Lyon, Montréal or London: many buyers live far from the property they buy. Here is how to run a purchase remotely without nasty surprises.
01 Shape the project from afar
Start with the neighbourhood, then the full budget — price, notary costs, agency fee, works. A financing simulation done early keeps you from viewing properties out of reach.
02 View by video, properly
A useful video viewing shows the stairwell, the view from every window and the state of the joinery, not just the living room. Ask for the dimensioned plan and, if possible, a 360° tour to replay at leisure.
03 Have the title checked
This is the step never to delegate lightly: a copy of the deed, the statement of entries, the seller’s identity. Your notary can check everything before you travel.
04 Sign in person or by proxy
You can sign during a stay, or through a representative holding a power of attorney signed before a notary or at the consulate. It must name the property and the acts allowed precisely.
05 Follow and manage after the purchase
For an off-plan home, the client space shows progress and funds calls. For a property to let, property management collects the rent and sends you a monthly statement, wherever you live.
An article by a fictional agency: general, indicative information.
