eight weeks later, the Acte Difinitif is signed in front of the Notaire by the purchaser or the purchaser's Proxy. (If by Proxy, one should inform the Notaire in writing prior to the final date. It is advisable to appoint someone who has had their identification officially verified). This is the final contract and the two parties settle the invoices for the agreed sum for the property, taxes and transaction costs. Ownership of the property changes hands at this point.

It is recommended that at the outset, one has the 10% deposit, a photocopy of one's birth marriage or divorce certificate (if applicable) and passport ready for the Notaire.

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