Understanding VEFA in France – Buying Off-Plan Property
Buying Off-Plan Property in France – A Brief Overview
If you’re considering buying off-plan property in France, you’ll likely come across the term VEFA – Vente en l’État Futur d’Achèvement, which simply means “sale of a property that is not yet completed”, or off-plan purchase.
How VEFA Works
With VEFA, you buy a property based on plans and specifications before it is fully constructed. Once you sign the contract with the notary, you become the legal owner of the land and of the building as it progresses. Payments are made in stages as construction advances, rather than all at once.
A typical payment schedule might look like:
- 35% – at completion of foundations
- 70% – once the structure is watertight
- 95% – at full construction
- 5% – on delivery of the keys
This final 5% can be held back if there are any issues to be resolved at delivery.
Key Benefits of Buying Off-Plan property
- Modern standards – New-builds meet the latest energy efficiency and construction regulations.
- Lower notary fees – Around 2–3% compared to 7–8% on older properties.
- Personalisation – Buyers can often choose finishes, tiles, flooring and layout options.
- Legal protection – Developers must provide a financial completion guarantee, ensuring the project is delivered even if the developer faces difficulties.
- Post-completion guarantees – Including a one-year defects warranty and a 10-year structural guarantee.
Things to Watch Out For
- Construction delays can happen – make sure your contract includes penalties for late delivery.
- Check the developer’s reputation and ask about previous projects.
- Review the specification sheet carefully to know exactly what’s included in your property.
- Inspect the property on delivery and list any defects so they are fixed under warranty.
Is VEFA a Good Option?
For many international buyers, especially in sought-after regions like the French Riviera, The Alps or Provence, VEFA offers a great opportunity to secure a modern, energy-efficient property with strong resale and rental appeal. With clear legal protection and staged payments, it’s a secure way to buy – provided you choose a trusted developer and understand the process.
Home Hunts are buyer’s agents, whether you are looking for off-plan property or an ancient estate, we are here to help you to find luxury property in France, Spain, Monaco or Switzerland. If you would like to speak to one of the team to discuss your needs or just to have a chat about the market, you can call us on +33 970 44 66 43 or send us a mail to info@home-hunts.com.
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