Building Plots and Self Builds in France

When buying property in France the refrain from the professionals is always ‘location, location, location,’ – well why not take this to its logical conclusion? You can choose the perfect location for you and then build the house of your dreams there!

On these pages you will see building plots throughout France; some will already come with a ‘certificate d’urbanisme’ or CU which gives you permission to build there. If the plot doesn’t come with a CU then make the purchase conditonal on receiving it by inserting a ‘condition suspensive’ (get-out clause) into of the ‘compromis’ (preliminary contract).

Normally, when buying residential property in France you pay your 10% deposit sometime between signing the ‘compromis’ and the expiry of your seven-day cooling-off period. However, when buying a plot of land there is no cooling-off period so you will pay the deposit immediately. If outline planning permssion is refused you can withdraw from the purchase, be refunded your deposit and continue searching elsewhere.

Having the CU clause in the contract will also cover you if the DDE (planning office) refuses permission to build on a plot because it is too far from the mains water or electricity networks or too close to buildings housing animals.

Once you’ve got outline planning permission there will be no shortage of tradesmen ready to help you with your self-build (see our Useful Contacts) – just don’t forget to apply for planning permission before you start!